It never ends... I've got a sliced sidewall in one of my Swamper SX's. These tires still have about 50% of their tread, but I'm rough on the sidewalls.

I need new tires. Now that I have the 1 ton axles I'd like to go bigger, but I need something that can handle the abuse and will mount on my 15x10 rims.

I've had the SX's for about a year and a half. 3 of them have plugs (one in a sidewall) and one has a slice through the belts on the inner sidewall. From what I understand, the Swamper SX's are the toughest tire around. I'd like to hear other opinions.

The tires I've been thinking about are:
38.5x14.5-LT15 Super Swamper TSL/SX (the biggest SX offered)
39.5x15-LT15 Super Swamper TSL
42x15-LT15 Super Swamper TSL

39.5x16.5-LT15 Pitt Bull Rocker

I'm leaning towards the Swampers because I can get them locally. I'm not 100% sure I could clear the 42's and they are also about $50 more per tire than the rest (I'd need 5 so it adds up).

Any other recommendations for tires?
The Irok's have thin sidewalls. The 39.5x13.5-LT15 Irok would be cheaper than the rest, but I don't think they would hold up.

The only Baja Claw available for a 15" wheel is a 46 unless I went with the radial (weak sidewall).

Let me know what you think.

what about a 40" LTB? They have those in 17, and 16 for sure but im not clear on the 15 or not.

The SX is now available in a 42 but you need a 20" wheel. 17" should be out sometime this summer and I dont know when the 15 is supposed to come.

If you moved to some 17" wheels you would probly have pretty good luck with the Maxxis creepy krawlers, they seem to do great and I have seen one that was ran flat for 35 miles in a desert race and still holds air! The 15" wheel is gonna hold you back from some of the newer cooler tires.

out of the ones you listed... I'd go with the Pit Bulls... they are great tires!
I really dig the 42 15 TSLs too, though...

I ended up going with the 15-42-15 TSL's.. part of my decision was made up because I got two free spares, one about 30%, one about 20%. Makes it easier when you're looking at $275+/tire for 5 tires or $300/tire for 4.

Where did you get 42" TSL's for $300?

On Swamper's website they say the 40" LTB is going to be out in June.

A-Rod,
Do you actually know anyone running the Pitt Bull's? They look like great tires, but I don't know how well they would hold up and I don't know anyone personally that is running them.

are you expeciting that VG30 to turn 42s?

The 40" LTBs are out right now but no 15"

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=681906

I have seen a few trucks with the pitbulls, I havent been real impressed myself. However both of them were fairly unquie platforms compared to the normal rig for here so that might have something to do with it. For reference in a muddy situation niether of the trucks made it up a muddy hill that almost everone else made it with treps, krawlers and swampers.

I haven't swapped a VG30 into the beast yet Andy .

We don't get much mud here in AZ so that's not really a factor in my decision. Traction on rocks and sidewall durability are what I care about. They will also get about 50% of their miles on the highway so I don't want competition compound.

I actually think I paid closer to $350 per tire. They're just regular ol TSL bias plys. had to ship 'em to hawaii too =)

OK, I'm seeing them at $360 now, that's why I was asking.

I decided on the 38.5x14.5LT15 Swamper TSL SX's. I got a really good deal on them through Desert Rat.

They're supposed to be in tomorrow so I'll get them mounted up Saturday and snap some pictures of the beast with new shoes. I also ordered a 38x12.5LT15 TSL for the spare. It was only a little cheaper, but it's smaller and lighter hanging off the back of the truck.

quote:

Originally posted by reddog:


A-Rod,
Do you actually know anyone running the Pitt Bull's? They look like great tires, but I don't know how well they would hold up and I don't know anyone personally that is running them.

yeah, a good buddy of mine, Juan ran 37 13 r17s on his Rubi... they worked great in just about everything... heated up pretty well too, on the rocks

but the SXs are awesome tires, too...
you really couldn't have gone wrong with these choices you had

I think its a good size choice too. I actually think I went a little too big. It's just not reasonable as a double duty vehicle (it is my DD after all). I don't think the tire size is going to help me so much as the raised COG to fit the tires will hurt me on sidehills. We'll see after more wheeling, but the more I drive the truck, the more I think it's too tall, and theres just no way to get it lower with that size of tire. Maybe stiffer spring packs will help some.

I'm eagerly waiting for pics of the new meats.

With how rough I am on my sidewalls I didn't want to go with anything weaker than the SX. If I end up going 4 link and 3 link I may be able to stuff 42's without raising my CG too much, but the <40 range is probably good for a leaf spring truck.

Finished swapping tires up this morning. Here's the pictures: