View Single Post
Old 04-16-2015, 10:49 AM   #49 (permalink)
cosmick
Experienced UAW Mechanic
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Bear Lake
Posts: 363
Thanks: 7
Thanked 73 Times in 63 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeyjd View Post
Thanks for the input Cosmick. The change I'm considering is going from 195/75/r14 to 165/65/r14. I am considering this because the Re92's only come in that size and are widely considered one of the most fuel efficient tires readily available.

I hear what you're saying about liability, but I'm not as concerned with that as I am with capability. The most I could ever imagine running on a super heavy load would be 4,200lbs total, and standard full load of appliances measured at the scrap yard today was 3,870lbs including a passenger and all my tools. The 165/65/r14's would be rated for 3,748 total.
Then you need to change your axle ratio. And that may mean swapping a whole different axle assembly. Check into that. But while the tire may even save you gas, how much more do those tires cost, than just getting Chinese 195s?
If you don't change the axle ratio, you'll hurt MPG even with the reduced rolling drag and reduced aero drag.
So don't forget to include the cost of the ratio change into the cost of the 165 tires.
What I'd be doing is making a collapsible / folding, or removable, air deflector for when hauling. And likewise a taper back for when cruising empty. Once you're moving, the extra weight of one wouldn't matter.
And for what you're doing, a stretched mini-mini-minivan might be better?
  Reply With Quote