Comparing HiLow Off-Road Tire Performance

Aug 4, 2024

Lecture Notes: HiLow Off-Road Tire Comparison

Introduction

  • The discussion revolves around the comparison of two sets of all-terrain tires for Toyota Tacomas.
  • Core question: Does more expensive mean better performance?

Sponsorship

  • Sponsored by eBay Motors.
  • eBay Motors helps with vehicle parts for modifying trucks and ensures safe vehicle purchases through licensed inspectors.

Overview of the Trucks

  • Low Truck: Modifications with cheaper parts.
    • Tires: Kenda Klever All-Terrain ($147 per tire)
    • Wheels: Vision Wheels for entire set at $500.
  • Hi Truck: Modifications with premium parts.
    • Tires: Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Terrain ($342 per tire)
    • Wheels: KMC Tank Beadlock Wheels at $500 each.

Wheel and Tire Setup

  • Importance of Tires:
    • Improve traction, handling, noise, vibration, clearance, and aesthetics.
  • Tire Size:
    • Tacoma can fit up to 33-inch tires with a 3-inch lift.
    • Contact patch affects traction.
  • Tire Pressure:
    • Lower tire pressure increases contact patch.

Installation Process

  • Both trucks mounted their wheels and tires themselves, avoiding the need for a tire shop.
  • Beadlock Wheels:
    • Allow for easier tire mounting without a machine.
  • Inflation Method:
    • They used brake cleaner and a torch to inflate the tires (not advisable for the average person).

Testing the Tires

  • Hill Climb Challenge:
    • Both trucks tested with stock tires first, then with new tires to gauge improvement.
    • Experiencing slipping during the climb.
    • Lowering tire pressure improved traction significantly.

Tug-O-War Challenge

  • Conducted with both trucks, results showed that both trucks have good tires but were equally matched.

Buff Horseshoe Challenge

  • Both trucks attempted the obstacle course multiple times, with Hi Truck showing slightly better performance due to traction.
  • Communication issues noted during driving challenges.

Conclusions

  • Performance Comparison:
    • Hi Truck performed marginally better in traction but both setups were capable.
    • Noise levels were similar between the two trucks.
    • The budget-friendly Low Truck setup provided adequate performance for the price.
  • Final Thoughts:
    • More expensive does not guarantee significantly better performance.
    • Both teams enjoyed the modifications and experiences.

Future Plans

  • Upcoming modifications include adding bumpers and skid plates, with varying approaches for the Low and Hi trucks.
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