I just got my set of 22x11-8 kenda pathfinder 530 tires and they were folded flat with the beads touching together. I was informed by my powersports store the tires will only mount with a tube. I don't want to run tubes because if there is a hole, i will have to dismount to repair the tube. Any ideas? I really like the design of the tire.

 

I have gotten some pretty smashed tires and they mounted up fine. Is the bead itself damaged?

Leaving the tire in the sun or very warm room may help with installation.

 

I bought some tires that were very smashed like that and my local tire shop mounted them with no problem without the need for a tube.

 

I pulled the tire apart and it isn't deformed, just the sides are bulged out a little

 

I've seen a friend put a tie down strap around a tire and start cranking it down. The tire spread out until it made contact with the bead and everything was okay. The tire wasn't flattened but it still might work. If that doesn't work you can try starting fluid but be very careful if you do. These guys used too much starting fluid.

 

I had one of the four tires I put on my quad come in that condition. I had to use 2 ratchet straps to get it to push the bead against the rim so I could seat it.

Haven't tried the starting fluid trick. Have heard there have been a few eyebrow-less guys in the groups I ride with because of it.

 

Leaving tires in the sun can help. We tried the ether method years ago and escaped with our lives.. Then we got smart,took one to a tire shop with a bead blaster,saw how good they worked and then got our own.

 

You just have to be careful not to use too much pressure when seating the beads. Most of the tires I've seen don't recommend anything over the mid-teens psi-wise. A quick blast is great but don't keep high pressure going into an ATV tire once the bead is set.

 

Well, I paid $160 plus tax for all four tires mounted; 19x7-8 front and 22x11-8 rear on my old honda trx125. Took them to numerous tire stores only to find out they only mount car tires. I finally ended up going to a local lawn and garden dealer to have them done. Said they were the toughest tires they had ever had to mount and wasn't informed about the upcarge which made me upset. Clearly stated they charged $15 for a tire/wheel but it was $40 each for the extra labor and time to mount. The tires are great and are fine now.

 

That is crazy they charged you extra, but I have found shops in this area do the same. I just do then myself now. A buddy and the tire changer harbor freight sells work wonders. Beadlocks are even easier physically although they still take a little time.

The issue is the tubeless low pressure rims have a large inner lip and a very tight bead seal compared to car or truck tires.