So, I'm still not an idiot but I have never been able to keep straight what the three number series is for tires. I'd like to replace my stock AC tires but not sure how to proceed to get a good riding, mudding, snow tire that will be good-n-sturdy but not exceed my maximum trailer width. I'd like to find a radial that can take anything I throw at it. I have some property to explore and don't know what lies therein. I've heard nothing but good about Mudlites but want to avoid hype and trend-buying.

thanks!

 

Well, from my understanding the three numbers on the tire you are looking at are something like 25-8-12 ? You read them as follows: (tire height) - (tire width) - (rim size). I will also mention that tire height and to a certain extent width is subjective. It all depends on the psi you fill the tire to and if you measure to the base or the top of the tread. For instance with my stock 25 inch Dunlop tires on my AC 400 my tires measured about 24 1/2 inches tall and had bout 12 inches of ground clearance. With my first set of 26 inch Mudlites those measurements only increased by 1/4 inch! Even though I had a full inch taller tire! They were inflated to about 5 psi.

I am now running a set of 25inch mutdlites and the measurements are identical to stock tires. I live in AK and ride gravel/sandy/ muddy beaches, mud and peat moss/ clay trails and snow/ice in the winter plowing. I absolutely love these tires. They are 6ply radial tires. Only down fall is slightly soft rubber compound which can cause them to wear quickly if ride on pavement or hard surfaces a bunch AND not a very protected side wall. Last year I hit a stick driving through some brush and I punctured the side wall of the tire. With over a quart of slime in the tire I can not stop the leak even though it is a pinhole. Probably end up putting either patch or a tube in it here very soon.

But, I have been able to drive through many places in 2wd with these tires that I would have needed 4wd with stock tires. I have mine mounted to my stock 12 inch steel AC rims. I ding( OK bend) my rims on rocks sometimes so aluminum rims are not for me. As you are probably aware of already a larger tire (width or height) can put more stress on critical axle parts and cause them to break or wear out early.

When I need new tires I will probably be getting a set of 25inch mudlite XTR's. Which will be my 3rd set. A set of 4 should cost around $250 and double that roughly if you are getting rims with them.

Hope this helps

SJ

 

Thanks for the tutorial. What other names are good for tires? I've read a few names in the forums so far but don't recall any real judgements on any of them.

Anyone else out there have some good opinions? I could use them once I get some cash saved for new tires.... Thanks

 

I have 4 ITP Mudlites for sale. (2) 28x12x12 and (2) 28x10x12. They have only been ridden on 3 short rides and never on pavement. There are no holes plugs or anything wrong with them. They have about 95% tread left or better. I have pictures as well. If interested email me at hjlancas@olemiss.

 

I have run 26" Mudlites on my Vinson for 4 years, and other than some sidewall punctures (I think it was just bad luck, not tire failure) they have been well worth the money. I ride all terrains, from mud to slick rock and they have performed extremely well.

 

Let's say for example you have on the front of your ATV, tires size 25x8x12

28=the height of the tire, make sure the new tires you buy are all the same size here or you will have big problems

8=tire width. on a utility ATV 8-10 is a good size for the front of the ATV. on the rear 10-12 is a good size.

12=rim size, I am assuming that is what yours will be unless you have a newer sportier ATV with 14" rims, but I doubt it

As far as a tire to suggest to you for what you mentioned it depends on what kind of money you are looking to spend. If you want a tire good at everything from trail riding, hardcore mudding, snow riding, etc. and have a couple hundred extra to spend, get the ITP Mudlite XTRs. They are the best all-terrain ATV radial tire you can buy. They can do everything you could ever imagine doing and then some, and offer a comfortable ride. If you are looking to spend a little less, another great buy would be the Maxxis Zillas (not Mudzillas, just Zillas). They are significantly cheaper than the XTRs, have a similar tread patter to their big brother, one of the most aggressive mud tires, the Mudzillas, but are trail friendly as well. I would suggest these over the ITP Mudlites, and at most sites they are less expensive than most tires you can buy. The Mudlites have been a good tire, but I feel the technology they have is dated. They have a center lug to track straight on the trails and give a radial-like ride, and they are pretty good in the mud, but the XTRs and the Zillas will easily dominate the Mudlites in any terrain from hard pack to quicksand-like swamp bogs.

I am also not sure what size machine you have but a 400cc or smaller I would stick to the same tire height for sure, maybe pump up the width if you do weight research and they will be similar. If you have a 500-550 I would add an inch of tire height and get 10" wide front and 12" wide rear. On a 650+ you can easily add 2 inches of height and get 10" wide front 12" wide rear and not notice any power loss at all. Those are my recommendations.

I always buy my tires at ATV Mud Tires - ATV wheels - Big Foot kits - Cheap ATV Tires - Sand Paddles store

They seem to have the best prices around.

Good luck in your search.