31x11.5 Kumho Ventures

[mws]

I did a search, but this seems to be the one question I didn't see answered!

 

So I'm getting closer to buying a set of serious off road tires to be used on adventures only. I had it pretty much narrowed down to the "new" Cooper STT in 31x10.5-15 with a 4" backspace 15x8 steely. '87 XE.

 

And then I noticed that Kumho offers the Venture MT in a 31x11.5-15.... A little wider would be better for flotation in the Nevada desert, no? But will they fit without a body or more extreme suspension lift? I cranked the T-Bars a little and lifted the rear suspension an inch or two, but that's as high as I would like to go (for a number of reasons). 31x10.5-15's fit fine but were close. Can I squeeze one more inch of width or will I get fender rub in tight turns? Will a simple plastic trim fix it, or is it metal whacking time?

[treywurst]

Just my opinion but I think they will fit fine.

[wheelmanLS1]

You might get away with it with no lift. It depends... if you have aftermarket wheels that have a lower backspacing (it pokes out more) you should be alright. If your wheels are stock, I'd crank the torsion bars in the front. If they rub in the back get some coil boosters.

[Slick]

My Pathy must be a special case, because when I finally got some 31's on there, going into bumpy store driveways, the fender (lowest part @ the back) would rub! I cranked the t-bars, but I think too much, so now I am going to drop them down and trim some metal. I have the JGC coils in the rear. My tires are nothing special 31x10.5x15...3.5 & 4" backsace.... put them on and check for rubbing...you'll soon know if they do rub the first time you go up a driveway into a parking lot or similar at a turn..... my 2 cents....

[Precise1]

Hey mws, I have 31x10.5 on stock chromies with t-bars cranked and GJC rear springs. Vertically, there are several inches clearance left, and never any indication of rubbing in the wheel wells any direction, so you may be able to do it np. Some Pathys did come stock with 31x10.5", but I cant remember what the backspacing is for various rims. You will probably be fine, as long as the backspacing isnt way off.

 

B

[Slick]

I believe 88 said 3.5" and 4" was acceptable..and I am running both those back spacings with no problems.. (Chevy rims)

[mws]

Thanks, all!

Since I am buying new wheels (the old ones have a lot of rust), I can get the optimal backspacing.

 

So what do you think would be the optimal backspacing for the Kumho 31x11.5"? I'm thinking 3.5" to prevent rubbing on the inside, but will that lead to more problems rubbing on the outer fenders and flares?

[RedPath88]

Hey mws, I have 31x10.5 on stock chromies with t-bars cranked and GJC rear springs.

I have 31x10.5 BFG AT's also on stock chomes... however I have not yet installed my JCG Coils or cranked the torsions.

I do have a "little" rubbing but not enough to worry about. Since I installed my custom idler arm brace I get vary noticable rubbing on the idler arm and brace when turning sharp left.

 

But I am sure a lift and /or putting my other wheels on, will solve that.

[mudfinder]

they should clear, if not, crank the t-bars. you'll be fine. i was able to fit 31x10.50 no problem. i had my t-bars crank alittle.

[hardwaretoad]

Having lived in Nevada for about 12 years I'm not too sure why you would need a "flotation" type of width for the desert there. Mud and/or snow-wise you're better off with a narrower tread width to cut down through to a harder surface, sand on the other hand, you do want to float on... -thnkboutit-

 

Most of the desert terrain I saw was generally hard surfaced, although I agree it can get plenty sloppy in the winter months. I ran 31x10.50x15's on my Pathy there the entire time with no problems, other than that BFG AT's have a tendancy to clog the tread when faced with sticky mud, etc. ...

Edited July 5, 2005 by hardwaretoad

[TrailChaser]

I thought wider was better for snow?

[mws]

Having lived in Nevada for about 12 years I'm not too sure why you would need a "flotation" type of width for the desert there. Mud and/or snow-wise you're better off with a narrower tread width to cut down through to a harder surface, sand on the other hand, you do want to float on... -thnkboutit-

 

Most of the desert terrain I saw was generally hard surfaced, although I agree it can get plenty sloppy in the winter months. I ran 31x10.50x15's on my Pathy there the entire time with no problems, other than that BFG AT's have a tendancy to clog the tread when faced with sticky mud, etc. ...

We were out exploring some hot springs and abandoned mines out around Austin and Eureka a few years ago with some friends in (sheesh, I'm embarrassed to say this...) a Chrysler minivan. Yup, a minivan. OK, now that I've exposed that part of my past...

It actually did a remarkably good job! Did great on the hard pan and gravel roads, and even crawled up some pretty steep trails - in reverse! Fantastic climbing ability in reverse. All of the weight is on the drive wheels then.

 

The only challenges were rocks, high centering, and sand washes. Even as light as the minivan was, we really struggled in the washes. That is the only thing I feel I am not totally prepared for... I'm being much more prepared than necessary, but that's the way I am. As long as I need to get tires, might as well get the absolute best for the job. I'm sure the 31x10.5 will do just fine, but if I can get even better for not much more, what the heck!

Just your average ex-boy scout graduated into an anal retentive engineer...

[mws]

I thought wider was better for snow?

As with most things, it depends!

Usually you want narrower to penetrate down through the snow and get more traction.

 

The exception is REALLY deep and hard packed snow that you want to stay on top of - like in Alaska!

[Precise1]

Minivan, eh ?? Well, you ride dirtbikes, so I'll overlook it...

I agree with Hwt that the 10.5" tires would work just fine; I doubt you will be doing much dune driving. The type of tire design is the important factor in real sand, but 4x4 and off road tires will pull you through any vados or washes NP. Not trying to dissuade you from the 11.5" because I believe they will fit fine. I do like the 10.5x31" because it is very common size and easier to find a replacement when you have blown one off the rim and have 9 holes in another while the flat spare fell off the truck 4 miles back (unknown to you). Dont ask...

 

Light or not, did the minivan have AT tires and a locker ??

 

B

[mws]

Thank you for overlooking that sordid moment in my past... I have since (thankfully!) graduated to KTM's, Triumphs, Kawasakis, and Yamahas.

 

AT tires? They were actually pretty gnarly for a P185/85-14 passenger car tread!

 

Locker? Yeah, it had the full manual locker option. In other words, I had to get out and put high traction materials under the spinning tire.... As well as moving tall rocks out of the trail. That's the price I paid for getting to sit in back with the beer!.

 

But all those things are probably significant factors in how much fun we had!

[mws]

And I'm dying to ask... it sounds like a memorable, ahem, adventure!

[Precise1]

Locker? Yeah, it had the full manual locker option. In other words, I had to get out and put high traction materials under the spinning tire.... As well as moving tall rocks out of the trail. That's the price I paid for getting to sit in back with the beer!.

 

But all those things are probably significant factors in how much fun we had!

 

"full manual locker option" LMAO... I've 'installed' that option a few times my self... But atleast you were the beer keeper, a critical function !! And yes, those are the amusing bits that make a good story and adventure...

 

And I'm dying to ask... it sounds like a memorable, ahem, adventure!

 

Yes, it was... Although, in retrospect I described it wrong. It was my second month long trip down in Baja; the first was in a 65 VW bug convertible baja, and that one was in my old 720 PU. *sniff* still makes me sad that I sold it last year, that was the best wheeler I have ever owned. Anyway, my bud and I spent 28 days in baja and desert crawled/camped out the entire trip. The tire part happened about 80 miles north of bajia de los angeles on the sea of cortes side(500 mi south of the border). I quickly figured out that if you hit the vado (stream bed/wash) with speed on the exit, you can catch air. 35-40 feet was the record for the trip. Anywho, on one of these flights, when I landed (and slewed about vaguely in control) there were several large rocks in the road; I got around most of them, but clipped one with the rear drivers side tire, which promptly blew and split off the rim. OK, NP, put on the spare... For some reason I needed to swap the tires F to R on the drivers side and have a photo of the truck using piled rocks as jack stands somewhere. As I'm stowing the gear, my bud puts the rim (chrome rim with the blown tire) in the back unsecured. A few miles and wild manuvers later, the rim gets launched out of the truck, unknown to me. Many miles later, we stop for a break, and I hear a slight 'hiss" from the driver front tire. Lets just say I spent about 2 hours in 110F heat plugging a hole, pumping the tire up only to hear a hiss and look for the next hole... I'm certain I used 12 plugs in 9 holes on that tire, but finally, it stopped hissing at me. By now I learned about the spare (rim) being gone, cursed my bud repeatedly, and went back to find it. Roads in baja are lined with crap (I'll try to find the photos) and the deal was I look out my side, he his... Near dusk, I spied the pile of rocks I used as jack stands and made camp for the night. Next day we turn around and go back down the road; a few miles later I see a rim with exploded tire (on my side) and stop. Yep, it's mine; my bud didn't recognize it because he only saw the backside that was caked with dirt, not a bright, shiney rim. Ok, he was a paramedic so his skills apply elsewhere, but I cursed him, his offsprings and his pets anyway... Onward down the 'road' and about 10 miles later the truck starts driving soggy. The passenger side tire has a large rent in it. 4 tire plugs later (I'm running low at this point) it will hold 25 psi so we limp on to bajia de los angeles. The town has less than 1000 residents, a US mail jeep as a police car, 1 ice maker (broken), and 1 llantero (tire) shop. I select 2 of the best tires (choice of 2, both used with holes in them) and pay $50 which includes mounting. Balancing ? LOL, static balancing... Saved $10 by not having him patch them. Guy thought I was nutz until he saw me plug them so he could get them to bead. Replaced the torn tire, kept the other for a spare, figuring I had a minimum 25% chance of loosing the one with 12 plugs in it. Never had a tire issue for the next 2 weeks; put 2000 miles on the 12'ver till I got home and changed it out. Anyone who tries to tell me plugs dont work is A) An idiot, Has no idea how to do it right, C) Drives a Jeep, D) All of the above.

Anywho, got a bit long winded, but was fun to describe as I had the whole mental photo thing going on... If I wasn't running common tires, it would have been another 100-150 miles to find a 'shop' that may be able to help although sometimes you can use the local hombre network to chase one down in someones back yard, but thats a different trip and another story...

 

B

[mws]

That's a great story! Kinda wish I coulda been there... except for the 110 degree patching part of it...

 

And a great way to help me understand why a standard size may be preferred over max flotation. 10.5's it is!

Thanks!

[GHSER7]

I just put some 31x10.5" on yesterday and went wheelin' today. No rub on stock Nissan wheels.