When to replace rock-crawler tires?

[fyrstormer]

I'm used to replacing tires when the tread wears down to the point that they can no longer grip on anything but smooth, sand-free pavement. I doubt that same qualifier applies to rock-crawler tires, though, since the requirements for a tire to work well in a rock-crawling context is so different. So what should I look for as an indicator that it's time to replace the tires on my Wraith?

 

[Olle P]

I'd say it depends on what surface you drive on.
Normally for clean rocks the typical saying is that the more worn the tires are the better they get.
If you drive on grass, dirt and other terrain you might want some more thread and pattern.

It's far more common to replace the tires because some other make/model seems better than because the current ones are worn out.

 

[g-jero]

When something new is up for sale :mrgreen:"thumbsup"

 

[johnnyh66]

When a sidewall tears beyond repair... or a used set of something you've wanted to try pops up in the classified for half price.

 

[fyrstormer]

Heh, fair enough. So nobody's ever worn-out a set of crawler tires to the point they no longer worked well? (excluding damage, that is.)

 

[tacocat]

when you want something new or they dont work..... duh

 

[fyrstormer]

Yes, but how to distinguish poor performance due to worn tires vs. poor performance due to any number of other factors, like suspension geometry or just driver incompetence?

 

[Natedog]

Heh, fair enough. So nobody's ever worn-out a set of crawler tires to the point they no longer worked well? (excluding damage, that is.)

I'm getting close on a pair of 1.9 Ripsaws, but otherwise no. I've either damaged them beyond repair or swapped them out for something I wanted to try. "thumbsup"

 

[Jus]

I've never worn out a set of crawler tires. I always see a new tire I want to try and move on lol... I do own tires that have been run for years and they are well worn but work better than ever.

 

[tacocat]

Yes, but how to distinguish poor performance due to worn tires vs. poor performance due to any number of other factors, like suspension geometry or just driver incompetence?

because since you are atleast capable of using the internet i would assume you would be able to connect the dots

dot one: my tires are pretty worn
dot two: i havent been crawling the normal lines i drive on as easily as before


poor suspension geometry isnt just going to sneak up on you one day out of the blue its going to be a problem from the start. it would be your baseline if you never fixed it so its a moot point.

 

[tomvaillencourt]

When something new is up for sale :mrgreen:"thumbsup"

Agreed! I don't think Ive ever worn a set of tires to the point I questioned their "need" for replacement. I change tires on my trucks like I change underwear... every few weeks or so...Just because I feel like it.

 

[CrawlCrest]

I've only see crawler tires wear on high powered brushless rigs with mega tire shredding power.

Other than that the rc4wd iroks ive had for over 3 years on a brushed low geared wraith are just fine. Cleaning them with simple green and some scrubbing makes the rubber soft and tacky again.