I know I cannot be the only one who wonders this. I have a 2006 F250 and as it gets ready for its build, I am conflicted as to whether or not to put bigger tires on it. When I add up the costs of doing so, I am getting numbers in the "5 digits" (e.g., well over $10,000) to do it properly. And even then, I would have to make sacrifices. On the one hand, I see builds like the Turtle V which is one of the more legendary builds. It has 41" tires and has travelled the globe. Obviously Gary and Monika Wescott think that this is needed, and I wouldn't doubt them. You also see builds like the earthroamer which have the same tires and it can't help but make you drool.
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On the same hand, you've got folks like Drive Nacho Drive, who travelled the globe in their little tiny Westfalia, proving that you really don't need oversized tires to have a good time and see the world.
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To have bigger tires, and do it properly, I figure I would need:
- Suspension Lift (The best ones, like Icon and Carli, go for $3000 to $4000 or more. I know there's cheaper options, but they would be worse than stock)
- Wheels/Tires (I figure $4,000 for 5 new wheels and tires)
- ARB lockers, compressor and new axle gear ratio (Probably $4,000, because no point in having big tires without lockers)
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That's $12,000. BUT, even if I cut corners, and went with a cheaper lift, cheaper lockers, cheaper tires, etc., I figure it would still reasonably cost me about $10,000 to go to 37" tires.
.
But that is not the only cost. With bigger tires comes:
- Reduced fuel mileage
- A higher cost of replacement on the tires (they don't last as long, and cost more to replace)
- Higher repair costs (parts break more easily)
- Reduced on road manners and higher COG
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And also, it would be hard to do all these modifications without wanting to do other modifications, such as having a front bumper and winch, which seems almost mandatory for a big truck with big tires (all the cool kids are doing it). So add in another $4,000 for a front bumper with a winch. That brings the total to $14,000 to $16,000, or more, at least the way I would want to do it.
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So, what does everyone here on expo think? I know there's a lot of folks out there who have already done the big tires thing. Would you do it again? If so, would you try and cut costs to do it cheap, or cut corners anywhere? Or in your mind do you either do it properly, or not do it at all? What do you think, are big tires worth the cost?
.
On the same hand, you've got folks like Drive Nacho Drive, who travelled the globe in their little tiny Westfalia, proving that you really don't need oversized tires to have a good time and see the world.
.
To have bigger tires, and do it properly, I figure I would need:
- Suspension Lift (The best ones, like Icon and Carli, go for $3000 to $4000 or more. I know there's cheaper options, but they would be worse than stock)
- Wheels/Tires (I figure $4,000 for 5 new wheels and tires)
- ARB lockers, compressor and new axle gear ratio (Probably $4,000, because no point in having big tires without lockers)
.
That's $12,000. BUT, even if I cut corners, and went with a cheaper lift, cheaper lockers, cheaper tires, etc., I figure it would still reasonably cost me about $10,000 to go to 37" tires.
.
But that is not the only cost. With bigger tires comes:
- Reduced fuel mileage
- A higher cost of replacement on the tires (they don't last as long, and cost more to replace)
- Higher repair costs (parts break more easily)
- Reduced on road manners and higher COG
.
And also, it would be hard to do all these modifications without wanting to do other modifications, such as having a front bumper and winch, which seems almost mandatory for a big truck with big tires (all the cool kids are doing it). So add in another $4,000 for a front bumper with a winch. That brings the total to $14,000 to $16,000, or more, at least the way I would want to do it.
.
So, what does everyone here on expo think? I know there's a lot of folks out there who have already done the big tires thing. Would you do it again? If so, would you try and cut costs to do it cheap, or cut corners anywhere? Or in your mind do you either do it properly, or not do it at all? What do you think, are big tires worth the cost?
Are your feet important? Your tires are the only thing making contact with the ground. That makes them critical in every dynamic, steering, traction, and braking. In my opinion, I prefer the feeling of stability, increased footprint and flotation that big tires give me. Are there downsides? Yes, you covered them. It comes down to personal preference and budget but I think it's a valid investment.
