Another Geolander Thread - Towing?

[theHindrew]

I'd like to do a bit more off roading with my '05, so I'm looking at a set of Geo AT/S in a 225/60r17 size to replace the Goodyear Eagles that are on there now. Problem is I also use the car to tow a 1700 lb trailer. Has anyone had any experience towing with these tires? Based on other's experiences it sounds like they're a bit more squirmy in the corners, but does anyone know how much worse is it with a trailer behind you?

-Andrew

[subiesailor]

Towing should not affect the tire or should I say the tire should not affect the towing your tire performance won't change between non towing and towing especially at the light weight the OB is restricted too.

[TEXN]

I've towed, around town, lighter loads and the tires seem to be just fine. Towing and high-speed handling are completely different...just adjust the tire pressure as neccessary.

[thelupe]

Never had any problem towing with these tires.
I regularly drive with a trailer loaded with two superbikes and a lot of tools and gasoline at a speed of 110 -120 km/h.
It seems there is no trailer on the back of the car

[CaptEditor]

I just put my ATs's on last night, so I don't have much input, however with my grabbers towing on the highway (65-75) really took a toll on my rear tires even with increased pressure. I presume it is because the grabbers do not dissipate heat well (according to their rating. The ATs has a better heat rating so I hope it does better.

[theHindrew]

Thanks for the responses. Now I just need to decide if I'll actually get much chance to go offroad and if I can deal with the increased noise, fuel consumption and loss of high speed handling in exchange for the promise of mud

Subiesailer - the trailer will make a bit of a difference to tire handling since it has a tendancy to push the sidewalls over in the corners (even moreso than the car itself). With 1700 lbs on the back I definetely know if the tires are a little underinflated. Then again, I'm a bit paranoid , so YMMV

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by theHindrew

Thanks for the responses. Now I just need to decide if I'll actually get much chance to go offroad and if I can deal with the increased noise, fuel consumption and loss of high speed handling in exchange for the promise of mud

Subiesailer - the trailer will make a bit of a difference to tire handling since it has a tendancy to push the sidewalls over in the corners (even moreso than the car itself). With 1700 lbs on the back I definetely know if the tires are a little underinflated. Then again, I'm a bit paranoid , so YMMV

I tow around 3000 miles a year with right around 1600- 1700lbs and any tire thats built heavier for offroad or AT use thats an upgrade to the stock tires will have stronger sidewalls thus even a lesser issue than the stock tires. The only issue with any of the tires even at 1700lbs of trailer is the same issue you have without a trailer - proper inflation. The only change in performance you might experience is that the car may feel more sensitive to directional input given your going from a softer sidewall tire to a stiffer sidewall tire some vehicles you can notice this change easily in the way they drive.

Going from the stock soft and squishy tires to BFG's on my landcruiser made a huge change in the driving experience even though we went from a small tire to a 34 with stiff sidewalls. The OB due to its softer suspension its a fair guess that the driving experience will change less going from soft to stiff sidewall tires given less of that is communicated back to the driver with the softer sprung suspension.

[theHindrew]

Alright, I think I'm convinced. I guess I'll see how they compare to the Eagles that are on the car come spring.