Direct 4WD - Tours in the Australian Outback


		SPLIT RIMS V TUBELESS RIMS

Split Rims

Split rims have been around for a long time, especially on larger earth moving equipment, but didn't really see 4WDs till Toyota came out with them in the 60's ( I can be corrected on this, I'm using memory). That's when Dunlop Road Track Majors were all the go, Olympic Trojan, Jeep Service & the army used Bar Tread. Sand tyres were ex aircraft tyres, or 9.00x13 (these were good) see some pics of Len Beadell's Land Rover with them on. (OK for drum brakes)

They made the rims by cutting the centre out of a Land Rover rim, turning it down to fit 13 inch rim centre, then got a 13'' rim and cut it in half and welded a bit in the middle to make it wider, think road transport authorities would have a fit nowdays. I had 9.00.13's on a FB Holden once, 3 acre paddock to turn around but go places...........................

The trucks with 7.50.16, 8.25.16, 9.00.20, 10.00.20, Graders with 14.00.24 etc etc all cross ply, thick side walls and very stiff. Breaking the bead with a heavy slide hammer was a task in its self. The people who changes tyres with tyre leavers knew what they were doing on non split rims, & split rims. Those who didn't know how to fit the ring and locking ring on split rims, well, some were kills, some maimed for life, now they put a modified version on 4wds, because they are easier to change in the bush?

How come when the tyre is changed in the tyre shop, by someone who does many of them, have a cage to place the rim in when getting inflated. Why is this??? Because the outer ring can fly off if not fitted properly. I've seen pictures of person implanted in the roof of a tyre shop. Get on any Work Safe site see the Bulletins on that stuff, bloody dangerous.

http://www.worksafe.nt.gov.au/corporate/bulletins/pdf/11-15/15.04.18.pdf

This is one of many articles on rims, go to GOOGLE punch in 'Split Rims'

Why don't I like them? In the right application sure ok, mining, cattle stations, cross country stuff, but for the Recreation User, no way.

For a start, the tyres are too narrow, 7.50R16 went out with Noah. Straight line travel, ok but cornering, forget it.
They run a tube, the first little prick and they go flat. How many times have you seen a tech screw in a tubeless tyre, still inflated, get one with a tube flat straight away.
The Tube and liner, how heavy, and how much heat retention, like wearing an over coat in summer. Got to run high tyre pressures to keep them cool, like 53psi in the rear of a Land Cruiser, this makes a Q rated Tyre (160kmh) so thin in the side wall its a rock and stick paradise.
How heavy?? 42Kg on an 100 series Land Cruise, OH&S say can lift only 15 kg. Can you put a 42kg tyre on the tyre rack of a Troopie???
How much extra 'un sprung weight' going up and down, shocks fade ruff ride etc
Did they tell you they wern't 'safety rims' this was a big deal when they first came out, stop the bead from rolling off the rim easily. It is a raised section on the inside of the bead when placed on the tyre, also makes it harder to break the bead. Land Rover 110 & 130, non split rims were not safety rims either, last time we had one appart.

So what do I use??

I say this because I want you to make up your own mind, not 'I told you so!' as you may have a different view, mind you what I am saying comes from a few days in the bush, not the bloke down the road 'reckons!' I get that all the time from the experts. ''Pump your tyres up, won't damage side walls'', what a crock, they do one trip and know everything, as I know all things about the city, well I don't and don't want to.

So back to what I use. I have two cars (I had four till not long ago), Falcon Outback Ute '95 model. I use 31X10.5R15 Cooper SST's on the back and 31X10.5R15 Cooper ATR's on the front, on Alloy rims. These rims are off my '94 Falcon and doing just fine after 200,000+km mostly in the bush. No I haven't cracked one or rolled any tyres off rims either. I run between 18 - 20 psi on the dirt 32 on the bitch of mine. My theory, 'If the tyres on your car dont scrape at some time, they are TOO SMALL'

The other car, an F150, '89 model, I use this in the bush when doing tours, its got 33X12.5R15 Cooper ST's on it. guess what on Alloy Rims too. Wouldn't have anything other than Alloy Rims and Tubeless Tyres.

What should you use, its up to you, or if you want my thoughts drop me a line or give me a shout. 08 8952 3359, 0408 485 641, or jol@direct4wd.com.au

See you in the scrub, .......................OUTBACK AUSTRALIA? Is there anywhere else????

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