3 Scientific Experiments to Settle This | Wide vs Narrow Off-Road Tires

Summary

In this video, the presenter compares the performance of two all-terrain tires, a 35-inch and a narrower 33-inch version, through a series of experiments. Despite initial assumptions, both tires show similar contact patch areas, but the narrower tire demonstrates superior flex at higher pressures. The presenter also highlights the unique performance of the BF Goodrich KM3, which offers a balance of both attributes. The video concludes with the choice of the narrower 'pizza cutter' tire for the presenter's FJ due to its lighter weight and ease of fit, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded setup beyond off-road performance.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The video compares the performance of two all-terrain tires, a 35-inch wide and a 33-inch wide, from the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss series.
• 📊 A poll conducted on YouTube and Instagram showed varied preferences, with 60% favoring the narrower tire on YouTube and a 70-30 split for the wider tire on Instagram.
• 🔍 The script details an experiment to measure the contact patch and flex of the tires at different pressures, revealing that both tires have similar performance in terms of contact area.
• 📏 The 35-inch tire (31570R17) and the 33-inch tire (25585R17) were measured to have nearly identical diameters despite their different widths.
• 🔵 The wider tire was expected to have a larger contact patch, but the experiment showed that both tires have the same contact patch area, trading width for length.
• 📉 When airing down, the contact patch of both tires grows longer and wider, contradicting the common belief that airing down only elongates the patch.
• 📚 The BF Goodrich KM3, a different tire model, was found to have a different contact patch shape and was 10-20% larger in area at very low pressures.
• 🏔️ Flexibility tests showed that the narrower tire deforms more at higher pressures and achieves similar flex to the wider tire at much higher pressures.
• 🪨 In obstacle deformation tests, the narrower tire demonstrated better deformation characteristics over rocks and other obstacles.
• 🛍️ Despite the performance data, the host chose the narrower 'pizza cutter' tires for their lighter weight and ease of fit, influenced by practical considerations beyond just off-road performance.
• 🤝 The video was made possible by Yoda Expedition, a company specializing in Toyota modifications, which supported the host's technical approach to the tire tests.

Q & A

What is the main subject of the video?

The main subject of the video is a comparison between two all-terrain tires of different widths, specifically a 35-inch and a 33-inch tire, to determine which one performs better in various off-road scenarios.

What was the surprising result from the YouTube Community poll?

The surprising result from the YouTube Community poll was that 60% of the respondents favored the narrower tire.

How did the Instagram poll results differ from the YouTube poll?

The Instagram poll results showed a 70-30 split, with more people preferring the wider tire, which was the opposite of the YouTube poll results.

What was the purpose of the experiments conducted in the video?

The purpose of the experiments was to measure and compare the contact patch, tire flex, and practical performance of the two different tire widths when aired down in various off-road conditions.

What did the video reveal about the contact patch of the two tires?

The video revealed that despite the difference in width, the contact patch area of the two tires was almost identical, with no practical difference in performance.

What was the unexpected finding when comparing the BFGoodrich KM3 to the Baja Boss tires?

The unexpected finding was that the BFGoodrich KM3, despite being a different brand and model, had a contact patch that was 10 to 20 percent larger, especially at very low pressures.

What is the significance of the 'Caterpillar Track' theory mentioned in the video?

The 'Caterpillar Track' theory suggests that a longer contact patch, as found in narrower tires, allows the tire to better mold around obstacles like rocks and pebbles, potentially offering an advantage in off-road performance.

What was the outcome of the tire deformation experiment involving a rock?

The outcome of the tire deformation experiment showed that the narrower tire (the 'pizza cutter') started to deform more significantly at higher pressures compared to the wider tire, indicating better flexibility at standard off-road pressures.

How did the tires perform when encountering a long obstacle that spanned the entire tread width?

When encountering a long obstacle, the narrower tire demonstrated greater flexibility and was able to mold around the obstacle more effectively than the wider tire, even at relatively high pressures.

What was the final decision made by the video creator regarding the tires for their FJ vehicle?

The video creator, despite a personal preference for the wider tire, chose the narrower 'pizza cutter' tires for their FJ vehicle based on the data suggesting better performance in the experiments.

What was the role of Yoda Expedition in the making of this video?

Yoda Expedition supported the video creator in making the video by providing sponsorship and allowing the creator to conduct unbiased experiments and present findings without brand affiliation constraints.