Large SUVs - offroad ranking?

[The Suit]

Can anyone here take a shot at ranking large (8-passenger) SUVs by their offroad performance capabilities? I need something that can haul a bunch of people, but won't get stuck climbing or descending sandy hills, and won't break on moderately rocky two-tracks.

[Daywalker]

Toyota Land Cruiser... #1.


sorry about that price.

[SP_sam-O]

My family's SUV seems to never get stuck where many other cars have, and it's been through lots of really sandy areas and lots of rocky/pot hole filled shitty roads for hiking and skiing and has about 200k miles on it. Tons of problems with the locks/windows/ doors though, way more than it should have. But I'm 15, so the farthest I've driven it is 15 minutes from my house to get something from a friend in a hurry, so I'll shut up now.

[mtnjam]

UniMog or Pinzgauer

http://www.myhaflinger.com/Pinzgauer/christoph/large/019.jpg

[RedWolf]

My company uses Suburbans with better tires/wheels to get us into and out of the field I work in. The roads, if you can call them that, are generally rutted-out, rocky, seriously muddy/snowy two-tracks. We don't have too much of a problem getting around, and they (usually) don't break...

[fluxrad]

Seconding Suburbans as a good choice. I was on a fishing trip in Del Norte, CO a number of years ago where we had to head over some pretty hairy terrain. We ditched most of the other 4WDs at the trail-head.

YMMV.

[Pow4Brains]

3/4 ton Burban or if you want diesel go with the Excursion. Sequoia’s are nice but lack storage for that many peeps. American auto makers still rule the supersized.

[LightRanger]

Defender 110

Other than that, Suburban, as everybody else said.

The 4wd in my best friend's company Expedition went out a few weeks back. He was a couple feet away from going off a snow-covered backroad into the Pitt River. Anecdotal, but he said he googled around and found complaints about that system. <100K on the odometer.

[Tye 1on]

I was up at Flagg yesterday with an operator that uses diesel Excursions for his snowcoach business, which doesn't get to your question, but it did pretty good crossing the Continental Divide six times a day fully loaded to OF and back.

just sayin'...

and, tech talk jong.








wait. ;)

[schuss]

As others have said, unimog/pinz are the tits, but don't have much in the way of creature comforts. Suburbans are good, but consider upgrading the axles if you want a truly bulletproof setup. Airlockers+a mild lift+bigger wheels/tires would make it unstoppable.

[El Chupacabra]

Suburbans are inexpensive, but not a lot of ground clearance. I think the Excursion has quite a bit more clearance (solid front axle; F250/350 chassis -- which means it will ride a lot more truck-like too). The older Excursion with IH 7.3 diesel gets quite decent MPG, like 20+ hwy.


Toyota Land Cruiser... #1.


sorry about that price.

Or for $5K more, spring for the Lexus version. At that price range, why not?

[scottyb]

UniMog or Pinzgauer

http://www.myhaflinger.com/Pinzgauer/christoph/large/019.jpg

+1000000

[Caucasian Asian]

I'd look at an '02-'03 Excursion. Before they went to the 6.0L Powerstroke. If the Suburban was the gold standard for large-people movers, the Excursion is the Suburban for Northern BC.

[arild]

Seconding Defender 110.

[sidewall]

Second the landcruiser.

[grskier]

Get a H1

[YetiMan]

Our fire crew had a diesel excursion (the "excretion"..heh), it was tough as a motherfucker and very comfortable on long trips. It got beat like a redheaded stepchild and never broke down.

Very stout and comfortable. Lots of power. Sweet rig.

[ImSearchingforPowder]

Our fire crew had a diesel excursion (the "excretion"..heh), it was tough as a motherfucker and very comfortable on long trips. It got beat like a redheaded stepchild and never broke down.

Very stout and comfortable. Lots of power. Sweet rig.

This....

You can not go wrong with the excursion, especially the 7.3l model.

[bmg97]

Its gonna cost ya but this is pretty solid.
G500
http://www.easypedia.gr/el/images/shared/7/75/Mercedes_G500_silber.jpg

[swissbro]

I have a 93 Suburban 4x4 and a Toyota Landcruiser Model 78. Suburban good for hauling lots of people in comfort and not too bad in the sand if tires are deflated. Toyota Model 78 in a class of its own. Not great for traveling comfort with the bench seats in the back, but it will easily accommodate ten people and when the trail really gets tough and the sand soft, it leaves all of the American vehicles behind unless they've been modified. You can almost guarantee that you'll get 200,000+ miles on it before you need to worry about replacing anything. Big problem is that they aren't imported to NA. Comes with either a 4.5 L gas straight six or a V-8 diesel.

[Beyond]

Another vote for Landcruiser. My sister in-law got caught in a road avalanche driving her LC a few years ago near Tahoe, stayed more or less upright, she motored through, up and over, survived. Truck looked like it had been worked over by a giant with a hammer, took most of a pine tree right through the passenger window, but she got a new window and drove it until last year. Driving on sand would be child's play.

If LC's too pricey, might look at Honda Pilot. Ugly, but holds 7-8, can personally testify to how it and similar AWD Hondas like the Ridgeline do on sand and loose steep gravel. Not enough clearance as sold, though, if you like true off-road bouldering.

[anjinsan]

If you want room, room, the excursion is the way to go. Mine was cavernous inside. HOWEVER, do not, I repeat do not get the V10.....very underpowered. Ex with diesel will set you up nicely.....biggest SUV made or at least was made.

[flip]

In order of capability:
Sportsmobile
Landcruiser (but doesn't seat 8)
Excursion
Older Suburban (solid axle)
Newer Suburban (IFS)

Best bang for the buck is to get an older Suburban and do a suspension lift + tire package. That'll handle almost anything you'd ever want to take 8 people over.

[jmars]

Burans and Expeditions blow ass in real offroad terrian.........the are to long and get hung up. These trucks weren't built to be offroad machines. If you are just going through fire roads and over drainage ditchs or some small ruts then they are fine.

Deals on Land Cruiser 80 and early 100 series are out there b/c mostly soccer moms bought them. The 80 is a solid alxe front and rear truck that can be had with factory lockers fr & rr, its an inline 6 w/a 4spd tranny. The 100 series as indepent up front solid rear axle and is offered with rear lockers. The 100's have V8's and 5 spd trannies and all around more refinment compared to the 80. Both 100 & 80 series trucks have center locking diffs. Get an Old Man Emu 2inch lift and an ARB bull bar up front and you now have a dead serious offroader.

If you are interested in LC's then get on IH8MUD.com and then learn who Christo Slee is.......call him, he is the best in North American in terms of Toyota offroad knowledge.

Defender 110's are the bees knees but maintence whores.........not so much with Toyota.

Unimog is the more hard core choice presented though.

The LC however are 7 pass truck........you should really consider one though

[Dudley]

Ill throw it out there.... had a Sequoia in the family more than once and it treated me famously.... plenty of room for gear.

[funkendrenchman]

How bout the Conquest Knight?

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2009/bc/2009-Conquest-Knight-XV-Side-Angle-1024x768.jpg

[IrieRon]

^^^ Castro District ^^^

[Powda]

How bout the Conquest Knight?

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2009/bc/2009-Conquest-Knight-XV-Side-Angle-1024x768.jpg

I second that. Bulletproof offroad capabilities along with being literally bulletproof. Cant beat that.

[Dudley]

My deepest fear? Seeing one of these cruising the streets with a clown driving and "Free Ice Cream" stenciled hap-hazardly on the side. I mean, whats scarier?

[molson14]

Defender 110 would be my first choice, but the 50-60k price tag for a used one is a lot for a 1993 vehicle.

Land Cruiser is reliable and can go most places. 33"-35" tires will fit stock. Third row seat is great for 6th and 7th person, but then lacks trunk space.

I have heard people love and really like the Sportmobile Custom Campers. 4X4, lifted and rugged capable vans/suv's with lots of room.
http://sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html
http://sportsmobile.com/sections/gallery/photographers/ragefilmsvan.jpg

How many people do you need to fit in? How much do you want to spend? Do you need auto inflate/deflate tires for sand? Compressor?

[molson14]

What is your price range? That will help narrow it down.

[The Suit]

What is your price range? That will help narrow it down.I'm not too worried about price.

Right now my daily driver is a Honda Pilot. The third row of seats comes in handy when we need to fill it up with extra kids or out-of-town visitors. The Pilot has been pretty reliable, but the suspension is beat up from seven years of living at the end of a bumpy dirt road.

I also have a diesel Silverado pickup, which I mostly use when I go on toy airplane flying trips. Those usually involve a fifteen hour drive to southern California, plus moderately gnarly off-road excursions to the tops of the hills we fly from. The Pilot definitely can't handle the off-road duties.

I use the Silverado 2-3 times a year to tow my tractor on a flatbed trailer. Total weight is in the 7000 lb. range.

I don't really like driving the Silverado around town - too big, and way too hard to park/unpark. My wife refuses to drive it.

I'd like to replace both the Pilot and the Silverado with a single vehicle. Ideally it would be able to handle all of the above tasks, but I'd give up the towing if needs be. It has to be something my wife is OK with driving.

When I had diesel on the brain a year ago, I seriously considered getting a Mercedes GL320, but I have doubts about its off-road and towing capability.

[LT]

I don't see how your wife is going to be ok with driving a Suburban or Expedition if she's not into the Silverado? Something easier and capable would be something like the new generation Pathfinder but you'll only get 7 in there and almost no space behind that third row. Pathfinder would struggle a bit with the tractor though, specially at elevation but probably do able if you're not traveling the pass.

[bitchtits]

+1 03 excursion. turbo diesel for sure. can hold eight very spaciously and all the shit you want in the back. very well powered for towing and such but put some better tires on it for sure and you'll have one tough ass suv.

[DaHeel]

110 is a great offroad truck. They are now importing 83's and 84's (now outside the DOT 25 year rule) with 200TDI's. Defenders do NOT have the creature comforts of a modern SUV but they are tits when it comes to offroad performance.

[tigerstripe40]

Go Land Cruiser or Sequoia.

Rovers are good when they don't break.
But they break.

[DeathVan]

are you preparing for the armageddon or 2012?
then this is the option for you: converted dump truck RV
-saw this when getting off the ferry in Homer,
it made the DeathVan a little nervous

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae254/DeathVan/P6300179.jpg

[The Suit]

I don't see how your wife is going to be ok with driving a Suburban or Expedition if she's not into the Silverado? Something easier and capable would be something like the new generation Pathfinder but you'll only get 7 in there and almost no space behind that third row. Pathfinder would struggle a bit with the tractor though, specially at elevation but probably do able if you're not traveling the pass.Wife driving is a concern, but I think even a big Suburban will be easier to deal with than the Silverado. It's a bit shorter, and visibility is better, too (I have a camper shell).

I tow the tractor up & down a winding hill - I don't think a Pathfinder is up to it.

[YetiMan]

it's worth thinking about whether you want to spend uber money on something priced as a status symbol or spend less on the rig and a little extra on some worthwhile upgrades in tires, suspension, gears and lockers.

A bone-stock defender 110 may do better off road than a diesel excretion, but it's not doing better than a diesel excretion with 4" springs, air lockers, and 35" mud tires.

Plus when you're talking about off-road, you have to think about breaking stuff. It's always a consideration...so having a decent network of parts and dealers is a good thing for any rig you're going to use hard.

I'm sure you know all that. I guess that whole thing was a captain obvious post.

[scottyb]

http://www.pinzgauer.com/shpics.php?table=vehicles&idnum=114

http://www.swissarmyvehicles.com/

[Cono Este]

Best deal for off road is an 00-04 discovery. I had a one, and even with shit oem tires it was absolutely unstoppable. I never had any problems with it either. A geniune 4x4 and a steal these days.

I think the burban, z71 etc.. is a no brainer if you go new.

[flip]

If money really is no object, I reiterate sportsmobile:
http://sportsmobile.com/sections/4x4/sports-4x4/sports4x4_orange1a.jpg
http://sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html
Ford 1-ton chassis, 6.0 Diesel, seats 8+ and can handle Moab.

[The Suit]

I kind of want a Sportsmobile, but for me it fails on the daily driver and the periodic wife usage tasks.

Same with the Defender 110, Pinzgauer, and Unimog. G-Wagen is only 5 passenger.

I'm a little bit ashamed to admit it, but the Excursion is probably too truck-like, and I was thinking of a new vehicle. I need that iPod integration.

Both the Suburban/Tahoe and the LandCruiser seem like possibilities. The third row seat doesn't fold flat in either and has to be removed for maximum cargo space. What are they like with the seats folded but not removed?

So now I'm intrigued by the Mercedes GL350 diesel again. It's all diesel & shit, the third row (power!) folds flat, my 80" span one-piece toy plane wing will fit, and it's probably uber-cushy.

It appears to be more offroad capable than a typical crossover or Pilot style SUV, but I don't know how to quantify its offroad ability. There was an offroad package (2-speed transfer case, locking diff, extra high air suspension), but that may not be an option any more. So how do I figure out if I'm likely to break it or get stuck?

[Hugh Conway]

these vehicles sound "onroad" or "gravelroad" not "offroad".

a GL350 is a fucking mall cruiser

[YetiMan]

I gather you don't want to get into the ford/chevy thing.

either way, if you're talking about getting actually off-road, a live front axle is a good thing.

[MickeysEars]

What are some of you guys on... if it's not a Land Rover then it's not the best off road !!

[scottyb]

Just as an idea here is a picture of my modified TaHOE. Fits 5 adult comfortably and their gear. I do not trail ride hardcore but go off road for hunting, kayaking and skiing. It is able and willin'. It is also not a daily driver. You can not have an offroad machine and a daily driver.

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/3133/1526065912047070422S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1526065912047070422LQMkty)

[SterlingSpikeDancer]

Just a couple of additions to what has been said. I have hauled horses with an '87 Suburban, and smaller horse trailers and dump trailers with my '97 Tahoe. The suburban gives you a long enough wheelbase for hauling, while I feel like the Tahoe does not. I hate stopping things with the Tahoe, WAY too squirrely. As far as off road, I have taken both of those vehicles into plenty of tough (wet, dry, snowy, rocky) places and never had any trouble. The '87 Suburban became my dad's hunting rig and was the go to vehicle to "unstuck" Cummins and Powerstrokes that other people brought hunting and got stuck in snow/mud. I drive an '02 Duramax everyday for my work truck, and it is plenty comfortable, but you have the whole IFS thing if you are looking to haul a lot. The newer Suburbans may fit your criteria, and turn better (i.e. wife-handle better) for in town stuff too, but I don't have any experience with those...yet.

[The Suit]

I guess I need to be more clearer - I'm not looking for serious offroad capability, just enough so I won't break or get stuck on the sandy/rutted/rocky two-tracks that I end up driving on for a couple of miles at most. No Rubicons for me.

I'm sure a stock Suburban or Tahoe will get the job done, but this vehicle is going to be a compromise, so I'm still wondering how far down the "fucking mall cruiser" scale I can go.

I don't know shit about offroad driving. So what are the important factors and why?

- ride height
- skid plates/underbody protection
- low range
- differentials
- tires
- suspension type
- other?

[Tye 1on]

Given that serious off-road isn't your goal, i'd go with the Benz. Not that i've ever driven one, of course.

edit: scratch that. Just remembered nearest dealer is in SLC? Pocatello? That would be a pain...

[LightRanger]

Suit,

As yeti-man mentioned, having a solid front axle does a lot for keeping your front tires in contact with the ground. Most important if you're crawling through substantial rocks. But, in my experience, IFS (and a long wheelbase) makes washboards more comfortable. Tradeoff.

[SterlingSpikeDancer]

But, in my experience, IFS (and a long wheelbase) makes washboards more comfortable. Tradeoff.

I would wholeheartedly agree. It sounds like you off-road like I do. I have had some crawling experience (minor, to be sure) while I lived in Reno and growing up on the front range. I have never been serious enough, or done enough of it to have problems with IFS. BUT, I do have enough road miles on both the Tahoe (195k and counting...) and my Duramax (155k) to appreciate how much smoother of a ride it gives you for hauling. I think, as far as off-road goes, capable is as capable does. It's all well and good to have the unimog (and pretty badass), but if you don't have the experience, you will eventually get it buried/stuck somewhere.

Go with a Suburban, sounds like a fit for your needs. Smoothest ride of any of the vehicles listed, biggest capacity, and fits your towing/offroad needs.

Or the unimog, if you really want to be hard corps!

-oh, and why pay the extra $$ to buy a diesel up front? Are you really hauling that many miles to justify it? What if diesel hits $5/gallon again this summer? Do you have the need for the extra torque, aside from bragging rights? Just throwing that stuff out there. Happy shopping and test driving.

[The Suit]

-oh, and why pay the extra $$ to buy a diesel up front? Are you really hauling that many miles to justify it? What if diesel hits $5/gallon again this summer? Do you have the need for the extra torque, aside from bragging rights? Just throwing that stuff out there. Happy shopping and test driving.I am going to save the planet through superior fuel efficiency.

[SterlingSpikeDancer]

Sweet. Way to think green! Plus, you could always brew your own bio diesel! Happy shopping, let us know what you end up with.

[puhisurfer]

Pathfinder? 4Runner?

I know only 7 passenger, but these seem to fit the bill for on-road/off-road ratio yer looking for?

[Tye 1on]

I am going to save the planet through superior fuel efficiency.

Not to mention diesel's run longer with less maintenance. Particularly the MB's, but the minor and regular service would be a pain. Now, if brad wolf gets an MB store in jackson...

[Sinfield]

What about the jeep commander? I don't know shit about them, except that they have a 3rd row, and I assume they are still rubicon proven like most of Jeeps other vehicles. Will be a little smaller than a burb or excursion too...

[whyturn]

Benz has same reliability as giving a crack head $20 and sending em for groceries
us diesal ( cummins turbo) is rock solid
now if Fuji heavy could build a diesal 7 seater that would be money

[The Suit]

I'm like, indecisive, or something.

So I've decided I can forgo the tractor towing mission. I'm over the whole Mercedes mall cruiser thing. Land Cruiser seems like a lot of money for something with no more interior space than a 4Runner. Suburban is too big.

Looking for some more feedback:

Sequoia vs. Tahoe?

Off road ability of 4Runner Trail vs. 4Runner Limited?

Off road ability of 4Runner vs. Sequoia?

[Caucasian Asian]

In that size range i've always liked the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. And now with the availability of the 3.0L diesel...I like it a lot more.

I can't comment on the Toyotas, I only know aboot the older models. And that their dash was a bitch to take apart just like every other Toyota.


This is not the information you are looking for. Carry on.

[Hugh Conway]

Canepa Designs sport package for the Tahoe

Or save the money and buy one of the other things he has for sale ;)

[Man Jerk]

Landcruiser. Can't beat a truck built for the "World market" instead of whiny bitchy fucking suburban moms.

But, to address your questions..


I don't know shit about offroad driving. So what are the important factors and why?

- ride height
- skid plates/underbody protection
- low range
- differentials
- tires
- suspension type
- other?

Ride Height should not really be a factor for what you plan on using it for.

Skid Plates. Most 4wd's will come with some kind of underbody protection. Most of the stock ones aren't much thicker than what you drink beer out of. If you are just running rutted 2-tracks than you shouldn't have much trouble. If you are really concerned about armor, you will be buying it aftermarket.

-Low range. Very important for off road use. Low range gives you way more control off road.

-Differentials. If you upgrade tire size much you will have to change the gears in the differentials. You can find landcruisers with electric lockers. A locker is a traction aiding device. Similar to a "Posi" but more so. Stock differentials will send all of the power to the wheel with the least amount of traction. If you are in a position with a wheel in the air, all power will be sent to that wheel which means you go nowhere. A locker will tie both wheels together. The landcruiser locking diffs, or a ARB "Air-Locker" can be turned on for off road, or off for on road.

-Tires. A good All terrain will be sufficient. But you need at least an All Terrain Tire. 32" is a good size. I like BFG AT's. There is nothing worse than finding someone off road with street tires.

-Suspension type. Independant Front Suspension vs Solid Axle. This really doesn't come into play much for easy off road stuff. On road you will prefer the IFS. If you get into difficult type off road trails a solid axle will be your friend.

[sidewall]

Jeep GC diesel ftw.

[SpinalTap]

Duraburb Tahoe.

Chevy Tahoe with a duramax diesel.

Something like this:
8yVrko9PhqU

[whyturn]

new sequioa in 2011 has 4.5l tt diesal from ausie lancruiser 22 mpg

[acinpdx]

i saw one like this:
http://image.trucktrend.com/f/modified-vehicles/big-families-demand-bigggger-trucks/9419855/ford-pickup-with-6-doors-open-rear-view.jpg

not easy to park, but it seats a ton and still gives you a bed

[Pow4Brains]

Toyota’s 4-wheel drive system is arguably the best electronic 4-wheel drive system out there right now and their reliability speaks for itself. Not to mention the 5.7 liter you can get in the Sequoia if you got the funds. They MOVE.

[thecriscokid]

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=24109&d=1229794081


Hard to beat a 70 series troopcarrier
I don't know where you are or your budget.
A few are popping up un craigslist these days, mostly 1985's
11 passenger? Deisel, Solid.

[Man Jerk]

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=24109&d=1229794081


Hard to beat a 70 series troopcarrier
I don't know where you are or your budget.
A few are popping up un craigslist these days, mostly 1985's
11 passenger? Deisel, Solid.

So very, very, very cool, and unavailable in the US.

In very rare cases it is possible to import one into the US. I personally know someone who has owned more than one BJ70 (2 door hardtop, successor to the FJ40) and an FJZ75 series pickup (ex potash mine truck from Canada). The pickup was going to be registered as an off road vehicle, but the MN DMV fucked up and sent them a US title.

[ayaws]

I drive an '05 GMC Yukon which has been pretty good offroad. In fact, the only time I've ever gotten it stuck was when I high-centered it. Fortunately a guy in a big-ass red dodge truck was there to pull me out.

Locking rear diff (G80 so take that as you will) and stabilitrak to keep the fronts from spinning out of control (in 4 high) and a real low range has kept me happy. It has 72K and just got a new set of bearings in the front diff (both pinion and carriers) since the pinion was starting to growl. It only needed the pinion bearings but since the vast majority of the $800 repair was labor to get to said bearings, I didn't think it was worth it to cheap out on the other $75 in parts to replace them all.

First thing to do is to pull the damned very-low plastic thing off the front bumper -- then it's rated at 10.6" of clearance (assuming you have no running boards -- which I do.) It's been reliable and comfortable and with the 4.10 gears is rated to tow 8K#. Turns better than the wife's volvo too.

As much as I've beaten the shit out of it, I'm very happy with it. Heated leather is nice and the ability to fold down the back seats and use it for camping is awesome.

[Beyond]

Sequoia vs. Tahoe? Sequoia, hands down. Have driven both (Sequoia a lot), have friends who own each. Sequoia more reliable, handles better on road or off, feels like more structural integrity after the miles pile up, far less issues with rust.


Off road ability of 4Runner Trail vs. 4Runner Limited? I own an elderly 4Runner that predates either, have driven both of these. Trail, no-brainer. You're paying for trim in the Ltd., not capability. Otherwise identical.


Off road ability of 4Runner vs. Sequoia? 4Runner; Sequoia is heavier, not as nimble. Look at it this way: 4-Runner started as enclosed Tacoma, then went more to car chassis, but still nicely solid. Sequoia is an enclosed Tundra with car-like suspension etc.

Put another way, women are the majority buyers of large SUV's. They don't buy them to go off road. They buy them to haul the kids to soccer practice and feel powerful and safe doing it. (In fact, the commonly quoted stat is that 95% of all SUV's never leave pavement. Since 1/4 of all Americans drive SUV's now, I believe it.) The Sequoia is targeted to that audience. If you want a large Toyota for serious shit, get a Tundra.

At the end of the day, suggest you pin down your priorities. If you want space and comfort for paved and graded/washboard/snow, Sequoia. If you want nearly as good on paved, but significantly better on graded through real off-road, plus snow, 4Runner hands down.

If you want emphasis on true off-road, neither. Get a Wrangler with rise and serious wheels, and set aside $ for trips to the repair shop.

If this is really about how you want to think about yourself, get the giant Benz or the Range Rover, have them repainted in camo, and be done with it...

[The Suit]

Finally ready to go buy a Sequoia and I have one remaining question. It looks like they either come with 18" wheels and 275/65 tires or 20" wheels and 275/55 tires. The fancier, make wife happy trim is likely to come with 20" wheels and the thus the lower profile tires.

How much of a difference does the extra sidewall make when bumping around on a rough two-track?

[frozenwater]

20 inch wheels were not made to go off road. Going down a gravel drive for a while is not off road though - so pavement to your house should be fine. BUT you try to take that down a graded dirt road to get to a trailhead and you are going to be cussing. Also - I don't think I have ever seen an off road tire for a 20 inch rim.

The other problem is those 20 inch tires are probably designed to be right next to your wheel well, not a lot of room for any kind of axle articulation if you get very bumpy.

[khakis]

get the fancy trim, sell the twenties and tires and pick out some nice American Racing or Mickey Thompson 17s and wrap them with BFG All-Terrains. Stock tires suck

edit: or goodyear wrangler silentarmors

[MakersTeleMark]

I don't think I have ever seen an off road tire for a 20 inch rim.

Although he'll never get permission to run them, there are a bunch of burly options in 11.00 R20.

[DoWork]

Also - I don't think I have ever seen an off road tire for a 20 inch rim.


A good friend of mine has 26" wheels with Nitto 37" terra grapplers (I think that's the name of the tire) on his super lifted 4 door wrangler.

The sky is the limit, I know Tony Hawk has wheels 1" bigger on his Jeep.

[jmars]

^^^ I would like to see that set up b/c it sounds f-ing retarded for an off road rig. All that rolling weight coupled with the weight of a 37" tire seems like a drive train that will explode. Tell me he wheels with a wheel that large......My buddy is running 18's with 37's on a 4.5inch long arm AEV lift w/ the AEV highline body kit.

The LandCruise FJ80 or 100 would be the best choice......still

[Caucasian Asian]

My friend had 20s and 35s on her Heep.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v252/89/70/662050701/n662050701_2936545_2667.jpg

Better stance, but I would be afraid of breaking those rims.

[MakersTeleMark]

Some tire options for you in the Michelin XZL:

335 80R20 XZL F 40.7 13.3 *Nice wide tire for size
11R20 XZL F 43.0 11.8 *Perfect if you can't clear 44s
365 80R20 XZL L 43.1 14.6 *Wider version of 11R20
365 85R20 XZL J 45.0 14.5 *Nice larger tire
395 85R20 XZL J 46.8 15.3 *Massive Tire
14R20 XZL J 49.5 15.1 *Massive tire
16R20 XZL M 52.9 17.2 *Just huge...

[Pow4Brains]

20 inch wheels were not made to go off road.

Not really true. If anything the suspension just gets worked a little more cuz you don't have the cushion. They are made to handle it.


Although he'll never get permission to run them, there are a bunch of burly options in 11.00 R20.

What he said.

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/attachments/sequoia/43617d1247321135-wheels-sequoia441.jpg

[jmars]

20's can probably handle the dirt trail but on a real "rig" you want the most rubber so you can air down. 20's on a wrangler are dumb......if its a mall cruiser then yeah it will be great for going over curbs.

[steved]

..........but won't get stuck climbing or descending sandy hills, and won't break on moderately rocky two-tracks.

This is ALL determined by the mods...tires/wheels/suspension/lockers/gearing..add-ons...tranny-cooler, additional-cooler(have I seen..y/n?)...etc.
Gets the brain spinning I know, but most manuf's make-em stock...for the highway..imho.