New Tires...can I use my tubes?

[chicklin]

I scored a set of 5 BFG Mud Terrains 285/75R/16 which should fit fine, based on what I've read. What I'm not positive on is whether my existing tubes and flaps will work. The stock tires are on there which are about 34" tall and the BFG's are about 33" but probably a little wider, so I'm thinking they will fit. Anybody have any idea about these? Thanks.

[Barrman]

Look at the tubes you have inside the NDT's. They will say Bias only or not for radial tires or something like that. Radial and bias ply tubes are different. The bfg's are radials and need different tubes.

The flaps will work fine for you however.

[chicklin]

Thanks for the tube info. Also, the BFG website says they go on 7.5" - 9" rims, but the M715 rims are 6.5". However, I think I've read guys running them here. Will there be any problems?

[Barrman]

They will work on the M715 rims. However, remember that the tire has to be compressed to make the rim go together and come apart. Old, non flexible tires a few years from now might be a real pain to pull apart.

[chicklin]

Would these be any less flexible than the 40-year-old NDT's that are on there now?

[Barrman]

No, but being 3-1/2" wider it will be tougher than the NDT's to push down.

[chicklin]

Ah, I see. Well, fortunately, the local Goodyear place is willing to do it.

On another note, you mentioned the extra 3 1/2 inches, are these going to look like marshmallows on the stock wheels? A little bit of bulge is okay, but I'm not really into the super-fat swamper-looking tires. The BFG site says the section width is 11.3 on 8" rim width. What do you think?

[kwai]

The tubes need to be radial tubes. If they are old, I would replace them anyway.

[kwai]

Those tires will look kinda small on the m715.

[chicklin]

Those tires will look kinda small on the m715.

They are about the same height as the stock 9.00 x 16's aren't they? These are just over 33 and the stock tires should be about 34. My stock tires looked fine as far as size and they were 40 years old. I wouldn't be surprised if these were actually taller. We'll see, I'll post some before and after pics.