Airing down ... 18's or 19's for sand ?
 

In the summer I do like to be able to run out on the beach while I am in the Outer Banks of NC. For all my previous vehicles, I typically run an A/T tire which I air down to between 12 and 15 psi.

My 03 4.4i Sport came with the staggered set up and I now have some Pirelli Scorpion Snow and Ice 255/55/18's on 8.5 x 18's.

I would like to try the X on the sand this summer and I know footprint and floatation are what matter which is the 6 million dollar question. I would feel more comfortable airing down the 255/55/18's than the monster 285/45/19's as I probably have a very stiff sidewall on the 19's (Diamaris) but in fact, the un-aired down 285/45/19's may offer a bigger footprint than the 255/18/55's when aired down.

Then add in the fact that the 18's have a very agressive block pattern ...

Any suggestions ? My gut is air down the 18's.

David

Ummm no matter what, you don't run winter tires in the summer, the compound is not made for it.

Thanks.

If that was the case, I would just use put them on for the weekend in the Outer Banks .... I am sure I can stay under 65 mph for a few hours and keep the heat out of them... after all, they are H (255/55 HR18 ) rated so in theory I could do 130 mph (I have no intention of proving this point) which means 70 mph would give me a very comfortable margin.

David

I think wahat Brit is concerned with is the rubber compound, not the speed rating. Winter compounds get very soft above 50 degrees and get almost too flexible to be effective (especially on wet conditions). The drive to and from the beach will wear the tires more than several weeks of winter driving. Give yourself extra distance to stop and don't be surprised if the tires are much less responsive to steering input at higer speeds on pavement.

Exactly.....

The clarification above makes your point much more understandable.