Quest to fit 25" Vamps on Hustler

[Roger S]

I'd guess 2 psi is more than you'll like with that big a tire and that light a machine. Maybe Matt has an idea as he's run vampires. I'd be thinking + or - 1 psi as a guess.. but like Dan says watch the sidewall clearance, and Mudbug says his won't swim unless he airs them to 5

[Meinfield]

Looking good! That thing will be unstoppable. Probably pull your truck out if it gets stuck...

[boncrshr]

Thanks Meinfeld,

Pulling my truck out is a very real possibility....they sold it as a 2 wheel drive Cherokee...but it is actually 1 wheel drive (several good stories here). But that was my plan, have a 2 wheel drive SUV for the street (I drive a lot), with a capable ATV....the only thing I did not consider was that to get my trailered, capable ATV to the outdoors, there is rarely paved parking. I've been kicking around looking for a 4x4 Cherokee.

Hey Roger,

Yeah, I am really light right now...It will be interesting once I get the motor and trans in, plus, putting the top on and side supports on will raise the lower body some. BTW, I did talk with Matt and he runs about 1-2 psi on his Vamps and said they will swim at this psi. Also, I really like the rims...it was funny watching those Discount guys trying to seat the tires!

Hey MightyMax,

Not too worried about the sides...I have plenty of room. I unknowingly made a good choice with my inner bearings. I went with a different type that is stronger and they moved my axles out about 1.25" over stock. Figured I would ask you...do Vamps swim with V facing forward, or do you have to reverse them to swim?

[mudbug3]

[quote=Roger S ] Mudbug says his won't swim unless he airs them to 5


Roger ,

I usually run my tires at 3 psi when I ride by myself . This gives me sufficent buoyancy for water speed , if I want to cross a small river or bayou , that may have a slight current . If I have two adults , or even one very large adult in the rear of my Max IV , I run 5 psi in all of my tires . At 3 psi , with a large adult in the rear seat of my Max IV , the tires sink too low in the water , and I have hardly any water speed . This can be a big problem if I want to cross water with even a slight current .

[boncrshr]

Good info Mudbug,

I can see what you are saying without even driving the tires...the Vamps are SOFT, they must use a really tough rubber to be that pliable, yet durable. I am pretty excited, potentially, these could be some really nice riding tires on top of their capabilities.

[mightymaxIV]

Originally Posted by boncrshr

Thanks Meinfeld,

Pulling my truck out is a very real possibility....they sold it as a 2 wheel drive Cherokee...but it is actually 1 wheel drive (several good stories here). But that was my plan, have a 2 wheel drive SUV for the street (I drive a lot), with a capable ATV....the only thing I did not consider was that to get my trailered, capable ATV to the outdoors, there is rarely paved parking. I've been kicking around looking for a 4x4 Cherokee.

Hey Roger,

Yeah, I am really light right now...It will be interesting once I get the motor and trans in, plus, putting the top on and side supports on will raise the lower body some. BTW, I did talk with Matt and he runs about 1-2 psi on his Vamps and said they will swim at this psi. Also, I really like the rims...it was funny watching those Discount guys trying to seat the tires!

Hey MightyMax,

Not too worried about the sides...I have plenty of room. I unknowingly made a good choice with my inner bearings. I went with a different type that is stronger and they moved my axles out about 1.25" over stock. Figured I would ask you...do Vamps swim with V facing forward, or do you have to reverse them to swim?

That is really cool that you wound up with so much inside space!!!Vampires will swim forward or backward, control is the issue. If you have all the V's facing forward it will be difficult to turn in water. One forward backward forward will give you more control for turning in the water although I must say it will not turn as well as regular AATV tires. Hope this helps. Congradulations on your new tires! You should be unstoppable now!

[boncrshr]

I took the Hustler out on a short ride today. The Vampires did not rub anywhere and rode really good and soft. Softer than the 22" Rawhides and much softer than the Kenda's. Top speed seemed better with the taller tires. They are harder to turn however. I couldn't find any mud, so those are about my only perceptions.

The red clutch spring really seemed to wake the Hustler up...it really launched with authority. Chain adjusters were good too, no chain slap and they stayed tight.

[hdble]

Hey, glad to hear all is working well.
I would hate to think that you "hammered" your hand for nothing.
Let us know how they work in the mud. I have run Interco tires on my jeep before, tough tire, very durable. You should be very happy with them from that standpoint,hope they swim well for you.

[boncrshr]

Thanks HD,

The hand is better...the funny thing is that I now handle hammers with as much respect as firearms! I'm pretty excited about the tires, they are all business though. Doing the whole skid steer donut thing is a thing of the past, they really seem to grip.

The other thing I was thinking today is that anytime you completely take your machine apart, new Gremlins always show up. I adjusted the bands on the bench, but they weren't perfect, the belt that I bought is a little loose, and I have oil leaking from somewhere?? Minor stuff though.....

However; the most exciting thing we did today was to cut about 2.5 feet off of the ramp of my trailer, so that it is a little lower than the front of the Hustler, no more parachute effect. A buddy let us use his plasma cutter...very nice!

[hdble]

Plasma cutters are cool toys, makes you want to just keep cutting things.
Once the gremlins are worked out, lookout fun here we come. nice reliable toys are great.