Quest to fit 25" Vamps on Hustler

[boncrshr]

Ok, finally have everything ready to start putting things in place. I pulled the trigger on some MattO rims, which I must say look nice, were priced well, and arrived promptly, Thanks Matt. Then I picked up six 25x13-9 blemished Vampires directly from Interco for 49.00 each...what the heck, they're gonna get muddy anyways.

The tires themselves are very soft, much more so than the Kenda Bearclaws. Unmounted height is 22.5", width is 13".

Here are some pics compared to a 22x11-8 Kenda Bearclaw. I will post up some more pics as I progress.

Vampires pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

[jpswift1]

Those tires look super aggressive! I bet they'll be perfect for those swamps and showing up the 4 wheelers down at Morengo! If you run them at 1 psi and they don't grow too much when you mount them on the Matt-O rims, I'd say that they should just clear the fenderwells. Those new shoes are really going to look great on your Hustler!

[Mike]

Those look like they could break something

[boncrshr]

As long as it's not my hand......

[chrisivins]

What are mat o rims?

[Roger S]

They are aftermarket wheels made by forum member Matt Oxender, 9" dia x 10" wide, identical dimensions to the argo wheel on bigfoots and avengers, except superior in that the tires don't fall off the bead if you run low psi

[boncrshr]

Well, I got all of my axles back in and threw the Vampires on to see how they fit...pretty tight. However, my motor and trans are out, so maybe the weight will flatten them out some? Prolly gonna need spacers...anyways, I added some pics to the webshots gallery.

Vampires pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

[jpswift1]

WOW!!! Those are the most aggressive, bad A$$ tires I have ever seen on a standard body Hustler! You'll be able to drive through any kind of swamp, mud, or sink hole for that matter. How close are they to the body and what part do you think they might rub on? How many pounds of air are you running in them? Also, before you try the wheel spacers, you might want to try to heat up the body and pull the fenderwells up a little. Looks great!

[boncrshr]

Thanks JP! I'm worried about the front and back where the body kinda curves down. I have about 2 psi in them right now. How pliable does the HDPE become when you heat it? Do you think having the motor and trans in will compress them some? I have plenty of room on the sides...it's vertically I am worried about.

[mightymaxIV]

Thanks JP! I'm worried about the front and back where the body kinda curves down. I have about 2 psi in them right now. How pliable does the HDPE become when you heat it? Do you think having the motor and trans in will compress them some? I have plenty of room on the sides...it's vertically I am worried about.

Vampires run at low PSI like to flex, they have very soft sidewalls and you have to be carefull of contacting the inside of your tub when you skid steer.

[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.