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So, I bought this old Mudpuppy / Multimobile a couple years back, and I have been rebuilding it from the ground up with some modifications. I only need a few parts before I start assembling it, which I hope to do over the winter.
I am ready to buy tires, wheels and hubs. Trouble is, the original tires were 20" and there are only 22" between the axles, so options are very limited.
This 6x6 is very lightweight and has relatively weak axles. I think it only weighed about 335lbs. when new. It will be somewhat heavier now, and I don't want to add heavy 4 ply tires if I can help it. Soft tires would reduce impact on the axles and give a better ride, and less traction would be easier on the drive train. I do want it to swim, but not at any cost. This will be for puttsing around with my young kids, not heavy duty use.
My main concerns, in no particular order:
Lightweight, because it is not a powerful or heavy duty machine.
Soft for a better ride and to reduce shock on the puny 3/4" axles.
Cost. I will not pay Argo tire prices for this old tub.
Appearance.
Swim ability.
Also, I plan to use 4-4 hubs because I can't find any 5-4.5 hubs to fit the 3/4" axles, and I don't want to make them. So whatever tire I use, it has to be compatible with a wheel that I can get with 4-4 bolt pattern.
I really wanted to use Maxxis m910 tires, but can't get the size I need. Then I thought I could use Caribou CS15, but same problem. Carlisle AT101 21x11-8 might fit, but they are a little heavier / stiffer and I think they would be a rough ride.
I know most people here don't care too much for these old pieces of junk, but I like them. And I also know I could just go buy an Argo and forgo the hard work and expense, but it is a labor of love and opportunity to use my skills fixing things. I also have a Kadoo II I plan to do after this.
Any helpful suggestions about the tires would be appreciated.
I am ready to buy tires, wheels and hubs. Trouble is, the original tires were 20" and there are only 22" between the axles, so options are very limited.
This 6x6 is very lightweight and has relatively weak axles. I think it only weighed about 335lbs. when new. It will be somewhat heavier now, and I don't want to add heavy 4 ply tires if I can help it. Soft tires would reduce impact on the axles and give a better ride, and less traction would be easier on the drive train. I do want it to swim, but not at any cost. This will be for puttsing around with my young kids, not heavy duty use.
My main concerns, in no particular order:
Lightweight, because it is not a powerful or heavy duty machine.
Soft for a better ride and to reduce shock on the puny 3/4" axles.
Cost. I will not pay Argo tire prices for this old tub.
Appearance.
Swim ability.
Also, I plan to use 4-4 hubs because I can't find any 5-4.5 hubs to fit the 3/4" axles, and I don't want to make them. So whatever tire I use, it has to be compatible with a wheel that I can get with 4-4 bolt pattern.
I really wanted to use Maxxis m910 tires, but can't get the size I need. Then I thought I could use Caribou CS15, but same problem. Carlisle AT101 21x11-8 might fit, but they are a little heavier / stiffer and I think they would be a rough ride.
I know most people here don't care too much for these old pieces of junk, but I like them. And I also know I could just go buy an Argo and forgo the hard work and expense, but it is a labor of love and opportunity to use my skills fixing things. I also have a Kadoo II I plan to do after this.
Any helpful suggestions about the tires would be appreciated.
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