Tires for my Hustler

[ColoradoDave]

I am rebuilding a 950 Husler and need some new tires and wheels. I have heard that the Swamper Vampires are good but they do not have any for an 8 inch wheel. The ITP mudlites come in a 22-11-8 size but I have been told that 6 ply tires are too stiff to have a good ride. I am in northern Colorado and there are alot of rocks on the trails. Does anyone have any sugestions on what tires and rims I should get? Also does anyone make 9 inch wheels with bead locks?

[jpswift1]

You could run a 25x13x9 Super Swamper Vampire like 6x6World member boncrshr did and make your Hustler an extremely capable machine. A 25x12x9 Goodyear Rawhide III is another option, but it wouldn't be as capable in the mud as the Vampire would.....and these Goodyears are getting harder and harder to find. If you wanted to stick with the stock 8" wheel you could go with a 22x11x8" Goodyear Rawhide III, or for even better mud performance in the 22x12.5x8" size, the Super Swamper TSL ATV tire.

S.S. TSL /ATVTITLE | Interco Tire

TSL VampiresTITLE | Interco Tire

I don't remember the link for the place that sold the Rawhide III cheap, but it was some tire place in the Mid-West. Maybe someone can post it up.

If you are looking for some 9" bead lock wheels you would want to contact 6x6World member Matt O. since he is the one who sells them. Good luck with the tire search.

[ColoradoDave]

Thanks for the information. I have seen several web sites that say Goodyear is not making ATV tires anymore. Will the 25" diameter tires fit on the smaller Hustlers?

[boncrshr]

Hey Colorado,

I have 25" Vampires on my 950...I have had some rubbing issues in the front. But would not trade those tires for anything...I think it was because I overinflated them.

EDIT: I love the 25's due to the dramatically increased ride quality, on the downside, they did rob a lot of power. I went from a 30 tooth drive sprocket to a 40 tooth and it brough the pulling power back to where it needed to be. Also, I have the MattO rims and they have been great.

[ColoradoDave]

What size engine do you have in your Hustler? I am going to put a 25 hp Kohler in mine.

If my sprocket is worn out I could put on a 40 tooth.

There are a lot of rocks on the trails up here in northern colorado. I dont think I will be doing any swiming in the mountains. Some of the trails go from 6,000 ft to 9,000 ft and have a lot of rocks. Are the Vampire tires good on rocky trails? Some side wall tread might be good.

[boncrshr]

Hey Colorado,

I have a 20HP Honda. With a 25 it will be interesting to see how it does with the stock gearing??

As far as rocks, 6x6world member DerekF just put vamps on his Argo and uses it in rocky terrain, check out some of his posts. He said they were good and durable.

Since I am on the gulf coast of Texas I can tell you about mud and sand...