|
econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| Toughening up a 2011 G550
Good afternoon,
I am seeking to toughen up my 2011 G550 with some larger tires and could really use some wisdom here. First I will set forth the questions and then provide some background info. I would sincerely appreciate any guidance you are willing to provide. Just let me know if there are past threads I missed on all of this.
Questions
1. What is the largest size tire I can install without any suspension modifications?
2. What size tire would you recommend?
3. Which tire would you recommend?
4. Is there a spare tire mount available so that the outside of the wheel faces out?
5. Are there related modifications you would suggest?
Current setup (OEM)
2011 Mercedes G550
Wheels: 18 x 7.5
Tires: 265/60R18 (30.5in x 10.4in)
Purpose: This is my daily driver and I like to use it for trail adventures. My off-roading is not gnarly, but I would like to have more confidence that I will make it through cleanly. I am wanting to toughen up the rig. Also, I tend to think that larger tires will improve aesthetics, even considering that this will still be a country club ride. I am in San Diego, so terrain varies from rock to mud to sand to hard pack.
Tires I am considering:
285/75R18 (35.1in x 11.3in) -- GY Wrangler MT/R Kevlar
285/70R18 (33.7in x 11.5in) -- BFG Mud Terrain
275/70R18 (33.4in x 11.0in) -- MT Baja MTZ
275/70R18 (33.2in x 11.0in) -- GY Wrangler DuraTrac
285/65R18 (32.7in x 11.5in) -- BFG All Terrain
275/65R18 (32.3in x 10.9in) -- DC Radial F-C II
Others?
Spare tire issue: The OEM spare tire mount has the front of the wheel facing the cargo door. This is fine as is because of the fancy spare tire cover. However, the cover is not going to fit with larger tires, so I would like to figure out an alternative that looks sharp. I am thinking of a bare spare tire that faces out, but do not know where to get a mount/kit to do so. Suggestions?
Additional considerations: I want to do this right and am open to making other modifications as necessary. For example, I am open to putting slightly taller springs on if that is necessary. However, I could really benefit from specific suggestions as my local off-road shop is of no help whatsoever.
Thanks again! |
|
| |
|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
econryan - 1/27/2013 4:06 PM
Spare tire issue: The OEM spare tire mount has the front of the wheel facing the cargo door. This is fine as is because of the fancy spare tire cover. However, the cover is not going to fit with larger tires, so I would like to figure out an alternative that looks sharp. I am thinking of a bare spare tire that faces out, but do not know where to get a mount/kit to do so. Suggestions?
Thanks again!
Here's your best option:
http://www.g-wagenaccessories.com/products/wheelcover.htm |
|
| |
|
econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
That wheel cover looks great! And paintable too.
I noticed they have some sharp looking rock sliders too. Any experience with these? Recommended?
Thank you!
|
|
| |
|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
econryan - 1/27/2013 4:31 PM
That wheel cover looks great! And paintable too.
I noticed they have some sharp looking rock sliders too. Any experience with these? Recommended?
Thank you!
Karl (fernweh on this forum) has a lot of interesting and very good things. |
|
| |
|
Redbull Addict
Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Morgan Hill, California USA
Vehicle(s): '12 G550
Posts: 171
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I have both the spare tire cover and the rocker guards from Karl. I can definitely recommend both items. I keep my recovery gear inside the spare tire cover. For the rocker guards, they can be used with your running boards so you can keep your running boards since its your daily driver and then just undo 5 or 6 nuts and your running boards are off. Normally it's not that easy to take off the running boards. |
|
| |
|
drey
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Sep 2012
Location: Scottsdale AZ
Vehicle(s): 04 G500
Posts: 364
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Dyno comp sells a replacement mount that flips the tire around if that's what you are looking for
http://dyno-comp.com/details.php?browse_make=Mercedes&model=67&type...
|
|
| |
|
econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
This is very helpful info. Much appreciated. It looks like I have two good spare tire options, which is great.
Any thoughts on max tire size without suspension modifications? I recognize there are some clearly differing opinions on optimal tire size, yet I welcome input.
Thanks!
|
|
| |
|
Redbull Addict
Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Morgan Hill, California USA
Vehicle(s): '12 G550
Posts: 171
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I only have first hand experience with two of the tires listed on your list. The BFG AT and the BFG MT. Based on your description of your needs the BFG AT would be my recommendation. I have the same tire in the same size. It's a really good compromise with a proven track record. They also last a long time. I ended up getting a E load rated version but if I made the purchase again, I would get the D rated instead. The E rating is just overkill and the wheel/tire combo is extremely heavy and it affects the ride quality.
Some of the other tires you list are newer designs and may be better, I just dont have any personal experience with them. |
|
| |
|
Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I'm running 275/70-18 (33.4") Goodyear Duratracs and I believe a number of others are as well. Currently, I am not aware of any new "modifications" Mercedes has made that would restrict you from running this size. I've been very happy with them but keep in mind that your vehicle will handle differently than its current set-up. Right now I am examining new shock options to limit body roll. Since you have a newer car, your shocks may not be an issue. My vehicle came to me with 34k miles on it, but is also 12+ y/o and the shocks are at the end of their life. If you would like to see what they look like, go to the G-Class photo forum and I posted a photo of them. I think Drey may also be running this tire combo.
Forgot to note, I believe you may have to do a lot of "surgery" on the wheel wells of your truck to run 35" tires. Over the years it has become progressively more time intensive to fit 35" tires. You should ask yourself how far you want to go to get that much tire in your wheel well and whether it is critical to your off-road adventures.
Edited by Adoni 1/28/2013 12:45 PM
|
|
| |
|
econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Many thanks for the input. It is really helpful to hear what you are running and actually see what it looks like in the photos.
A couple of follow on questions...
Adoni, in what ways did the handling change? Rougher ride? Greater roll? Worth the compromise?
Has anyone tried the 30mm spring spacers from http://www.g-wagenaccessories.com/products/springspacer.htm ? Would it be fair to say that these would only be necessary for 35" tires?
I am trying to balance reality/practicality with a desire for some serious capability. An issue I suppose I have to battle within.
Thanks again!
|
|
| |
|
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
econryan - 1/28/2013 6:16 PM
I am trying to balance reality/practicality with a desire for some serious capability. An issue I suppose I have to battle within.
Thanks again!
You would be surprised at just how serious is the capability of your stock truck. |
|
| |
|
Redbull Addict
Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Morgan Hill, California USA
Vehicle(s): '12 G550
Posts: 171
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I agree with Dutch. You can take your stock 550 and do anything in Death Valley, John Bull, Strawberry Pass, Mohave rd or Anza Borrego without any modifications or changes to tires. Come to think of it, With the exception of 4 or 5 trails in California, the stock G can handle it all the rest. |
|
| |
|
econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I hear you. I have been supremely impressed with my G as is. Yet the battle within wants more confidence that I am not going to destroy a tire or wheel during my fun. Now that my stock tires are wearing low it seems like a good time to upgrade. Or perhaps it is just a thinly veiled excuse...
|
|
| |
|
Brent
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SW Colorado USA
Vehicle(s): '13 Wolfsburg GTI
Posts: 1754
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I would run Karls spacers without even thinking twice. Your other easy option is stiffer springs that raise the truck. I have had several sets of springs on the 463. I ran ORC blue springs for several years. I bought custom wound taller springs in a softer rate and those where the BEST of all that I tried.
That said, the spacers and a 275/70-18 Duratrac would be my set-up. You get to keep the decent ride and get the lift, stiff springs, in my experience, ruin the ride. With just 1.5-2" of lift and a 33" tire the truck is nearly unstoppable.
To get 35's is a bit more work. You will need more lift, or in some members opinion, cut the fender openings larger. So, when you get the 3+ inches of lift you need, can you find longer brake lines? Are the electrical lines for abs and stability control still long enough. Are you ready to source shocks because this much lift on a 463 is very rare. I had a swb 460 on 35's, it was awesome. At the same time, I took the lwb 463 on 33's more places. The 35's just are not worth it on a G IMO.
Just a small lift, and modest tires will make it look the part.  |
|
| |
|
Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Econryan,
I have noticed a fair bit more body roll with my taller tires and certain maneuvers instinctively motivate me to decrease speed below that which I would operate my 280GE with 32" tires or my ML500 with 32" tires. Much of this I believe can be attributed to suspension set-up. The suspension in my 280GE is far "tighter" than the G500. I understand the G500 can be tightened up as they were delivered in a manner to be pliant for the BH crowd. Currently I am working on the best way to tighten up the suspension on my G500 without losing my fillings. As a note, I am running a 10mm spacer on my G500 and only get a tiny bit of rub in full reverse one direction on the pitman arm. That said, my wheels have et63 offset whereas yours have et43 I believe. With ET43 you should have no rubbing issues with the Duratracs.
Edited by Adoni 1/29/2013 12:35 PM
|
|
| |
|
econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Many thanks to all of you for your input. I think I am gaining some resolution on all of this. One more question...
The GY Duratracs come in the following two sizes:
275/70R18 (33.2" x 11.0") rim width: 7.0" - 8.5"
295/65R18 (33.1" x 11.8") rim width: 8.0" - 10.0"
My OEM wheels are 18 x 7.5". Setting aside the debate on whether narrow tires or wide tires are better, would it be feasible to run the 295s on a 7.5" rim? If I install 30mm suspension spring spacers, is it likely that I will have no rubbing?
Thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated!
|
|
| |
|
Brent
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SW Colorado USA
Vehicle(s): '13 Wolfsburg GTI
Posts: 1754
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I suspect the 295's might give you more issues with rubbing. Big wide tires do not fit well. That said, Karl was running 295/75-16's with his spacers, as far as I know they fit well. Going wider just for wider sake isn't the route I would take. The 275's will give you all of the function of the 295 without the fittiment hassle.
Of course, maybe someone has tried that size and it works??? |
|
| |
|
Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Econryan, it is also my suspicion that with your ET43 wheels you will experience a mild amount of rubbing with the 295 tires. The stock tire has a width of 10.7" and the GY I'm running has a width of 11", however I added a 10mm spacer with is approximately 4/10". The rubbing as I said occurs on in full lock reverse one direction ever so slightly. This tells me that the outside lugs on the GY are the part that are rubbing as I believe these to be outside the measured width. Once the tire breaks in and wears slightly, I expect it will go away. Since you have an additional 20mm of space but are adding a tire that is more than an inch wider than stock plus side lugs, I anticipate you will need to add a 10mm spacer creating effectively a ET33 offset to get where I am with minimal rubbing using a 295 tire. |
|
| |
|
4x4abc
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
Vehicle(s): 02 G500
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
295's will definitely rub on both sides
and do'n forget the ESP nightmare you will be running into
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=9622&sta...
I would strongly advise against any Goodyear tire - they can not be plugged in the sidewall area
BFG's take plugs well and keep them in for at least 10,000 miles
after that they can even be re-plugged
BFG's offer much more backcountry safety than any other (I know of the PR claims of the others - they are just that, claims
Edited by 4x4abc 1/30/2013 12:33 PM
|
|
| |
|
jewdean
Regular
Date registered: Feb 2011
Location: vancouver island
Vehicle(s): 91 300ge, 65 230sl, 1950 170 p.u., k1300gt
Posts: 52
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I love my 35" Duratracs the truck drives so nice with them and the gearing is so much better, it now turns 3200 rpm at 100 kmh.
It was a lot of work though I had to trim the fenders and install flares. In this picture it has a 3" lift, I have lowered it to 2" now and it drives much better, at 3" it set the caster off a bit and the steering was a little twitchy, I also had a vibration in my rear driveshaft dropping back down to 2" fixed all that. honestly though it doesnt even need a lift if you trim the fenders, I just lifted it because I think it looks silly having big tires and no lift. I have 9.5" wide rimes with a 4" backspace so the tires stick way out lots of scrub! but it drives strait down the road and looks great! and with the wider stance it gives it much better cornering ability
Dean
EDIT: Photo removed to be resized. |
|
| |
