Wide vs Narrow Tires — a Scientific Comparison

[TSO_NJ]

In the 1930’s-40’s, those were wide tires! Now, pretty much every vehicle on the road has wider tires. Beyond that, there are times when narrow tires are better than wider tires (mud and slushy snow come to mind).

Can you imagine how scary 100+ mph (see max speed in image) in that short wheelbase Jeep with 1930’s suspension would be?

Yep, tire selection, under normal circumstances, is based on the original vehicle capabilities.

History contains evidence where vehicles were operated beyond their design intent, as well as post production modifications made outside of acceptable guidelines, resulted in adverse outcomes.

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[TSO_NJ]

If my father was still alive, he would gladly tell you. He was a tank driver during the war and VA day, there wasn't much need for tank drivers and even before that after they crossed the Rhine, he drove the scouts up to the forward positions in a Jeep. After VA day, they liberated Czechoslovakia and he would ferry mucky-muckd from Prague to Paris up to the winter of 46 when he finally got discharged. He would never let me have a Jeep while I still lived at home because of how easily they would tip over. He had some scary stories to tell of his Jeep adventures.

Great input! My dad served with the U.S. Army Arctic Warriors in Alaska during the Cold War. Was part of Operation Sweetbriar. He trained me on how to operate our FORD F-150 4X4 off-road (sand, snow, and mud). I had to read the terrain properly, how to ascend and descend, know the limits of the F-150, and how to respond if problems arose. Told me to never come home if I didn't follow his instructions to the "T". I always came home!