Posted by Alan Bowes on March 18, 1998 at 13:53:58:
In Reply to: Tires for sale posted by Keenan Bishop on March 18, 1998 at 11:58:27:
Hi Keenan,
I don't want to sound negative, but there appears to be a compatibility issue here.
I would NOT put a 16.5-inch tire on a 16-inch rim. The inside of the tire bead must fit VERY snugly around the inner flange of the lock ring. The tire bead acts as a kind of safety band that helps prevent the lock ring from expanding and blowing off of the wheel. If there is any gap, you're asking for trouble. Naturally, if it fits snugly, it will also help keep the tire centered on the wheel. I've seen a number of MVs that had warnings against this combination of tire and wheel stenciled on the body.
While some people may have successfully (so far) used this size of tire on a 16-inch wheel, I still would NOT recommend it. In fact, I would not feel safe walking around a vehicle with that tire/rim combination.
There could also be an issue with the shape of the bead and how well it mates with the rim and lock ring.
I think that a QR78-16 would be a better match, but even then, I'd double-check the fit and get the dealer's advice before installing them on a PW/M37.
Again, sorry if this sounded critical, but I wouldn't want to take chances with safety.
Regards,
Alan