Tire preference - 550x16 or 600x16?

[uberwagen]

I'm trying to choose what size of bias ply tires to put on my 54.
I know 550x16 is the original size , but have heard of people choosing 600x16 for a better load rating and beefier looks.

I'll be going with the firestone black-walls ...same as what coker sells.

Any experience with ride difference, handing, acceleration (running 36hp), or preference you can share before I choose?

Thanks!

... here are the specs:

600x16
load: 1400lbs @ 32 psi
dia: 29.91"
tread x-section: 6.26"

550x16
load: 840lbs @ 32 psi
dia: 27.36"
tread x-section: 6.06

[bubblehead]

I run the 5.5s. Haven't tried 6's. Mine are quite skinny and a higher load rating would have been nice. All in all, they are acceptable. Looking at the dimensions you posted, you'd only gain .20 in width and over 2.5" in diam. I think at almost 30 inches you'll really bog down on the hills with
a 36er and much lower RPMs. To me, the higher load range would be the only benefit with the 6's.

[EverettB]

I had 5.50s on my '55 Kombi. No issues and I didn't have any problem hauling stuff, although I never really got close to the load limit.

I put 6.00s on my '54 Single Cab because it's a truck and I knew I would haul some stuff around. I feel safer with the correct load rating.

For myself, I would run 5.50s on a Passenger Bus or anything I wanted to be original.

I ran the 6.00s on my '63 for a while, for more miles than I have put on my '54, and I like the way the '63 drives with the 6.40x15s better. I don't remember having any issues on hills with the larger tires and I did drive to CA and back a few times. There are a few hills in between.
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[uberwagen]

Thanks for the input.
I think I'll stick with 550x16 for originality sake.

BTW one of the rims is still wearing the original "Fulda" rubber ...horrible shape though.

[campingbox]

6.00 X 16's don't fit in the spare tire tray....so that might make the decision easier.

[Anchovy]

[Bergepanzer]

For some time I have been investigating into another tyre direction - but noting but gripes and no success.
Can anyone help me? Are 550-16 dimension tyres also available as radials? I wouldn´t mind buying even chinese models - if they were available.
For my 53 SC project it would be better to trust rather radials than crossplies.

Kind Regards,

Jurgen

[dinsdale]

[mrsherbie]

[bubba]

I have 6.00 on my bus. They are 6 ply for small truck, and they ride just fine. I also have a big nut tranny in my bus, so i can't help with speed/RPM info. sorry

[krusher]

I would cast your eye over those "firestones" made by coker, the ones i saw were very poor, more in my opinion a display tyre for the trailer queen.

I bought avons, very nice and still made from og molds.
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[volksheads]

I have run the 6.00x16 Firestones on the PBR (knobbies on the rear) and after 3,000 miles I have been very satisfied. I run a 5.50x16 for my spare so it fits in the spare tire tray. Good tire wear, relatively low road noise, and they hold up well under a load. With a 36er, I am running 54 mph at about 3,800 rpms. Hope that helps...
Jake

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