The Marshmallow needs tires and I can't find Rims to fit.

[Aerocell4x4]

Help! I'm looking for steel rims to fit my van and the Nitto tires? See details below. I recall hearing that there is only one company that makes DOT certified bead lock rims for light-trucks, anyone remember that post / know of the company? Because I'm a 2006 van, I have an 8 by 6.5" bolt pattern. Although there is a 2006 F350 front axle (8x170mm) its drilled & studded to match the rear axle's 8x6.5" pattern. From what I've learned I need F350 wheels from 1996 and earlier to get the 8x6.5" bolt pattern. From the few rim sites I've been to they don't offer a look-up for vans, just the various pickups, and even then they don't list the 1996 and early earlier model years. The Nitto tires I'm eyeing are E-series 4000# +/- and aluminum rims are not up to it. Nitto Dura Grappler LT285-75R17 E 128R Stock Number 205-370 Tread Depth (1/32") 16.9 Inflated Overall Dia. (In.) 33.86 Overall Width (In.) 11.61 Approved Rim (Measuring Rim Width In.) 7.0-(8.0)-9.5 Maximum Load Press (Weight Lb. @ Psi.) 3970@60 Revs per Mile 614 Nitto Terra Grappler LT295-70R18 E 129Q Stock Number 201-130 Tread Depth (1/32") 16.6 Inflated Overall Dia. (In.) 34.41 Overall Width (In.) 11.77 Approved Rim (Measuring Rim Width In.) 8.0-(8.5)-9.5 Maximum Load Press (Weight Lb. @ Psi.) 4080@60 Revs per Mile 604 Now for why the urgency? My van, which is still being otherwise worked on, had the vibration at 55 - 60 MPH diagnosed to the right rear tire which knotted up its sidewall belts. That likely started along time ago while I had my toolbox in the back and has been deteriorating since. I can't see replacing just the one tire, which leaves me exposed to doing it again the next time I have my toolbox in the back. Thus the upgrade in load carrying to the high end of the E-Series if not to truck tires in the F - G - H series. As a bit of history, Andy mentioned the Nitto tires: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/86...ml#post7730682 http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/86...ml#post7730915

[Aerocell4x4]

Well I've found the website for the DOT Bead Lock Wheels.

Hutchinson Inc.
- and their sister site -
Rock Monster Wheels

Street Legal (~20Meg PDF)

Rats, though they come in a 17" rim they are 8x170mm and are only SAE rated to 2,900 Lbs.

For the interest of those who find their way to this thread, here's the info.:

Hutchinson P/N WA-0568
Size 17 x 8.5”
Bolt pattern 8H – 170 mm BCD
Lug style M14 flange nut (hub piloted)
Hub bore diameter 4.93” (125.3 mm)
SAE rated load 2,900 lbs. - 60 psi
Backspacing 4.50” (114.3 mm)
Construction Cast aluminum alloy

Fitment
2000 - 2005 Excursion
1999 - 2004 F250 HD/SD
1999 - 2006 F350 HD/SD

[Zookie400]

dave are you going with beadlocks for some extreme offroading in the marshamallow van?

ford offers THESE WHEELS on the SORP trucks for south/central america and the middle east.

[Zookie400]

ALUMINUM FROM THE SAME COMPANY

[Aerocell4x4]

Thanks Aaron:

I was interested in a DOT certified bead locks in conjunction with the Nitto tires as they can run under inflated.

The Trail Ready site doesn't mention DOT certs and only speaks about off roading.

As for the Hutchinson's in my post, they can't carry the weight.

I don't know if the Trail Ready's can carry the weight, but I've decided over the past couple days to go with the Rickson Truck 19.5" rims, and so I won't research the Trail Ready's for their ratings.

Thanks again Aaron, I appreciate the link.

[Aerocell4x4]

Today, I finally connected with them and discussed at great length their product and my van and various hear-say.

I should be getting a quote by email tomorrow.

What I learned is that they are operating on a reduced staff due to the economy, but all is well even to the point that that are looking to hire someone.

What I spec'd out is:
Five rims and four chrome trim rings, so now I'll have a spare tire.
Commercial truck wheel pressure monitoring (as Hella's won't fit the larger valve stem ports that Rickson uses, plus the Hella's are not ranged for the higher pressures used in truck tires).
Half-inch positive offset for a wider stance to compliment the increased ride-height
Michelin XDE2+ 285/70R/19.5
Diameter (unloaded): 35.4" which provides a 2.45" taller ride than factory equipped.
Overall Width: 10.9" which is 1.3" wider that originally equipped.
Max. Load @ Single: 6395 pounds, though the rims are only DOT rated to 5000 pounds
Tread Depth: 21/32"
Revs. per Mile: 587

In comparison, my van came factory equipped with LT245/75R16 Load Range E (3042 Lbs @ 80 psi) which have a 30.5" diameter, with a section width of 9.6" and a section height of 7.2".

Rickson's rep also gave me some info concerning my van.
The cutaway chassis is factory equipped with a rear axle used for DRW and therefore my van already has greater breaking capacity than found on 'standard' vans. They don't believe I'll find the need to beef up my brakes, they feel the OEM brakes should be sufficient for the larger size & weight of the tire / rim combination being ordered.

I could have these in a week or two from when I accept the quote.

[Zookie400]

with beadlocks now you can change your tires easily by hand!