2008 XUV Diesel Tire Problem

454shooter · Dec 15, 2010

Was dragging a large log with the gator today and poked a large hole in the sidewall of the stock AT489 rear tire. I need suggestions on what I should do now. The other rear has good tread but I kinda would like a more aggressive tire.

Can I go with a higher tire with the stock rim? I want to stay with the stock rims but wouldn't mind some extra ground clearance.

I use the gator mostly for firewood hauling and hunting and would prefer the heaviest sidewall I could get.

Has anyone had luck with just putting a tube in a sidewall damaged tire? The tear is where the sidewall and tread meet and is approx. 2 inches long.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

SpudHauler · Dec 15, 2010

Take a look at this repair method.

Tire Mystery?? - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota

General Lee · Dec 15, 2010

What did you hit with the tire? Of all the heavy ATVing I do, I have never punctured stock tires. If you go with a taller tire you may get rubbing in the front while turning, just depends if the gator has room to accept a larger tire. If you do change out tires, don't get 2 or 4 ply sidewalls.

cdaledave89 · Dec 15, 2010

I would try the tube first. It's a cheap fix. I think I paid about $12 at my local, independent tire shop to get a tube in my front tractor tire (which is about 2X the size of a gator tire).

Unlike General Lee, I have ALWAYS punctured stock ATV tires. Sometimes, **** near instantaneously (less than 10 hours). They are usually cheap 2-ply tires that don't hold up well to any sort of hard riding. Not sure if the stock Gator tires are 2 or 4 ply, but you might want to look into heavier tires.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Dec 15, 2010

well i would ditch them 489's and depending on what kinda driving i would go with some 26"589's being the xuv has a unlockin rear end it's real easy on the turf but when you need to did deep they are the tire for ya and they are 6ply real stiff rubber . i had them on my hpx and i ran them alsmot 5 years and still had almost half the tread left.

454shooter · Dec 16, 2010

I have no idea what I hit but I was dragging a heavy log so that didn't help matters. I will try the tube with sealant as suggested and see how it works.

Tommy, would there be a chance of 4x4 damage if I go with the 26" tires without changing the front tires also?
Also,looks like the 589s come in a 26x12x12 but my factory tire is a 25x11x12 would they fit the factory rim?

Thanks for the suggestions

jcmseven · Dec 17, 2010

I like the Maxxis Bighorns. Not as aggressive as my older 589s but they do better in snow and ride one million times better and wear better. They are radials and are more-puncture resistant than others I have tried. I do think going too aggressive puts undue stress on the steering components unless one is running off road 99% of the time, which I do not. I am likely more 50/50 which many of us are.

John M

454shooter · Dec 17, 2010

Am I okay to go up to a 26 x 12 x12 as the stock tire is 25 x 11 x 12? I am only replacing the rear tires.

Also, In researching tires some say that the radials ride better but are more easily punctured. I respect your opinion John as your opinions on here have cost me over 40K in the last 5 years

jcmseven · Dec 17, 2010

That's great news Shooter...I think as long as I have not caused familial troubles. I cannot speak to any experience but my own on whether the radials are more puncture or less puncture resistant but generally the more malleable the casing the less prone to punctures, and I have not had any particular puncture issues on my Bighorns (2 sets). Even if I did, the tire is so much nicer riding it should be considered IMO. I do not think you would have trouble with that size change. Thanks.

John M