H2CANEPADESIGN I hear you but:

1. The mil spec double bead lock steel rims are infinitely stronger then any production or mall crawler production rim be it 16" - 16.5"-17" etc.

2. I am not going to run them that low on air they will ever come off the bead, that’s why they are called "Baja's I am smart enough (well sometimes…add a few bears and the scenario will go down hill quickly ) not to take them heavy mudding or rock crawling that would require almost totally deflation for additional traction. Why cant the rubber run flat insert be kept in them for street use that would provide a limited run flat option. (think its 50 miles)

3. Mil Spec H1 wheels /tires whether the Good Years or BFGoodrich offer be huge improvement on any H2 that will see occasional off road use. As you are aware you can purchase 4-mounted rims & tires ($650-$700) for what you would pay for just 2 OEM BFGoodrich All-Terrains ($300 ea + mounting balancing)

That’s a smoking deal that offsets a few negatives that aren't really a negative to me.

 

If you keep the run flats in the wheels you're looking at 172 pounds per wheel. With spacers take it to 175 pounds total per wheel. Sure some people have run them but there has been a concern of premature wear on suspension components from the ridiculous weight of the things.


I totally hear ya from the cost standpoint. I've been looking at new wheels for my rig and they're anywhere from $1,900-$2,200 brand new (rims/tires). I constantly find myself going back to the military wheels........I can't make up my mind.

 

When you do, let me know.
The set Im looking it is $1897.

 

What about the "newer" rubber inserts? They have to be lighter then the aluminum or magnesium versions.

I have had many lifted jeeps trucks etc. I have never bought into the theory that an extra 50 lbs. Will accelerate wear on a good study truck. I can see it more a potential issue on parts subject to the extra rotational mass (bearings) or being an issue on trucks built by chop sticks

My thoughts are you could spend 4k on a wheels and tires and still twice the amount of thumbs up with the milspec H1 wheels /tires..

 

What about these inserts? They are PVC and supposedly very light weight. But at $200/set you are just adding and adding to the cost of rims/tires.
The set I would like is $1100 shipped. 24bolt with MT/R's.
Plus $200 inserts. Plus say $200-$300 for "good" spacers.
Thats $1400 total. With possibly the hassle of leaks, etc.
For another $500ish you could get aftermarkets rims/tires with less worry.
Not trying to talk you out of it, or say you are wrong, but this was my line of thinking when I started looking at H1 rims/tires.

Forgot the link:
http://www.trailworthyfab.com/Hummer...VC-Insert.html

 

And if you are dead set on just the military tires, there are aftermarket 16.5, 8 lug rims. The Pro Comps are a popular name I seen thrown around a lot. They can be had for around $100ish or so.
No spacers or inserts needed.

 

That is another option I've been looking at. Grab an aftermarket 16.5" wheel with a good backspace (4.5") then you can use those surplus tires all day long.

 

Any updates?
What did you decide?

 

I've been reading up on 16.5" wheels. Apparently the bead shelf is much smaller than standard size wheels which makes them a little unsafe. However, many people run then without issue.


The surplus tires are so cheap and that's what peaks my interest. My other concern is what if the surplus tires run dry? Have you guys looked at the cost of 16.5 tires, the price is ridiculous high!

 

Lojac - Not really concerned about the future availability of the surplus tires. As long as theHMMWV is around their will surplus even long after its gone. But if i would need to change I could simply throw my H2 wheels back on or look into some aftermarket options. After all it isn't like were spending $1,000's on a set of 4.