guide

Tuning spreads along the world roads at the speed of lava after the eruption of Vesuvius. Thousands of official dealers, network services and garage workshops will willingly take on the transformation of the car, whether it’s a domestic “classic” at the price of a TV set or a premium sedan at the cost of a solid apartment in a world capital.

Hundreds of exhibitions, festivals and competitions are held annually throughout only our country. But does all this mean that there are no “white spots” on the tuning map? Sure, no.

Now we will talk about a popular phenomenon that, nevertheless, still raises many questions – tire tightness, or stretch.

What is it?

Simply put – rubber is a “house”, when a tire of a smaller width is put on the wheel than calculated by the manufacturer. For example, a 195 mm tire instead of a 255 on a 9-inch wide rim. This is achieved by tensioning the tire sidewalls, the so-called profile. Now the profile isn’t perpendicular to the contact patch, but at an obtuse angle.

In most cases, when stretched, the inner and outer edges of the disc bulge outward. Now that the word “stretch” is associated with more than just jeans, it’s time to answer the main question.

What for?

Depending on the area of ​​use, the answer will be different. Historically, the method of stretching narrow rubber on a wide disc appeared almost simultaneously in Germany and Japan at the end of the last century. But if in the east drift was the cause, then in the old world it was legislation, or rather attempts to bypass it.

In Germany and Belgium, the law prohibits the operation of cars in the event that the contact patch is outside the arches – this left no choice for lovers of wide track. By taking the disc out of the fenders, the stretch allowed the tire to remain inside and everyone was happy.

As for drifting, the interference is appropriate here for several reasons: a narrow tire is easier to break into a skid, it costs less, and due to the angle, it breaks less under lateral loads arising in sliding.

How and what to stretch?

Let’s say you’ve made the decision to stretch. What do you need for this? First, define your goals. If this is drifting or another sports discipline where handling is at the forefront, then you should start by looking for tires in the right parameters, after which the required disc width will become clear.

On the contrary, if appearance is more important than driving characteristics, then you should look for discs with the maximum width that the wheel arches can accommodate. Let’s say it’s 10 inches in seventeenth diameter. It’s recommended to install tires on them at least 275 millimeters, which means that a width of 245 or less is suitable for stretch.

It should be borne in mind that the height of the profile of the tire has a stronger effect on the ability to pull than its width. Low profile tires have stiffer sidewalls, which makes it harder to stretch, but give a more dramatic stretch compared to 50% or more section height.

How to stretch tires?

Tuning wheels with a “house” effect is not within the power of all tire specialists. To do this, the workshop must have special equipment, and the employees must have experience working with non-standard tires. Sometimes, the car service may refuse to perform tension, and it’ll be much better than to agree and damage your tires.

The first option for filling tires with air provides for preliminary sealing of the free space using an auxiliary chamber. This is a rather complicated procedure that not all tire fitters are familiar with.

It’s more technologically advanced and easier to use explosive pumping or ignition of a combustible mixture. For instant filling of the tire with air, cylindrical receivers with a volume of 20 liters are used. It’s enough to open the tap for a large volume of air to enter the chamber in a tenth of a second. Arson makes it possible to obtain high pressure by expanding the heated air.

For this, the entire inner circumference of the disc rim is wetted with a flammable liquid, after which a torch is set on fire. At the same time, it’s necessary to supply air through the nipple, which will prevent the tire from returning to its original position. As soon as the tire reaches the required position on the disc, the working pressure inside is brought to the level of 2.5-4 atmospheres.

Summarizing the above, here are the advantages and disadvantages of stretch tires.

Sometimes we decide to learn something new to cope with the difficulties that arise on our own and avoid expensive auto repair shops. Removing a tire from a rim is just one of those activities that are highly recommended to learn.

The reasons for this can be different. Sometimes you just want a new experience, and sometimes you urgently need a tire change while traveling. And in this case, the auto repair shop may be too far away.

However, the change requires care and accuracy to avoid rim bending. In this article, we’ll tell you how to do this without the help of specialists.

Here they are:

1. Wrench
2. 3 tire irons
3. Oil/ Lubricant/ Dish Soap
4. Tire jack
5. Core removal tool
6. Tire bead breaker
7. Screwdrivers
8. Tire removal equipment

How should you proceed? Step by step

1. Define the territory

Don’t change tires in the middle of the road creating difficulties for other drivers. Even if you find yourself in such a situation, try to clear the roadway and protect yourself from passing cars.

2. Deflate the tires

Simply unscrew the valve cap and allow the tires to bleed out for a while. Then remove them and place in a comfortable position for further manipulations.

3. Slide the tire off the rim

The problem is that these two parts are always connected with very dense glue and sealant, so you may not be able to cope with it by force alone.

After you’ve sprayed soapy water all over the rim diameter, take a flat-blade screwdriver and try to make a spot where it can penetrate by lifting the rubber up. Make the hole as large as possible with a screwdriver.

Then place the wheel on its edge and slide it back and forth on the ground until the rubber comes off the rim. This way you may spend less effort, but achieve the goal fastest, even when you have a minimum of tools.

4. Repeat the same on the other side

You need to make as many gaps as possible between the tire and the rim, so a screwdriver is your best assistant.

5. Replacing the tire

Now when the defective tire has been removed, you can put it in the trunk of your car and install a spare tire. So, you need to do the opposite with the rim. Try not to apply too much force to avoid bending the construction.

6. Use oil

Or the same soapy water, although it’s less effective. To make the new tire fit easily on the rim, its edges should be lubricated with oil or other liquid. Then pull the tire edges onto the rim again using a screwdriver. Flip the tire on its edge and twist it several times to fit the rim securely inside. Do the same for the reverse side.

So, this is not a beginner’s activity, and you should practice your tires a few times before you set out on the road. You should be careful with tools to avoid getting hurt, and also don’t put your fingers inside the splint, because they can be painfully pinched.

FAQ

How long does it take to replace?

An experienced driver can change a tire per one 20 minutes.

Why can’t you cut the tire?

You can cut it open if it’s old and unusable. However, if you caught a nail in the rubber along the way, you shouldn’t say goodbye to the item. The tire can be repaired later at the auto repair shop if the hole isn’t too big.

What if the rim is bent?

This is a bad story. We don’t recommend continuing the replacement yourself, it’s better to wait for the help of a specialist. If this isn’t possible, contact the drivers passing by.

So now you know how to replace a tire on a rim and how long it can take. We hope that this knowledge will be useful to you, but still, let your travels pass without incident! Good roads!

The car has the most important parts, and if one of them is broken the car cannot be used. Even if your engine dies, somebody can help you drag the car with a strop. But if the tire cracks along the way, you risk being left without wheels. Therefore, in this article, we will look at the causes of such incidents and figure out how to deal with them step by step, even if you don’t have the necessary tools.

Why can a tire crack along the way?

1. Idle time or too long use.

You need to know when to stop. If your car has been in the garage for too long, the tires dry out and lose their former flexibility. You might notice that some of the rubber valves in your plumbing system harden too much over time and begin to leak water. This’s exactly what happens with car tires, if they are not used for a long time: rubber loses its main property – flexibility.

2. Ultraviolet.

You’re afraid to leave your car in the sun as the cabin will get too hot. It’ll be impossible to sit there. Here’s another reason why you should also not do this – rubber is very sensitive to UV light, so we recommend placing the car in the shade.

3. Cheap material.

We understand that the price of really good tires is usually too high. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t choose too cheap options, they look attractive only externally.

4. Incorrect installation.

Make sure you go to a professional before taking your vehicle to the workshop. Read the reviews on the internet, ask your friends, etc. Failure to fit the tires correctly could result in an accident on the road.

All these reasons rule out the problem of the so-called dry rot – a situation where the rubber loses its ability to traction and doesn’t adapt to the road.

How to deal with dry rot on the outside and inside of the tire?

1. Inspect everything.

Before you set off, take a close look at the condition of the tires. They shouldn’t give you any doubts. If you notice that in some places the tires are too luminous, this may mean that they’re dry and soon the first crack may appear in that very place.

2. Use of sealant.

This’s one of the main ways to fix tires. However, you must always remember that there is no universal sealant for all types of rubber, so you must know what properties/density and flexibility your model has. You can check this information at a car repair shop. The choice of sealant depends on all these factors.

Then you need:

1. The sealant.
2. Degreaser.
3. Reliable tire pressure gauge.
4. Compressor or a pump.

Let the tires cool down and deflate the wheel you want to fix. Remove the valve stem.  Now you need a degreaser as this will make the rubber easier to deal with. Then apply the sealant and let it cure for as long as instructed.

Then inflate the tire again. If the crack area is too large, apply a sealant to the entire zone of ​​the potential break and rotate the wheel around its axis so that the sealant adheres better to the moving wheel.

3. Use a protectant.

This is also a type of sealant, however, for small and frequent cracks. This method can protect you on a long journey if you give it enough time.

You need to create a work area around the car with access to water. After the wheels are cool, jack up the auto and remove the wheels to be repaired. Place them on a pallet (It may be rubber mats from the car). Rinse the tire thoroughly, then grease it with a degreaser. After the rubber is dry, empty the pallet and apply a protector to all tire surface. Then install them back.

It’s not difficult, but it takes more time.

4. Call a professional.

If you’re in doubt about your abilities or don’t have the necessary tools, an auto shop can help you. This is the simplest but expensive way to solve your problem.

FAQ

1. How to prevent dry rot?

Use your car often enough to keep the tire from drying out because of disuse. We also recommend regular checks on the condition of the car. You have to resort to repairing tires when they are already cracked, but taking care of your vehicle condition, you have every chance to avoid additional problems.

2. How to choose a tire sealant?

Typically, the sealants jar has this info. But if you don’t know your tire type, consult a professional for an exact definition.

3. How often should you change tires?

If you live in a region of eternal summer, tires have to be changed about once every 3-4 seasons. However, in regions with a changeable climate, you have to use 2 sets of rubber per year – winter and summer ones.

So, we talked about what to do if your tire is cracked. We hope this knowledge remains useful in theory, but in practice, we wish you pleasant, accident-free travel!

Before now, towing vehicles came with regular capacities; after that, a professional mechanic attached them to a towing arrangement system. As time went by, there was a need for improvement and that’s the reason why all modern towing vehicles now come with a towing package which has already been installed. But this does not still give a clue on how to tell if F150 has max Tow Package. Luckily, that question will be answered in this article.

If you purchase a vehicle with an already in-built towing package, then you are sure that the vehicle is designed for the towing capacity you desire it to carry no matter its weight. From its engine parts to the entire vehicular mechanism, it is built to take on the load and torque that generates while towing.

Reasons to Purchase a Towing Package

If you are wondering why it’s necessary to purchase a towing package, the answer is that a towing package is built to help the vehicle carry more loads without stressing the engine. All the engine and parts of the vehicles have already been designed to work well with the towing load.

From the vehicle’s frame, transmission system, the mechanism to its braking system, cooling system, electronic materials and so on, everything has been programmed to carry on extra towing load and also the payload capacity of the said vehicle.

So, in general, a tow package makes it easy for a pickup vehicle to travel on the road with an additional carriage and also for the driver to be in control of the drive and not lose direction or position of the extra carriage.

What Is Meant By Maximum Tow Package?

To tell if F150 has a maximum tow package, you should identify what it is. A maximum tow package can be recognized based on the number of loads it’s able to carry. If this is not the case, it then means that the advanced engine parts, as well as other auto accessories, are a core component of the vehicle’s design irrespective of what it is to be used for (either light-duty or heavy-duty).

However, note that the towing package can only serve you well if the vehicle can carry the additional load. This means that even if it has an efficient and high capacity towing package, but it’s a vehicle with low carrying capacity, then it’s all for naught.

Hence, if you are looking to purchase a towing package of maximum capacity, then it’s best first to check out the potential load-carrying size of the automobile you are hoping to buy. Once you can determine this, then the rest should be easy as the remaining part of the vehicle will come well equipped with the right technical support system to balance things up.

How to Tell If F150 Has Max Tow Package

As has been discussed earlier, the first thing to do when determining if F150 has max tow package is to look out for the optimum load-carrying capacity of the automobile.

 Ford F150 is one of the many series in the F-series which is being manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company and has been in production since 1948. The F150 has an incredible towing capacity of about 13,200 pounds. Also, the auto parts of the vehicle come with the latest and state of the art technology which is designed to cater to your vehicle’s propagation on the road and ensure it’s in sync. A maximum tow package comes with some features. They include:

A Professional Trailer Backup Assist

Backing up of your trailer is made easy and efficient. All that needs to be done is to rotate the knob in the preferred direction and you will have the trailer behind the truck following the command smoothly.

Another good thing is that when you rotate the knob to the left or right, the truck will steer in a way that ensures the trailer is positioned at the proper stop right behind the truck. Also, it’s easy to coordinate and determine the position of the trailer with the aid of two side-view mirrors and a rearview camera.

Cameras

The camera in the F150 is designed such that you can get a complete view of the scenes around your truck; this will help you make the best decision. With the set of cameras, you are provided with a top-notch visual assistant as it helps you monitor your position in all angles and from all sides. This also includes images at the rear to ensure the trailer is well maintained.

Pressure Monitor for Tires

The maximum tow package also enables you to monitor the pressure of your tires. This is done with the help of a productivity screen located at the dashboard. This productivity screen sends a warning whenever the pressure in the tires is becoming low. Each tire comes with its monitor, which sends a signal if there is a problem with the pressure of the tire the monitor is connected to. The pressure is usually measured in numerals to make an easy reference.

Trailer Tow Connector

A trailer-tow connector enables you to keep being updated with the state of connection existing between the trailer and the truck.

If there is a loss in connection or if an instrument requires immediate attention, the light gives off a blinking signal on your screen. The setting of the trailer equipment can even be tracked and controlled by using the connector.

Break Down of Ford F-150 Maximum Towing Capacity

To be able to determine the towing capacity of F-150, you should first select the base rear of the wheel drive which is the extra-large trim SuperCrew with 6.5-footbed, then a 3.5-liter capacity EcoBoost engine, a Maximum Trailer Tow Package along with 20-inch tires.

The Max Trailer Tow Package adds up to 3.55 electronic locking gears in a differential manner; it also adds thirty-six-gallon fuel tank capacity, an auxiliary transmission as well as engine coolers. Also, there’s the Class IV receiver hitch, then an all-encompassing brake controller along with an improved front stabilizer bar. This will bring the total bill to $43,515. The four-wheel-drive of Ford reduces the towing capacity of the vehicle to about 12,900 pounds from the first 13,200 pounds.

The higher you move through the trim levels, the more weights and features are being added. This, in turn, removes from the weight which can be used as either tongue weight from a trailer or as payload, hence, the higher the trims, the lower the payload and also the smaller the trailering capacity. With the Ford F-150 towing selector, you get all the towing capabilities.

The max trailer rating can only be gotten by conventionally towing the using weight distributions hitch. Without this weight distribution hitch, the towing capacity of Ford F-150 is only limited to a mere 5,000 pounds.

What is the Towing Capacity of F-150 Fifth-Wheel?

The towing capacity of the maximum fifth-wheel is 12,100 pounds, which is the 4 x 2 XL standard cabs with an eight-foot bed, 3.5 liters EcoBoost, 3.55 axle ratios and then a Maximum Trailer Tow Package. This brings the total cost of the automobile to #33,540. Ford happens to be the only vehicle manufacturer to list its fifth-wheel towing capacities for its half-ton trucks.

What is the Minimum Ford F-150 Towing Capacity?

The Trailer Tow and Max Trailer Tow Packages come with a Class IV trailer hitch, but without this, all the versions of the Ford F-150 are only restricted to a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. When going for the Class IV trailer hitch, which is on the 3.3 liter v-6, it has three configurations and allows an optimum rate of 5,000 pounds. They are the typical kind of cab 6.5-footbed, which has four-wheel drives, along with the SuperCab, which is a 6.5-footbed, with a two-wheel drive and then the last is the SuperCrew with its 5.5-footbed along with 2WD.

Maximum Engine Towing Capacity

Ford, as a vehicle, offers five varieties of engines for just F-150 and then two various versions of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, thereby providing users up to six different options to choose from. It has 3.3-liter gas that comes with a six-speed automatic, while the other engine options make use of 10-speed automatic. The Trailer Tow Package is needed for the topmost tow ratings. In the case of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost v-6, the Max Trailer Tow Package has to be included.

Conclusion

From all the features mentioned in this article as well as the towing capacity of F150, it’s clear that not only does Ford F150 have a maximum towing capacity but it also comes with advanced technical support of high quality as well as possesses a maximum tow package along with it. Hopefully, now you can definitely tell if F150 has the max tow package and we’re sure you will make the best choice possible.