Tires are the make-and-break of RC crawlers. The best 2.2 tires for your crawler will give you grip and durability as well as great versatility when trying to conquer the hardest of terrains. Through this guide, we take you through the top RC crawler choices in 2.2 tires and discuss everything to look for in gaining the maximum off-road performances and durability.
Why Pick 2.2 Tires for RC Crawlers?
2.2 tires come in perfect sizes, tread, and materials to complement RC crawlers tackling tough trails, rocky terrains, and mud. They can ensure better grip and enable easy movement over slopes and loose ground. Some of the reasons you may prefer 2.2 tires for your RC crawlers are;
Better Grip: Large and aggressive treads will help the tires provide more grip on rocks and tough ground.
Improved Stability: The wider tires of the 2.2 tires give better balance on uneven surfaces.
Better Durability: 2.2 tires are made to take rough play and add durability to your RC setup.
What to Look for in the Best 2.2 Tires for RC Crawlers
The right 2.2 tires are picked depending on the pattern of the tread, compound rubber, durability, and how well they would go along with your crawler model. Here are a few things that may be important in selecting the best 2.2 tires for your RC crawler.
1. Tread Pattern
The tread pattern is what defines the maneuverability of the tires over various types of terrain. For off-road adventure travel, you will need to have tires with aggressive, deep treads that give you better grip on surfaces like rocks, sand, and loose gravel.
2. Rubber Compound
Soft rubber compounds tend to hold better traction and mold onto rocks and obstacles for more grip. However, they tend to wear out a bit faster. Most RC enthusiasts look to find a balance between being soft and durable enough for most purposes.
3. Sidewall Strength
Sidewalls too soft puncture easily, especially crawling on sharp rocks or rough ground. Tires with reinforced sidewalls handle off-road demands but maintain flexibility.
4. Beadlock Compatibility
Beadlock wheels are handy for securing tires in place, particularly when crawling under high torque. Many top 2.2 tires can accommodate beadlock, allowing you to take your RC crawler to extreme limits without worrying about tire slippage.
Top 5 Picks for 2.2 Tires for RC Crawlers
In Accordence with USA Wheels and Tires, Our round-up of the best 2.2 tires for RC crawlers presents a mix of benefits across terrain and crawler setup.
1. Pro-Line Hyrax 2.2″ G8 Rock Terrain Tires
Pro-Line Hyrax 2.2″ G8 rock terrain tires are developed to get traction on any terrain and handle the harshest rough terrains. These offer a high-traction rubber compound with an aggressive tread pattern for exceling at rocks and loose grounds, while a multi-layered tread will not just assure grip on rocks, it will also be very smooth over non-rough surfaces.
Good grip, solid rubber compound, good on rock crawling. Best for: Rock lovers and everyday off-road usage.
2. Pit Bull Rock Beast XOR 2.2 Tires
It is a little fact, though that such serious crawler tires as Pit Bull Rock Beast XOR 2.2 tires are favorite when they have really impressive treads and soft compounds of rubber. Unbeatable grip makes them useful for particularly challenging environments with large rocks and mud-soaked floors. They do possess reinforced sidewalls for greater durability also.
Highlights: reinforced sidewalls exceptional traction; the soft rubber compound.
Best For: Extreme off-road terrain and rock crawling.
3. RC4WD Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 2.2 Tires
Designed from real-life Mickey Thompson tires, the RC4WD Baja Claw is a performance tire on dirt, rocks, and trails. The claw-like tread pattern is very effective on rough terrain, and the tires come with a super soft rubber compound for maximum grip. These tires work well with beadlock wheels, making them highly versatile.
Highlights: Claw-like tread, beadlock compatible, soft compound.
Best For: Rough trails and all-terrain use.
4. Duratrax Deep Woods CR 2.2 Tires
The Duratrax Deep Woods CR tires would also be a very good choice for rugged terrain landscapes. These tires carry with them a deep tread pattern that is designed for usage in extreme off-road scenarios and promise good grip even in muddy as well as uneven terrains. Duratrax tires come with a longevity, which keeps the expense lower for RC enthusiasts who prefer frequent off-road indulgences.
Deep tread, solid construction, best suited for off-road on mushy terrain. Best suited for: Muddy and bumpy off-road trails.
5. JConcepts Scorpios 2.2 Tires
The best for crawlers that combine performance on-road and off, the JConcepts Scorpios 2.2 tires have so much versatility. It keeps solid traction on most dirty terrains but at the same time is able to stay on smooth surfaces with precision. The Scorpios possess medium rubber compound, ensuring this tire can last a considerable amount of time while staying reliable on many surfaces.
Top Features: Versatile Tread, Medium Compound Long Lasting
Ideal Use: Mixed terrains or dirt trails and rocks.
For extreme rock crawling, softer rubber compounds and aggressive treads should be chosen. For mixed-use terrains, the most suitable 2.2 tires are the ones featuring versatile treads with medium durability.
Installing and Maintaining Your 2.2 RC Tires
Proper installation and maintenance should be done to get the best out of your 2.2 RC crawler tires. Here are some ways to keep them in tip-top shape:
Use Beadlock Wheels: These are helpful in keeping tires secured and preventing slippage.
Rotate Tires: Regular rotation of tires will have them wear evenly, therefore prolonging their life.
Clean After Every Use: Dirt, mud, and debris can pile up, so be sure to clean your tires after each use.
Inspect for Wear: Check for any signs of wear or damage to prevent accidents during your next adventure.
Conclusion
An optimal choice in the 2.2 RC crawler is one to raise your game for some awesome off-roading adventures, whether for rock crawling, mudding, and whatever you decide. There’s always this guarantee in such tires because of its superior traction and durability together with versatility while conquering every kind of terrain that has your way through them, which will have your crawling become much easy whether you’re just starting with this, seasoned crawler. Happy Crawling!
Read Also: How to Choose the Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System
FAQs on 2.2 Tires for RC Crawlers
Q1: What are the benefits of using 2.2 tires on an RC crawler?
2.2 tires provide more traction and stability in difficult terrains, hence they are suitable for rock crawling and off-road trails.
Q2: Beadlock wheels will be needed with 2.2 RC crawler tires, won’t they?
Yes, you would be requiring beadlock wheels along with 2.2 tires, as that way there will be no slipping off, and also that these will not come out in case of high-torque crawling.
Q3: Are 2.2 RC crawler tires suitable to run on roads?
Yes, but performance dependent. Some 2.2 tires, such as JConcepts Scorpios, are designed for mixed terrains, whereas others are only for off-road use.
Q4: How often should I change my RC crawler tires?
Usage dependent, you should check them regularly for wear or damage, especially after challenging off-road sessions.
Q5: What’s the best 2.2 tire for rock crawling?
The Pro-Line Hyrax and Pit Bull Rock Beast XOR are the best, as they provide excellent grip and durability for extreme rock crawling.