Cracked/leaky ATC185s stock tires. Dangerous?

[rectifier]

My tires are pretty tired, they are cracked all over though the square knobs are still pretty knobby. I think they are originals.
They slowly leak air, though it's not too bad.

The big question is, will they just pop some day and leave me walking home or worse? We have lots of rocks and rough terrain, though I don't ride super fast.
Can/should I put tubes in to keep them rolling?

[muthey]

I would tube them for now and save money to purchase new ones later, watch for tearing in the tread pattern. When you see that and the tube starts showing they are totally finished

[rectifier]

Sounds like a plan. Damage is mostly to the sidewalls and around the rim.

I read somewhere that these tires are a funny size. Do I need to look at getting new rims when I get new tires?

[muthey]

well the 185s in 1983 had 22-11-8 tires, but the prior years ran 25-12-9. the only oddballs were the us 90's with their balloon tires which are no longer available.

[dlmeyer0325]

I've run mine with a giant split in the front and dry rot on both rear for 3 years. survived trikefest as well. run them till they fly off!