Best desert tyres for a Landcruiser?
 

I am just about at the point of replacing the BFG A/T's on my HJ60 Landcruiser. The poor old things are a bit past it!
Before I simply go and get another set of 235/75/R15's, has anyone any suggestions for possible alternatives for good all round use in desert and on road??

What is the largest tyre I can cram under the wheel arches without causing problems when the suspension is flexing?

Thanks... Chris

[This message has been edited by Chris Rouge (edited 27 June 2004).]

Might pay to post this on some of the Australian forums, as thats where LCs rule supreme. The should be no shortage of info on it over there.

Here`s a couple of links to kick you off.

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Mo...pBB2/index.php

http://www.4wdaustralia.com.au/Forum/Default.asp

Col Campbell

Col,

Why? This forum is also populated by lots of LC owners.

Chris,

If you ask about tyre brand/type - do a search on this forum. Michelin seems to be still the preferred choice.

As for the tyre size - sticking to the 7.5x16 seems to be a reasonable choice considering availability of spare tyres wherever you go.

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info

Thanks for that view on 7.5X16's Roman. I also need to change the extremely rusted 15" rims currently fitted, so maybe I look for some 16" rims to fit?

I'm used to the 16" size on my land rover, but am unsure what will fit under the wheel arches on the LC. Space under there looks a little limited, unlike the old series 2!

Whatever I do, it looks like its going to be expensive, so would like to get it right, or as near as dammit anyway.

Chris

Roman sorry to offend mate, I realise that there are few of them on here, but looking through OZ forum archives will reveal tons of info on LCs. LCs over there are like LRs here and if you want to know the ins and out of a LR you go to a UK forum.

Col Campbell

If you are planning on changing to 16s you might want to take the opportunity to go tubeless. I also had rusty (split) rims which caused endless punctures until I fitted cheapo Mangel rims ('white 8-spoke") on tubeless BFGs (235 85 R16 - same as 750 16)..
Even on standard springs (which I doubt you still have) a 60 will take either rim on the above tyre sizes - either were the regular fitting in most markets.

CS

I fitted 750R16 Michelins, on steel split rims, onto my 4Runner. My reason for the tyre size is also that the 750R16 is ubiquitous across Africa. I also had a sh!t load of punctures with my split rims until I genuinely cleaned up my tube changing routine - and now that I am exacting in my cleanliness I have had zero problems and the split rims (combined with a pair of Tyre pliers) makes tube repair/tyre removal a piece of cake!

------------------
Enzo
BUNDUBASHER.com

Hey there, yes go Tubeless, use push through strings for tread punctures (leave tyre on rim and done in 5 minutes) and carry patches for sidewall punctures.
7.50/16 good for ground clearance and availability in Africa for a long trip, Michelin XS best tyre for sand but with poor wear rate on road and they are tubed tyres.

235/85/16 BFG AT Best tubeless size and tyre, good wear rate, good in sand, same ground clearance and rolling radius as 7.50/16's, but just slightly wider - giving a little more flotation when the sands hot and soft.

The less complicated you have your tyre wheel combo the less problems you will have.
split rims and tubed tyres will generally give more problems with heat build up when you run at low pressures, due to friction between tube and tyre sidewall
use good steel rims, not alloys (they fracture over extended use on corrogations)and go tubeless- just make sure you can break the bead ok - tyre pliers or a high lift work a treat.

Make sure you have a good Air compressor - 5cfm+ and reliable.
Cheers Grif.

Thanks everyone for their valued and informed replies.
I have decided to go for 31X10.5 R15 BFG AT's on steel 8 spoke 8" rims.
This will bring my wheels up to almost 750X16 size and will be a ride height improvement on the 235/75's that I already have. Oh, I also found a local supplier that has them on the shelf for £88 each.

I've had to make a decision now, as next month I'm off to Morocco... Mmmm, should be nice and warm!
I'll let you know how we get on over there.

Regards... Chris