WHAT TYRES?

[SaharaDave]

I have read about tyres in the book(SO)but still a little baffled. Is there a simple answer? What are the best tyres for my Range Rover in Desert, I need high side wall of course,But what make and tread name or model
and it must carry the load,

Thanks, Dave

[Yves]

Desert Tyres for a RR classic?

the classic way: 7.50R16 it fits with slightly stiffer springs. (Bridgestone Jamal or Pirelly dakkar or Michelin X or even XSF
http://www.desert-info.org/gallery/album01/DSCN1863

the moderate way: 245/75 R16, a good compromise without increasing the transmission ratio too much. (I had very good experiences with BFG Track Edge)
http://www.desert-info.org/album/tyr...3373.sized.jpg

A compromise: 215/85 R16 / 7.00R16. the optimum without modifications, BFG

Yves

[This message has been edited by Yves (edited 23 January 2006).]

[This message has been edited by Yves (edited 23 January 2006).]

[Runner]

Ive used both Michelin XS and Bridgestone Jamal (VSJ) on my Defender 110 and found both to be excellent. Their performance is biased towards soft sand (dune country) - thats when you get the best from them.
Equally Ive used agressive Michelin XCL and XZL in deserts, these are mud patterns and dig in, not good for soft sand (but not as bad as youd think either), but (esp the XZL) indestructible in rocky areas where XSs or Jamals would get sidewalls chopped up with rocks.
I have a set of Goodrich ATs that I am itching to try out, I think they will be a great compromise.
On non-LR vehicles (Toyota and Jeep) Ive used Dunlop Grandtreks (weak sidewalls) and Pirelli Scorpion ATs (not brilliant tread pattern).
All in all for deserts Mich XSs are a very good bet (they have the edge on Jamals, slightly), though watch sidewalls on rocky areas.
7.50x16 will suit the Rangey well, and *fit tubes*

[kitmax]

Hi SaharaDave
I used Michelin XS's on a 1986 Range Rover, doing a rock-sand-&-dune trip across Algeria, a while back.
The combination was unstoppable and I have nothing but praise for the XS's...
Since then I have been using BFGoodrich AT's on a Disco, (most recently in soft sand in Libya last November) which are probably just as good.

------------------
Kitmax - Traveller
homepage [URL=http://www.kitmax.com]

[Gipper]

Dave
Where you headed ? Are you just in Sand or Sahel too ?
If purely sand go with the XS/Jamal tread -
If more Sahel (ie Mali) then the BFG's

Try 235/85/16 BFG All Terrain - should fit - just....but may have to 'mod' arches slightly...
- same height as 7.50/16's - that nice tall section giving you good ground clearance and aired down a nice long footprint.
Bit cheaper than running XS - which dont last as long on asphalt IMO.

Also the BFGs are tubeless, so you can repair (Tread Punctures only)them with strings in 5 minutes. My prefence these days.
Carry a few tubes and a patch kit with you though.
Make sure you air up again over rocky pistes - with any of these tyres - ripping the sidewalls out isnt much fun.
This is where a quick, 100% duty compressor is worth its weight in gold.

Another option would be to drive through Europe on what you alrady have on the vehicle and then pick up some XS/Jamals when you get down to North/West Africa.
Would save some road wear.

Whats the price difference between Jamals and Xs's out there these days Guys ?

The BFG's will be roughly £90 each.

All these tyres will be fine with the Rangies Weight - just take a look at what the bush taxis carry....

Cheers
Grif