1Likes
-
1
Post By Wheelie
|
10 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
|
|
Tyre choices for an unusual overlander?
My "4-wheeler" is a humble diesel Ford Transit circa 2001!
It's FWD and has no traction control so my off-road aspirations are few, but the odd track here, deserted beach there are still on the menu.
Can anyone recommend tyres that give me a bit more grip in loose stuff with the sizes 195/70R15?
Or is that just NOT a size any brand makes knobbly-ish tyres for?
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
|
10 Apr 2021
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
|
|
I'm no expert on cars, but my thinking is that "grip" might not be what you should be looking for with a fwd with a weak engine and probably not the strongest drivetrain. Maybe prioritize "big" over "grip", so that when you deflate you have a much larger tirepatch to float on top of the sand... And bring some sand ladders, shovels and a bladder jack .
The biggest problem with beaches is getting down to them. You have to build up speed and really gun it all you've got to get across the loose stuff and down to the hard packed sand near the water... And watch your tides, seaweed and quick sand (talking from experience).
|
11 Apr 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheelie
I'm no expert on cars, but my thinking is that "grip" might not be what you should be looking for with a fwd with a weak engine and probably not the strongest drivetrain. Maybe prioritize "big" over "grip", so that when you deflate you have a much larger tirepatch to float on top of the sand... And bring some sand ladders, shovels and a bladder jack .
The biggest problem with beaches is getting down to them. You have to build up speed and really gun it all you've got to get across the loose stuff and down to the hard packed sand near the water... And watch your tides, seaweed and quick sand (talking from experience).
|
Yeah! That second bit sounds familiar!!
I did use the deflation technique on the beach to get out again.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
|
12 Apr 2021
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
|
|
I encountered a few vans that made it down to the beach in Mauritania. I think they all rans stock tires. I think most, if not all, got stuck going down to the beach. I don't think any tyre choice except for a really big mod - would have changed that. When they thought they had enough speed they should have gone even faster. Once down on the beach - they managed just fine.
I don't know how much weight they were carrying in the back - but they were loaded.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|