Thread: Michelin XLZ alternatives.

G'day Lachlan.
I currently drive a 2010 110 which is up for sale. I have owned it for the passed few years and have done quite a lot of k's on the dirt and in the rough.
I ran the Wrangler AT's for Tarmac and dirt, plus a fair bit of steep rocky trails. They were almost smooth when I replaced them.
Then I put the Wrangler MT's on for going across the gulf country, up the OTT & around Cape York very late in the dry season. Didn't really encounter much mud, except in river crossings, but the tyres performed really well when we did. They are quite noisy and don't handle on the road like the AT's, as you would expect.
Both tyres have Kevlar in the belt and walls which I was skeptical about, but, apart from picking up a tech screw in a river bed, I haven't had a flat in 70,000kms. I spaghetti plugged the hole and it lasted the life of the tyre.
The camper trailer I tow has had 6 punctures and blown 2 tyres (likely due to punctures) in 30,000ks.
I'm a believer in the Kevlar!
Beware of the Wrangler Dura track though - they're a great looking tyre and a good compromise between AT's & muddies but they don't have Kevlar and the sidewalls are thinner & weak. I've heard of sidewall rips from quite a few drivers.
My 2 bobs worth anyway.
Btw I'm looking for a 130 and I live on the Central Coast, so I'll look out for you!
Col

Thanks Col, some great insight there. I ran the BFG K02's on my work ute and was really quite happy. I've heard plenty of myths about Muddies but trying to sort through them from people with first hand experience. The Michelin XZL's have quite the roar on the highway so maybe switching could end up being a little quieter even? Keep an eye out, you can't miss me. Silver dual cab with a quad tech canopy on the back. Cheers.

Happy with my BFG KM2's in a 255/85/R16 (33"). Not as noisy as your XZL's

Ive been looking for a good 7.50R16 tyre. I prefer skinny tyres. They're difficult to find these days. Anyone else had any luck?

Zero's
i have been doing the same thing but there are heaps about. Some I would use for sydney brisbane overnights but others would only drive at slow speed around home. Everything from the knockoff zxy to D661's.

What do you want to use them for and how loaded? . Mine's a trayback so occasionally is fully loaded ( overloaded) but usually just running around.

I have also used a set of XZA's which are either regroovable or be visiting mr bandag for the farm series 3

Just a quick search. Would these suit?
Toyo Tires Australia - M504

Dromader driver, eventually I'll be looking for something that can cope with the weight in the rear module ( I'm planning on kitting it out for longer trips but just a shell atm), and provide good off-road performance when I'm out in the bush. But I'm just getting caught up on the thought of buying a full set of new tyres when one more Michelin XZL would get me out of trouble for the foreseeable future...
I've heard frontline machinery is due to auction off some new / old stock but I'm sure there only available in sets of 4.

Originally Posted by Lachlan

Hi everyone,

First time Land Rover owner, first post on this great forum. I've recently purchased a 2010 Defender 130, I'm sure this topic has been brought up in the past but i'd be interested to hear peoples thoughts. I'm looking to get new tyres, currently running the Michelin XZL's (7.5 R16) and have been informed that they are not being made anymore. My 2 rear tyres are on the way out but the fronts are still quite reasonable and i have a untouched spare in the back. If anyone around the Newcastle / Sydney area has a spare they would consider parting with i'd be interested to hear from you. Alternatively, anyone that has had to make the switch, and has advice from personal experience about a good Mud tyre option i'd be really keen to hear from you. To keep the same rims i believe i'm looking at a 265/75 R16.

Look forward to your thoughts...
- Lachlan.

I did some research on the tires you discuss as I had them on my old 86 90. Loved those tires and got amazing mileage out of them.

found a few places that sell them in the area you mention. they include

• Tempe tires online, they grey import them AFAIK.
• If you are not scared to be poor you can also get them from (some) Mercedes dealerships as they come as an optional tire on the g-wagon professional in a XZL 8.25R16. (not sure what option they come in as I was directed there by Michelin Australia)

In the end i went with the BFG MT's.