Thread: Michelin XLZ alternatives.

Originally Posted by Zeros

Bridgestone can as I’ve said. The Toyo’s look ok. But there’s not a huge amount of choice in a heavy duty AT that’s not a mud tyre (ie good wet bitumen grip) in a 235/85R16.

Was using XZL for my mud tyres, bought them as a second set. Though for road had the General Grabber HT that came on the 110, these where at the end of their life and I was looking for the same, a rugged AT and good on road. My basis was wet weather for the missus, strong/durable/resistant for when i go out back and capable in light mud. In heavy mud and other extreme conditions or particular geographical terrain the XZL's would be bolted on. Considering their rarity they are not on unless required.

End result was the Toyo M55 in 235/85 r16. Great grip all round, missus feels comfortable in the wet on the road with them and more so off road. I have pushed these in the wet and like any big vehicle yes you will break traction but for safe driving they hold their own, albeit I was wanting to see how sporty a defender could be in the wet... As with any tire finding the right tire pressures on road is important, I have mine setup with a little higher than normal pressures in front and rear to aid a little more turn in. M55 at the LR recommended pressures are soft and under steer, add a little more and they seem to be able to change direction / turn in better.

Wet weather emergency break test was a lot better than the GG HT- though the GG where 90k old when i got them. Compared to the ToyoAT2 they are ".5" down on wet grip but being said they stood up better on other aspects. After using AT2 on other vehicles they did not perform that great off road and road driving much the same. M55 are very common for vehicles outback and also in 235/85 r16, another selling point for my journeys.

Overall happy and have done 45k on them and they have not worn halfway yet. Hope this helps for some thoughts and info.

Originally Posted by DazzaTD5

As mentioned... a 235/85R16 is the equivalent to the ol 7.50 x 16

BUT
The 130 standard steel wheels are a 16 x 6 (i think or 6.5) so you cant go upto a 265/75R16 as some have suggested.
Also the 130 standard steel wheels are for a tubed tyre.
Apparently wheels for tubeless have a additional lip to assist in sealing/keeping tyre on wheel.

BUT would like to know of anyone running tubeless tyres on their 130 steel wheel for tubed, as I have a customer with the same issue.

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Rick130 has run tubeless on tubed Defender rims for some time.
There are numerous comments/posts from him with no problems.

Originally Posted by strangy

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Rick130 has run tubeless on tubed Defender rims for some time.
There are numerous comments/posts from him with no problems.

Yep, me, Pat303 and numerous others over the years have run the old tubed rims tubeless, and with me it was on the recommendation of a tyre service.
I think I ran them like that for near eleven years until I started running Mach V rims