Pirellis decision made

[Rostbiff]

Hi All.The wranglers on the 09 D3 are due for replcement.The Pirelli Scorpians ATR are the weapon of choice.Question is, do I go with the 255/60/r18 or do I go the 265/60/r18.Mainly bitumen and ocasional graded road.I fancy the 265s.:angel: Rostbiff.

[tequesta]

I have 255s and wish that I had gone 265s. The diameter difference is marginal, and the bigger tire would just look better.
That said, after 2 wheel alignments, 20K km and replaced front ball joints, I'm seeing significant wear on the edges of the front ATRs, due for a rotation soon. This might be worst for a wider tire.
Cheers,
James

[DiscoWeb]

Rostbiff,

Why go away from the OEM size ?

Not sure what if any difference the 265 will make over the 255. If it is only cosmetic I would question the sense as I would assume there would have been some hours of testing etc at original design time to determine which is the best size tyre.

Now that may be a big assumption, I am not sure, however where ever possible I would and have elected to replace like for like especially if you have no particular use requirements determining a change in size.

Just my 2c worth, discard as required.

George

[WhiteD3]

I've done ~45,000 on my 255 Scorpion ATR's and have found them great. Rotated every service and a wheel alignment every year have given even wear. I don't see the point of going to 265's.

[gghaggis]

I prefer (and use) the 265/60R18. It 's a more common size (I think either the Prado or the Pajero spec them as std), so better chance of a replacement outside of the urban areas.

Cheers,

Gordon

[bbyer]

Hi All.The wranglers on the 09 D3 are due for replacement.The Pirelli Scorpions ATR are the weapon of choice.Question is, do I go with the 255/60/r18 or do I go the 265/60/r18.Mainly bitumen and occasional graded road.I fancy the 265s.:angel: Rostbiff.

From my reading of the Pirelli Scorpion ATR data available on the Tire Rack USA site, the wider 265 tyre has a lesser load rating, (SL Standard Load) than the 255 tyre with the XL (Extra Load) rating. Maximum load is 2,337 lbs vs 2,469 lbs for the 255.

The wider tyre is also a bit lighter in weight, 39 lbs vs 40 lbs, so that suggests a very different construction given the tread is about a 1/2" wider.

I also note maximum inflation pressure is 44 psig vs 50 psig for the 255.

Since the 3 weighs near 3 ton empty, I guess it is not a car; also I seem to recall that hot weather, (not a concern here), and highway speeds reduce load capacity even more.

Tire Tech Information - Load Range/Ply Rating Identification (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp'techid=55)

Pirelli Scorpion ATR (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp'tireMake=Pirelli&tireModel=Scorpion+ATR&partnum=555HR9SCORATR&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Land) Rover&autoYear=2005&autoModel=LR3 HSE&autoModClar=

[Rostbiff]

What a great response all round.There's some good knowledge out there!I will place the order with Tyre mart tomorrow for the 255s.Can't wait! Thanks again.Rostbiff.

[Tombie]

Since the 3 weighs near 3 ton empty, I guess it is not a car;

Why does everyone keep saying this???

Fully fueled, all fluids and top spec is only 2700...

SE spec TDV6 Auto is a little over 2500kg...

My D2 weighs more than Peters D3 with Winchbar etc...
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/04/769.jpg

[bbyer]

Why does everyone keep saying this???

Fully fuelled, all fluids and top spec is only 2700...

SE spec TDV6 Auto is a little over 2500kg...

My D2 weighs more than Peters D3 with Winchbar etc...

Weeeell yes, you are correct.

My owners handbook says the full fuel weight of the petrol V8 is from 4,461 kg to 2,629 kg (5,426 to 5,796 lbs).

Given that one should be allowed some artistic license, (well I think so anyway), and if one uses short tons, (1 short ton = 2,000 lbs); also the term empty to me means "Me not inside", but with my second tyre, a full kit of tools and spares, (for travelling anywhere further than 60 miles from the dealer) - ah well - and recovery gear. Yes, that and my Eat More chocolate bars - they do not melt in the glove box, so one gets close enough to 3 ton by my "new math".

O yes, then there are my arctic clothes and boots for walking - not much fun and never have yet.

This is not what I would call expedition equipped; this is just to go out of town to see Grandma.
:)

[dominicbeirne]

Hi Rostbiff,

Good luck with the Scorpions. Old next door neighbour had them on his D3, now has Suby god knows why, and swore by them. Hope you enjoy the ride with them. Have just ordered new rubber in original size for mine as can't see sense in changing. My thoughts stay original.

Cheers

Dom

[Graeme]

.. the wider 265 tyre has a lesser load rating, (SL Standard Load) than the 255 tyre with the XL (Extra Load) rating.
I think this difference is too readily discounted especially if the vehicle is going to travel loaded on unsealed roads. LT would be better though.

[bbyer]

I think this difference is too readily discounted especially if the vehicle is going to travel loaded on unsealed roads. LT would be better though.

Yes, I have always felt the tyres on most SUV's , Land Rover included, are really heavy duty passenger car tyres.

A real truck tyre is closer in construction to an LT tyre, but in my mind, real trucks should not be full of Kids and not have "in flight TV" and the like. LT constructed tyres have their own set of load ratings, B to F, and generally the LT letters are marked prior to the tyre width and then the load rating follows after the wheel size. LT255 55 R18E for instance. I have always thought the real plus of the LT tyre was in the side wall construction - it is usually less delicate.

Hence, for the most part, the passenger tyres that Land Rover specs in the XL rating are probably the best compromise for daily use for most drivers - those probably not on this forum.:)