7.50 x 16 tyres - good types and where to buy in Brisbane

[pfillery]

As the title says, does anyone have any good bad or indifferent stories on 7.50 x 16 light truck tyres to fit to my series 3?

I want a nice looking tyre that doesn't look like a car tyre, I really don't do much off road but a lot of it is about maintaining the look so are there any suggestions? Also don't want to spend a fortune so anyone dealt with any good reputable wreckers or used tyre dealers that may have a set around the place?

[Blknight.aus]

theres a couple of cheapy shops out this way... (ipswich)

the cheapest way of getting rubber is from online, fleabay or the online cheap tyre stores.

if you'd like once youve got the tyres your welcome to come round here to get them fitted up. (mandraulically or at my local JAX)

[pfillery]

Thanks Dave. Any tips on brands to avoid? I have otani on there at the moment, they were on the vehicle when I bought it and seem quite good, probably clocked up 15000km in that time.

Sadly only one needs replacing and I'm doubtful that it will be possible to find one matching tyre, so I'm either looking at 2 or 4, keep the better ones as spares and offload the rest or store them in case I ever build a trailer. I have 2 spare rims plus the one carried in the car.

I've asked a couple of tyre places and they have tried to tell me a modern equivalent tyre (ie 215/70 16 type of notation, wasn't that exact one but you get the idea) however most of these are the dual purpose car/suv tyres which I would imagine are quieter but don't look right, plus would have undoubtedly a different rolling diameter.

The plan at this stage is to strip the old ones off the 2 spare rims, strip and paint the rims first and then refit, so not a quick process. When I had my old cruiser troopie about 10 years ago, you could go to the country toyota dealers and obtain for next to nothing, the brand new factory split rims with 7.50 or 7.00 x 16 tyres on them, I recall I bought a couple of sets and they cost under $200 for 4 so an absolute bargain (the dealers wanted them gone - they swapped the splits for alloys to sell the cruisers and had piles of new original rims/tyres taking up room) but unfortunately they don't do that any more, or not as much.

[Sleepy]

Had a set of Michellin XZL's 7.50's on my S3. Loved 'em. Tough as nails, good in the bush and not too bad on bitumen.
They were standard fit for 130 - think they still are. (?)

Not sure that they are all that cheap new but keep an eye out for someone "upgrading" their Defender.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/08/768.jpg

[bcj]

I'll swear by the xzl's, but make sure you're sitting down when they tell you the price - set will probably be worth more than a series 3. Mine are coming up on 40k mostly on-road & just about knackered (will be re-tired to 109 for farm from 110). Have been better on-road than my previous a/t tyres. On the grassy hills & the mud brilliant

Brett

110 300tdi

[alanw]

Agree with the last 2 posts.

I have had a very good run with michelin xzl's on a 130Dual Cab.

Original set lasted about 80K - but important to keep them pumped up (60psi). If pressures are low they tend to wear unevenly - a bit like lugged truck tyres. They are a very solid tyre - very strong in the sidewall and so far I have not been able to stake one.

Got spooked by the cost of replacing them and put on 750X16 truck tryes - as would go on a low loader etc. These were lower cost - and very strong in the wall. Kept pumped up they last a similiar distance but are somewhat character building in the wet....... A good drought tyre.

Was able to then get a set of xzl's (5 tyres and 5 rims) from someone who was putting on wider tyres and am very glad I have had them in the last wet year.

The michelins are expensive.

But the most expensive tyres I have ever had are those which are not strong in the wall and get staked - and are then thrown away.

alanw

[dromader driver]

I've had a good run on mostly road work with XZA's on the defa trayback. Coming up for about 80 000 k's with the LR recomended tyre pressure. Give lots of warning before letting go and good running around the property. I have some old geolanders on sunraysia's for when it gets wet and the skinny's chop the ground up. Geolanders were on it when I bought it but they haven't been rotated resulting in wedging and uneven wear causing lots of noise.

Had a chat with the bob jane man last week when reshoeing one of the kids cars. Was asking about xzl in 750/16 and he indicated he had Road Slippers as takeoffs from Tojo's for about $260 each. XZL is around $325 each.

Cheers

[Sleepy]

I wouldn't dismiss 235/85 16's. They are only a smidge larger and fill out the S3 gaurds nicely.

I have a set of BFG MT's on my Def and went well on the Series 3 too.

[JamesH]

I wouldn't dismiss 235/85 16's. They are only a smidge larger and fill out the S3 gaurds nicely.

I have a set of BFG MT's on my Def and went well on the Series 3 too.

Most 235/85s won't go (legally) on a 5 1/2 inch rim, they require a minimum of 6".

[Sleepy]

Yes, good point, I was using Steel Disco rims

[pfillery]

Had a set of Michellin XZL's 7.50's on my S3. Loved 'em. Tough as nails, good in the bush and not too bad on bitumen.
They were standard fit for 130 - think they still are. (?)

Not sure that they are all that cheap new but keep an eye out for someone "upgrading" their Defender.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/08/768.jpg

Nice S3. Exactly the same colour as mine so I know the tyres will look good.

[isuzurover]

When looking for 2nd hand tyres, bear in mind the guideline that they should be replaced over 6 years old. Some RWC inspectors in QLD have been reported to knock back cars with older tyres.

Also, older tyres can become very hard and "interesting" in the wet...

The Michelins above are an excellent tyre IME.

A while back I managed to buy some 1/2 worn 7.50 olympic steeltreks (ex-military I think). They were quite good as well.

7.50s are getting a bit hard to find these days.

[uninformed]

Most 235/85s won't go (legally) on a 5 1/2 inch rim, they require a minimum of 6".

how does it work that the 235/85R16 is the tyre that is approved for 110's and they come with 5.5???? note also most stock LR rims do not have a safety bead, and require tubes.

[Sleepy]

how does it work that the 235/85R16 is the tyre that is approved for 110's and they come with 5.5???? note also most stock LR rims do not have a safety bead, and require tubes.

Aren't they 6"? And the 130 wheels are 6.5"

[uninformed]

Aren't they 6"? And the 130 wheels are 6.5"

Not AFAIK. My 1998 D110 came with 5.5. The 130's are 6.5. The only 6 inch rover rim I know of is the Milatary rim. I am not sure what Disco 1 rims are? And I think RR classic Rostyle are 7 inch????

[TonyC]

Aren't they 6"? And the 130 wheels are 6.5"

No, the steel 110 wheels are 5.5 and fitted with 7.50s
Alloy wheels are 7 inch and fitted with 235/85R16s
Yes, 130 steel wheels are 6.5 inch but still fitted with 7.50s

[series3]

I was under the impression that SWB series land rovers have a 5.5 inch rim, and LWB + 110 onwards had 6 inch steelies? Is there a code on your rims serge?

Sam

[uninformed]

FV2000727
NRC7578
5.50Fx16x33

these are now on my trailer

my 6 inch milatary rims are under the house and Im not getting under there now haha

[Sleepy]

Probably explains why the new "poverty pack" 110 pumas have 130 wheels.;)

[scrambler]

TonyC has it right. I've just been checking looking at replacement tyres.

Standard steelies for 110 Defenders (and Counties, and Series 3, but before that I dunno): 5.5 inch
Steelies for Range Rover Classic: 6 inch
Steelies for 130s: 6.5 inch
Steelies for Discos: 7 inch
Alloys for RRC/Disco/Defender: 7 inch
You can find other widths after market and I gather early SWB rims are 5 inch.
Depending on tyre and fitter you can put some 235/85/16s on 5.5 inch rims (I have some on mine). There are different wheels, of course, but a certain amount comes down to construction and offset when it comes to codes. For example the Series III LWB rims and the County rims differ in construction details but are otherwise identical for dimensions. Different codes of course.

[uninformed]

TonyC has it right. I've just been checking looking at replacement tyres.

Standard steelies for 110 Defenders (and Counties, and Series 3, but before that I dunno): 5.5 inch
Steelies for Range Rover Classic: 6 inch
Steelies for 130s: 6.5 inch
Steelies for Discos: 7 inch
Alloys for RRC/Disco/Defender: 7 inch
You can find other widths after market and I gather early SWB rims are 5 inch.
Depending on tyre and fitter you can put some 235/85/16s on 5.5 inch rims (I have some on mine). There are different wheels, of course, but a certain amount comes down to construction and offset when it comes to codes. For example the Series III LWB rims and the County rims differ in construction details but are otherwise identical for dimensions. Different codes of course.

and dont forget the Aus. LR milatary rims that look exactly like a series/110/def steelie but are 6.0 wide

[scrambler]

and dont forget the Aus. LR milatary rims that look exactly like a series/110/def steelie but are 6.0 wide
Happy to edit but my understanding is that the military rims are still 5.5 inch but are uprated for strength and that Series 3 military rims are greater offset than Series 2/2a. There are visual differences: the Military Series 3 rims have a ridge raised between the wheel nuts which the later wheels lack. But the dimensions (width, offset) are the same.

Reference:
Australian Military Tyre types -REMLR (http://www.remlr.com/tyres.html)

[uninformed]

The 5 I have, and a mate also has 5, are 6 inch wide. These have the rasied rib between the wheel nuts. I will dig out numbers of them. they were bought from a memeber on this site. When I posted a wanted add, I got more than one offer. So they are out there.

[Davehoos]

235/85R16 33
I got a set of defender [UK] wheels last week from the wreckers..rims are 5.5jX16 33 cooper discovery S/T 235/85R16 33 looks ok.

spare was 7.50 16 8 ply desert dueler.it looks under sized on my spare.

disco steel is 6 inch,205/ 16
alloy 7 inch.16-31

disco 93 auto V8. stripping a 89 hiline.
im using on my disco A range rover 3 spoke 7X16 31,the original tyres are 245/70 16 bridgstone A/T.spare is 6j X16 avon rangemaster[as new].these ride a steer great.

the new wheels just fit the disco and are noisey-hard to steer when cold and has dropped power between 60-90 kmh.

the 6JX16 perentie wheels I fitted up was 7.50 olympics and these didnt look under sized at work we use a hankook 7.50 12ply and these look fine.

[Davehoos]

have lots of 5 inch wheels around farms and old bush fire trailers.
ROH wheels and ive seen these on SWB.

[scrambler]

The 5 I have, and a mate also has 5, are 6 inch wide. These have the rasied rib between the wheel nuts. I will dig out numbers of them. they were bought from a memeber on this site. When I posted a wanted add, I got more than one offer. So they are out there.
The master of all things Military Rover, UncleHo, says there are some late Series 3 6 inch rims. I accept my error.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/remlr-technical/133996-military-wheel-rim-widths.html

I tried to edit the original listing but the system won't let me back there.

On the original question ...

What about basic commercial 7.50/16s?

Or these?

Tyreright - Tyre Detail (http://www.tyreright.com.au/tyre_28090_D671.aspx)

My apologies for Vince.

[TonyC]

On the original question ...

What about basic commercial 7.50/16s?

Or these?

Tyreright - Tyre Detail (http://www.tyreright.com.au/tyre_28090_D671.aspx)

My apologies for Vince.

Have you tried to get some Road Grippers from a Land Cruiser, most Gov. dept and many companies fit after market wheels and 265/75R16 tyres from new.

Tony

[pfillery]

So is there a difference between a 7.50x16, a 7.50-16 and a 7.50R16? Some of the road grippers I have seen are 7.00 - 16 rather than 7.50 so will they have the same tyre height? My main concern is making sure the overall diameter is the same so the speedo is accurate. You seem to be able to get plenty of cheap 6.00 x 16 bar tread tyres etc but I'm unclear if the number 6, 7 or 7.50 refers to the tyre or rim width, how do you know you are getting the right profile unless you measure every tyre?

[Sleepy]

My understanding (and happy to be corrected;)) the older sizes are 100% profile (aspect ratio). So 7.50 has a tread 7.50" and sidewall 7.50". So the diameter is 16+7.5+7.5 = 31"

Therefore the 7.00 and smaller would have correspondingly smaller diameter.

I dont think the format matters - although "R" indicates radial.

Tyres do vary a bit and if critical take a tape measure.

[scrambler]

My understanding (and happy to be corrected;)) the older sizes are 100% profile (aspect ratio). So 7.50 has a tread 7.50" and sidewall 7.50". So the diameter is 16+7.5+7.5 = 31"

Therefore the 7.00 and smaller would have correspondingly smaller diameter.

I dont think the format matters - although "R" indicates radial.

Tyres do vary a bit and if critical take a tape measure.
ish

I think the nominal total diameter of the 7.50/16 (however spelled and radial or bias ply) is 32 inches. But the smaller numbers are smaller in every direction. Most people wouldn't notice the smaller diameter of a 7.00 bar tread BUT you really don't want a bar tread for their look on a car used as a daily driver. Bar treads are for heavy-duty mud work - tractor work.

Series Land Rover speedos are not accurate except by extreme good fortune. Just learn the error and adjust your driving accordingly. After 5 speedos in 4 cars, I have had only one exactly correct.

The 7.50 tyres, or the 235/85, are the ones you want, in a tread which is functional on-road even if you want an off-road look (and/or function). Unless you plan to do mostly off-road and rarely highway driving, go for a radial construction.

[Sleepy]

Correction to my post above, the 7.50 refers to the widest part of the tyre not necessarily the tread. Wont fight you for the inch scrambler. Theory doesnt always translate in practice. ;) My 38.5's measure just over 37 inches!
GPS is handy to check you speedo error.:angel:

[scrambler]

Correction to my post above, the 7.50 refers to the widest part of the tyre not necessarily the tread. Wont fight you for the inch scrambler. Theory doesnt always translate in practice. ;) My 38.5's measure just over 37 inches!
GPS is handy to check you speedo error.:angel:
Look, take the inch, I don't want it any more! :p

I agree with everything you say Paul. My comment was really around having had a Series vehicle with 31/12.5/15 tyres on it - noticably shorter, poorer ground clearance, lower gearing etc - even if only that 1 inch shorter (nominally). What the actual diameter was I couldn't tell you. And the fitted height varies depending on the rim width - thinner rims result in taller tyres. There's a case for using the narrowest rim that will take your chosen tyre.

[pfillery]

So what's the opinion on the best kind of tyre for the opposite scenario - hardly ever used offroad and mostly used for highway driving? Tell me I'm crazy but I just love driving it as an everyday car. I like the ones on it at the moment, they have a chunky sidewall but a fairly flat tread. What I find hard to work out is the compromise between the look and the usage. My current ones are relatively quiet on the highway. I'm not really keen on bar treads though.

So what about a light truck tyre as opposed to a 4x4 tyre? I guess most 7.50 16 tyres are LT but some are very straight edges like what you get on a semi trailer, whereas the average 4x4 tyre bulges out and then back in towards the tread. I do like the landcruiser type that is generally found on the split rims

So hard to know what will fit well, drive well and look good without getting some and chucking them on. As for the speedo issue, I max my speed at 80-90km/h so I guess the accuracy issue isn't as serious, but she looks good and rides well at the height it sits at, and just gets into the garage, so certainly don't want any higher or lower.

[Blknight.aus]

I have a variety of tyres here, come have a look and a play with what Ive got.

IMHO LT tyres with a steer bias are best for the series for on highway use.

[pfillery]

I have a variety of tyres here, come have a look and a play with what Ive got.

IMHO LT tyres with a steer bias are best for the series for on highway use.

Hi Dave,

So forgive my lack of tyre knowledge :confused: but what do you mean by a steer bias?

[dromader driver]

pfillery,
the grooves in a steer tyre run around the circumference ( fore and aft ) whilst a drive tyre the grooves are a across the tyre ( left to right ) have a look at the link. XZA is a steer bias tyre . the XoneXDA is a drive tyre.i


Michelin Australia - Tyre Catalogue - transport.michelin.com.au (http://transport.michelin.com.au/tbtyre/findalltyre/getByRoadCd/A).

I use XZA on the defender mostly on road for no road noise and low rolling resistance. Use something different offroad if wet but XZA is ok in the dry.


Cheers

[scrambler]

pfillery: If you want an on-road tyre then I would suggest having a look at what the local tyre shops have in 235/85/16 in what is usually referred to (unhelpfully) as "passenger" construction.

Tyres have a lot of compromises, but if you will be driving on paved roads, that eliminates the issue of grip. Instead the issue is shedding water when wet - and the "steering" type commercial tyres are more than adequate. And they are pretty good in sand as well.

But in many cases tyres that have treads and internal construction similar to passenger car tyres will work as well or better. This style are not designed to carry heavy loads (which it sounds like you won't be doing) and are not as biased toward high mileage, which while it sounds bad actually allows the tyre to be designed better for grip on-road.

Heavier duty internal construction is indicated by "LT" in the tyre description. Asking for "Light truck" tyres will get you heavier built tyres. The additional strength can add quite a lot of money - and if you won't be needing it why pay for it? It also leads to relatively poorer suspension dynamics - but would you notice in a Series 3 anyway?

The words/ letter to look for are "road biased," "H/T" (for "highway terrain"), "passenger construction" and "van tyre."

The bulging sidewall look is characteristic of bias ply tyres. Might look nice but radial construction is 10 times better to drive on-road.

[uninformed]

hey all,

I stopped in at my mates who is a manager of Beaurepairs at Southport. Not alot available in 750-16 that isnt Light Truck and Hwy bias. A quick search showed available to him in 750-16 are Goodyear Wrangler AT/SA and Michelin XZL....there are others but mostly road truck bias. Also in 235/85R16 are Maxxis Bighorn and Buckshot, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac and MT/R kevlar.

He is all about deals so give him (Nathan) a call and tell him your from the Land Rover forum. He is also doing good deals on Marshall batteries atm.

[dromader driver]

If you do decide to move away from the light truck type check that you comply with the tyre manufacturers min rim width. The old rims are known as skinny's as they are 5.5 inches. Most newer passenger type tyres need 6.0 inch width.