20" Tyres

[Geedublya]

I'll be due for new tyres soon.

I have 17" wheels with MTs for off road use, however since they are extremely noisy,impact fuel economy substantially and not particularly nice to drive on I want to keep my 20s (which are smooth, quiet and grip well) for day to day use.

I would like something that can do some light off roading and have a higher load rating than the originals (255 50 20 Pirelli Scorpion Zero 109Y, OD 763mm) for when I tow the camper.

Below are the various sizes and tyres available that I think might be suitable any advice or opinions are welcomed.

275 45 20 Cooper Zeon, 110S, OD 757, worried about less sidewall than standard.

275 55 20 Cooper Zeon, 117S, OD 811, these would be perfect if the OD is not too large and causes rubbing problems.

285 50 20 Cooper Zeon, 116S, OD 795, I believe these will fit OK, however the width is not strictly legal.

265 50 20 Nitto Terra Grappler, OD 773, These look OK, just don't know how easy they are to source. (has anyone tried or heard abou these?)

I have also seen Toyo open country tyres in 285 50 20, Toyo don't list them on their website so they may be grey imports.

The other option is to put ATs on the 17s however I would prefer to keep the MTs as they are fairly new and they work well in the bush.

[Meccles]

We have the 275/45 R20 Cooper Zeons fitted and well happy with them. Using them for same types of purpose you mention. On a 2013 SDV6 RRS

[gghaggis]

The 275/55R20's would be at the limit of fitment, so spare would need to be deflated, heat shield removed, bit of plastic cutting under the guards.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Geedublya]

Thanks for your input Gordon I was hoping you would chime in.
I have a RWC already so the spare isn't a problem, do you think the effort involved to fit the 275 55 is worth it? or should I just settle for the smaller ones bearing in mind I have an OL front bar and rear aircon.

Will the 285s be OK with the standard wheels offset?

[gghaggis]

The 285's on the std rims are very, VERY close to the front upper control arms - in fact at first they look like they're touching, but they just miss! If you're happy subscribing to the notion that the tyre will never move any closer, then go for it - I have a couple of clients who have done that against my advise, and so far have had no problems. So far ......

I think it would be worth investigating the 275's - I've fitted slightly bigger (275/65R18) to a Sport and a D4 with some mods, but not with an OL bar, so not sure if you'd have the clearance at the front when on lock.

The docs for the modifications (for a car w/out bull bar) are on my website if you want to have a look.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Lew White]

Hi,
New to this forum, but suffered a similar problem with my RRS. Car came with factory fitted 20" rims and Continental 275/40R20 tyres. As I wanted something a little more robust but wishing not to jeapordise my warranty (dealers woul not guarantee this if I changed from factory spec) nor did I want to change rim size, I opted for the General Grabber AT in 275/40R20. I imported them from the UK with very little fuss and have been quite happy with them, although their performance in the rough is still questionable. Anyway, hope this helps, and if you want any details I'll be only too happy to oblige.
Cheers,
Lew.

[Geedublya]

Thanks Lew, I want something with more sidewall than a 40 profile and I also want something that is available in Australia so if I damage a tyre I can get a replacement.
I think I will probably trial a 275 55 and if it has sufficient clearance at the front I will go for them.

[chuck]

Geedublya

Be interested to see the results.

Had a set of 265 x 70 x 17 MT MTZ's on my D3 which appear to be the same diameter.

Looking at my options on the D4.

Although happy with the performance of the 19" GG AT's at Carpenters Rocks last week.

[jon3950]

I now have 2 friends running the 275/45 Zeons on Rangie Sports and like them. For light off-roading they are surprisingly good - both have survived trips to the High Country without problem. They also seem pretty good on-road (I have them in 19" on my D4). The key is getting the tyre pressures right - you can't let the sidewalls bag too much.

With a set of 17"s as well, I think they would make a good touring tyre.

Cheers,
Jon

[vs2]

I've just purchased a 2013 Disco Black Pack and have spoken to Gordon about wheels/tires. I doubt I will do any hard core off roading but I would like a AT tire with maximum sidewall and the 20" 275/55's would be perfect plus then my speedo would be just 1 kmh fast as now with factory setup GPS=100 - Disco=105.

Would it be fair to say that a AT 275/55/r20 will do 80% of what a AT 285/60/r18 will do off road? Interested to hear how the fitment goes and if any mods needed.

[Meccles]

FYI the speedo on our RRS Black with the 275/45 R 20 is about perfect. What it says it pretty much what you are doing (as per GPS).So would suspect that with 55 you will be going quicker at indicated speed.

[vs2]

FYI the speedo on our RRS Black with the 275/45 R 20 is about perfect. What it says it pretty much what you are doing (as per GPS).So would suspect that with 55 you will be going quicker at indicated speed.

Thanks. According to 4x4tyres.co.uk calculator from stock 20" to 275/55 and my speedo been out (5 kph slow), I would then be 1 kph fast. I may have it wrong?

[DM Disco]

Hi I've been watching this thread and are looking to buy a set of tyres for my D4 3l with the factory 20" rims.
The cooper Zeon LTZ's look good, I know the 275/45/20's fit but do the 285/45/20 fit without rubbing ( the extra sidewall would be useful). Note I tow a large van
3 ton fully loaded. I am in Melbourne and have been quoted $400-$420 per tyre. The dealers say the 285/45/20's "should fit".
Anyone running these tyres or know someone that can help.

[gghaggis]

Read my post earlier in this thread. They barely fit.