Tire size for touring... Help

[troyfyn]

Hi all!
So in 3 weeks we are touring for 6-8 months.... We have a tdi 110 defender towing a ausi swag and tinny...
I know tyre topics have been covered a bit such and I've been over them but still confused.....
I've got some 0 off set steel wheels and need tyres for them... What's best for touring, will the 255/85r16 mess with the gearing too much as towing...?
Was thinking along the lines of 265/75r16 but look fairly wide, or 235/85r16..?
Is a mud terrain going to be too noisy....?
I've always had A/T bfg or equivilant.....

Ps I got the 0 offset wheels to slightly widen the footprint of car and reduce scrubbing when on full lock...
Any help would be super....!
Cheers...:D

[troyfyn]

Hi all!
So in 3 weeks we are touring for 6-8 months.... We have a tdi 110 defender towing a ausi swag and tinny...
I know tyre topics have been covered a bit such and I've been over them but still confused.....
I've got some 0 off set steel wheels and need tyres for them... What's best for touring, will the 255/85r16 mess with the gearing too much as towing...?
Was thinking along the lines of 265/75r16 but look fairly wide, or 235/85r16..?
Is a mud terrain going to be too noisy....?
I've always had A/T bfg or equivilant.....

Ps I got the 0 offset wheels to slightly widen the footprint of car and reduce scrubbing when on full lock...
Any help would be super....!
Cheers...

[n plus one]

Hi all!
So in 3 weeks we are touring for 6-8 months.... We have a tdi 110 defender towing a ausi swag and tinny...
I know tyre topics have been covered a bit such and I've been over them but still confused.....
I've got some 0 off set steel wheels and need tyres for them... What's best for touring, will the 255/85r16 mess with the gearing too much as towing...?
Was thinking along the lines of 265/75r16 but look fairly wide, or 235/85r16..?
Is a mud terrain going to be too noisy....?
I've always had A/T bfg or equivilant.....

Ps I got the 0 offset wheels to slightly widen the footprint of car and reduce scrubbing when on full lock...
Any help would be super....!
Cheers...:D

Everyone has a different idea of touring so it's hard to know what will suit but my guess is an aggressive AT in a 235 would suit you needs - assume you have 7 inch rims?

Personally I tour on 255/85 MTs for the extra clearance and to managd risk around changing weather conditions - but this is on a Puma so I can't comment re Tdi gearing.

I think picking a touring tyre size based on the availability of spares is a bit of a wash - most remote places won't have much beyond the size that fits farm utes/cop cars/council vehicles anyway. Having said that 255/85 can be a bit rare on the ground even in major centres.

Either way you're starting a bit trip with new tyres which is probably the most important part of your decision anyway - I'd never leave for a decent trip on tyres tyres that have more than 25-30% wear.

[weeds]

I reckon stick with quality 235/85/16's

MT's nearly seems standard figment these days......I started with AT's and moved to MT's, em considering going back to AT's

I tow a camper and couldn't imagine 255's on the hi-way, I run out of legs enough as it is

[Iain_B]

I'd second the 255/85R16. The extra bit of ground clearance you get makes a difference on the sand and rutted tracks as most people run 265/75R16. I needed to replace two of my tyres on our last trip. I called into a Beaurepairs in Port Hedland and they got the Carnarvan branch to order in two, we got there three days later and they were waiting for us. 235/85R16 were just as rare, would have to wait them almost all remote towns anyway.

I would also recommend fitting tyre sensors, they are great for keeping an eye on pressure and temperature. They let you know when you get a puncture long before you shred the tyre.

I'd also get some tyrepliers and some plugs and radial patches, then you can fix most holes good enough to get you to the next town at least.

[schuy1]

I find that a 235/85 16 AT is a good compromise between towing, offroad and general running on my TDi 110 ute. It is mainly my farm worker so does a lot of slow offraod. When touring away from the beaten track tyre availability is a consideration as even a new tyre can get staked or rocked so given that most farm 4wds run 235/85 you can be fairly certain they will be in stock . Pattern is really determined by how much bitumen noise you can tolerate and how much gravel will be in your plans. hope this assists :)
Cheers Scott

[weeds]

Where did my post go....

I choose to stick with a quality 235/85/16

It seems MT's are stand fit these days, I started with AT's and now run MT's. I am considering going back to AT's

I tow a 1300kg camper and would hate to think what towing would be like with 255's.......I run out of legs as it is going up hills

[troyfyn]

Thanks weeds, yeh I was unsure if it could handle it with talker tyres.... Go catters...! The g was alive last night ;)

[landy]

If you are touring I would suggest that you keep tyre size to the sizes that are commonly available. 235, 255 and 265. Although with standard rims 265s will rub on the rear at full flex (and rolling on corners) not sure about 0 offset rims though.
I have 265 Cooper ST Maxx on mine and can't recommend them enough. They have been a great tyre. Good on road, good on gravel and dirt, no real problems in the mud and self clean fairly well but usual problems with clay based mud. Just turn to slicks, as most do!

I don't have the funds to run a second set of mud tyres so bought these as an all rounder but now I wouldn't run anything else.

Just as a side note. I had BFG AT on it when I bought it and had BFG AT on my patrol when I bought that and both times thought they where shocking. Particularly with the Defender. The beading was far to hard and when deflated for off road work would constantly get small stones and debris in between the bead and rim causing no end off problems on re inflating the tyres. Constant small air leaks requiring checking each day. I check tyre pressures everyday while touring but it was a real pain to get the gear out every morning to inflate tyres. So was cracking the beads to clean the rims just because you hit the dirt.
I have never had these problems with the Coopers!

Good luck with you trip.

Regards

Nino.

[landy]

If you are touring I would suggest that you keep tyre size to the sizes that are commonly available. 235, 255 and 265. Although with standard rims 265s will rub on the rear at full flex (and rolling on corners) not sure about 0 offset rims though.
I have 265 Cooper ST Maxx on mine and can't recommend them enough. They have been a great tyre. Good on road, good on gravel and dirt, no real problems in the mud and self clean fairly well but usual problems with clay based mud. Just turn to slicks, as most do!

I don't have the funds to run a second set of mud tyres so bought these as an all rounder but now I wouldn't run anything else.

Just as a side note. I had BFG AT on it when I bought it and had BFG AT on my patrol when I bought that and both times thought they where shocking. Particularly with the Defender. The beading was far to hard and when deflated for off road work would constantly get small stones and debris in between the bead and rim causing no end off problems on re inflating the tyres. Constant small air leaks requiring checking each day. I check tyre pressures everyday while touring but it was a real pain to get the gear out every morning to inflate tyres. So was cracking the beads to clean the rims just because you hit the dirt.
I have never had these problems with the Coopers!

Good luck with you trip.

Regards

Nino.

[p38arover]

It's a no-no to post the same question in multiple areas.

[Bushman83]

I've been researching the exact same thing in preparation for my around Oz trip. Currently running 265/75r16 AT's on my tdi, but have decided to drop back down to standard 235/85r16s. Read this article here to best explain my reasoning.
Expeditions West: Tire Selection for Expedition Travel (http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html)

[dromader driver]

It depends on how you define touring as to which tyre choice. If it is touring on gravel roads and tar you definitely do not want mud tyres. The noise will drive you up the wall.

If mostly tar and gravel with the occasional boat ramp consider some pure road tyres. Less rolling resistance, better fuel economy and no tyre noise which allows you to hear all the other rattles in the truck.

http://transport.michelin.com.au/extension/michelin_tb/design/michelin_tb/images/upload/pattern/XZY3-16inch_back_TL.jpg

http://transport.michelin.com.au/extension/michelin_tb/design/michelin_tb/images/upload/pattern/XZY%60_TL.jpg

[troyfyn]

Right, didn't see that in rules, maybe pm me next time ron, thanks

[p38arover]

Where did my post go....


You posted in his other thread.

[frantic]

The 255's will give more clearance but will raise your gearing as they are 33.4 inches and not as common with only 3 makes, bighorn, bfg km2 and coopers. The 265 would be the most common being fitted to lots of Japanese 4bies so making them easover to replace if you eat them.
Personally I have 255/85 with a td5 and am happy with the gearing , light towing and full wagon(5kids)but looking at 4.11 to go 35's. The bighorns I've had for 45-50ks and should get another 15-20ks and they work well on and off road. Originally my 110 had 2 bfg at and 2 coopers, all 235's. The coopers on the rear where chipped and slippery in the wet and in my opinion the defender drove better with the 255 and better again with zero offsets.

[troyfyn]

Yeh thanks everyone, bar Ron, accidental, not all perfectly technically on top...

Among to be off the tar as Much as possible.... Will read the article, thanks! Just thought 265 with the 0 offset wheels might give for a slightly better traction In sand ( understand the footprint is length not width that mainly counts...)
Sooo many options!!!
Great guys

[vnx205]

Right, didn't see that in rules, maybe pm me next time ron, thanks

I can understand your embarrassment at being gently chided publicly. :D:D:D

However, if you think about it a PM is not a very efficient way of reminding people of the way things should be done.

If Ron had sent you a PM, you would be the only one who read it, so he would have reminded just one person of the need to avoid the confusion (see Weeds' question in either this thread or the other one) caused by having the same question in more than on place.

By posting his reminder in the thread, he has conveyed the message to a large number of people. Surely that is more efficient.

On the subject of your thread, one issue to consider when considering tyres for an extended trip is the likelihood of being able to buy that size in out-of-the-way places.

235/85s seem to be pretty readily available. I don't know about the other sizes, but it might be worth while finding out.

[p38arover]

Right, didn't see that in rules, maybe pm me next time ron, thanks

Most forum section have stickies. One of them is duplicated across many sections. It is also in the conditions of access which few people read! :D

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/82585-nb-where-has-my-thread-gone.html

See para. 9

[Scouse]

Threads merged.


You want a job Ron?
:)

[weeds]

Come to think of it I'm not sure that 235/85/16 remain the most commonly available when touring as there is not many cars fitted with them from new........pov pack 70 series cruisers is all I can think off

A quality tyre and managing your tyre pressures reduces the risks of a tyre failing.

[isuzu110]

My vote is for 255/85's

I tow a Trackabout camper trailer behind my TDi with these and love the little bit of revs you get back when touring with the taller tyre.

[noyakfat]

I really like the 265/75R16's on my new wagon. This is also a very common size all over the outback. However, I'd go for a good all terrain pattern for touring. I have Hankook Dynapro RT03 M/T's on mine, as my immediate plans are for local day trips, overnights and weekends in the mountain tracks. (Plus I got them at a very very good price).

Next set I will probably go back to an all terrain pattern, when we start looking at longer trips away.

Cheers,

[PAT303]

You won't get 255's anywhere outside the bigger cities,stay with 235's,7.50 or 265/75. Pat

[rick130]

I agree with Pat, 235/85's are the smart choice, you'll get a replacement anywhere.
Having said that, I'll be running my 255/85's through the Simpson and to Alice Springs/McDonnell Ranges come August/September as that's what is on the 130 ATM. I'll probably pick up a spare 255 case as a backup to the spare, it'll be cheaper than five new 235/85's.

[c.h.i.e.f]

I'm running 285's terrible choice on my part....I'd go 235's or 265's next

[PAT303]

I agree with Pat, 235/85's are the smart choice, you'll get a replacement anywhere.
Having said that, I'll be running my 255/85's through the Simpson and to Alice Springs/McDonnell Ranges come August/September as that's what is on the 130 ATM. I'll probably pick up a spare 255 case as a backup to the spare, it'll be cheaper than five new 235/85's.

Rick,I hope your cooling system is getting some love before you go :angel:. Pat

[87County]

For standard gearing use what it came with - 235/85 16s (or equivalent 7.50 X 16s)

[Grizzly_Adams]

For touring I stick with the 235/85R16's. Not only easy to replace ( regardless of new vehicles having them - a lot of commercial vehicles such as Telstra vehicles etc. have them fitted so they are very available)

[Grizzly_Adams]

Dang, hit send accidentally. The other advantage for my 300tdi is I can easily carry 2 spares - one on the rear door and one on the bonnet. A 255/85 does not fit on the bonnet {:?o

[strangy]

I agree with Pat, 235/85's are the smart choice, you'll get a replacement anywhere.
Having said that, I'll be running my 255/85's through the Simpson and to Alice Springs/McDonnell Ranges come August/September as that's what is on the 130 ATM. I'll probably pick up a spare 255 case as a backup to the spare, it'll be cheaper than five new 235/85's.

So if you have time and my shifts align, perhaps a hello beer?

[rick130]

Rick,I hope your cooling system is getting some love before you go :angel:. Pat

A new rad, P gasket and head gasket! :p

[rick130]

So if you have time and my shifts align, perhaps a hello beer?

Yep, definitely.

Will be staying with mum for at least a week, it's the reason for the trip although hopefully will be doing a few trips out and about while there.

[87County]

Dang, hit send accidentally. The other advantage for my 300tdi is I can easily carry 2 spares - one on the rear door and one on the bonnet. A 255/85 does not fit on the bonnet {:?o

Can't see why it wouldn't ?

[Grizzly_Adams]

Yes - can't see is exactly the problem! :-)

[87County]

Yes - can't see is exactly the problem! :-)

apologies grizz, I didn't realise...

- but for those who have the good fortune not to be vertically challenged or have eyesight limitations, bonnet carriage is fine for tyres up to 255 85 16s :)





- pic below proves it















https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/570.jpg (http://s708.photobucket.com/user/87county/media/deefercapeyorkw265_zps6776b0de.jpg.html)

[Grizzly_Adams]

Ok, I'll concede that it is physically possible to have a 255/85R16 on the bonnet but I do not agree with it. I am 193cm's tall so not 'vertically challenged' and my eyesight is 20/20 thank you very much. However the windscreen on the 110's are already quite narrow & having a 235/85R16 already obscures a portion of the view, the 255/85R16 blocks too much for my comfort level. Also yes I'm paranoid when it comes to insurance however if they can find an out they will take it. They already (in Qld) won't let you have a bonnet mounted spare without provisions that it was possible to order them with the vehicle (hence aftermarket kits aren't allowed) and fitting a tyre size that didn't come with (or equivalent to) those that the carrier was designed for would see any claims being laughed out the door - especially if that claim included a pedestrian being hurt & / or your bonnet mounted spare being involved either directly or indirectly...

Having said all that, a bonnet mounted spare makes a terrific wind-break and keeps the majority of the insect splatter off the windscreen thank-you-very-much! :-)