What a difference a tyre makes....

[GregMilner]

On Grant Fowler's very good advice, I've just replaced my battered (by off road use) OEM Continentals with a new set of Pirelli Scorpion ATR 275/55R20s.

Wow, what a difference. Even plusher ride, two inches extra diameter, an inch extra sidewall height. And instead of reading 100kmh when you're only doing 96, it's gone the other way, you're doing 102-103 at 100 indicated. But I can live with that.

Now at last I can air down to a reasonable pressure off road.

Only downside: the spare won't fit in the space under the cargo floor, so I've kept the previous (unused) spare Conti on a rim I had, and I can carry the spare Pirelli on the OEM rim on the top of the camper trailer. First world problem.

Thoroughly recommended, if anybody else is in the same position.

[Graeme]

It's a good size for these vehicles although I find that the higher gearing requires more manual changes between 7th and 8th when towing my 2T van, but a small price to pay for the better ride, extra sidewall and more tyre choices.

[GregMilner]

Yes Graeme, a very small price to pay. When towing my camper trailer (up to 2t) I'll just leave it in Sport and let the transmission take care of the rest. Looking forward to our trip to the Kimberley and NT next year, bring it on:-)

[Graeme]

The larger diameter and wider tyres don't need their pressures lowered as much as standard size to get the same footprint and the larger diameter makes for a lesser slope to climb in sand so another advantage.

My LT275/55R20 BFGs are great in all respects except their noise. I've treated them the same as the LT 17" tyres that I had on my D4, never giving special considerations to them being 20" but noting that I haven't yet used them at sand pressures. Hopefully next winter I'll find out how good they are in sand.

[GregMilner]

Yes I'd seen earlier posts about the BFGs' noise. These Pirellis seem to be noticeably quieter than the Contis.

My main reason for getting the larger ATRs was to give the suspension a bit more of a rest from the horrible corrugations we drive over in the Kimberley. Hopefully they'll make a difference.

[CSBrisie]

Greg, did you have to modify rear drivers side wheel well to prevent rubbing due to size of tyre?

[GregMilner]

Haven't done any modifications at this stage Chris. Can't hear any rubbing but I'll pay more attention now that you've mentioned it. Your tyres are a bit wider than mine I think, what did you have to modify?

[CSBrisie]

No mine are fine but I thought 55 series rubbed against the plastic inner guard liner on drivers rear where it covers fuel tank inlet pipe. Easy fix with heat gun and one self tapping screw. GF/GS will confirm I'm sure.

[GregMilner]

No mine are fine but I thought 55 series rubbed against the plastic inner guard liner on drivers rear where it covers fuel tank inlet pipe. Easy fix with heat gun and one self tapping screw. GF/GS will confirm I'm sure.

Haven't noticed that, but there's a tiny bit of scrubbing from the front tyres on full lock against the leading inside plastic guards...but nothing to worry about.

[Graeme]

The BFG's tread is very wide and flat, certainly more than the ATRs, so more likely to rub.

[BobD]

Looking forward to our trip to the Kimberley and NT next year, bring it on:-)


Greg, don't forget to keep me in the loop re your trip. We are still very interested in doing at least the first part. I'll PM my email and phone number.