19 inch wheels

[Kevvy]

My ideal wheel size was 17 inch with Toyo A
/T, however the FR2 I want has 19 inch wheels

Anyone experienced with 19"

My off-road is forestry roads, 70/30 tar to dirt

[Bytemrk]

Kevvy,

Lots of people will tell you that 19" rims are the worst thing that ever happened and you cannot what ever you do go off the black stuff with them. I'm here to tell you that is bollocks.

My experience with 19" is not on a Freelander, but rather a D4 with enough extras to weigh in a bit over 3 tonnes. So likely much harder on tires than your Freelander I suspect.

The lower side walls is definitely not a great thing.... but if you drive the vehicle aware of the lower profile and you are aware of exactly where your wheels are - my experience would suggest they are not a problem at all.

I've done plenty of off road over the last 3 or so years -Forests around Melbourne, Vic high country, several extended trips into Outback S.A, Flinders Ranges, NSW Forests, Lithgow and more. Appropriate pressures and driving style, they still go anywhere a smaller rim will.
I've covered a wide variety of terrain from sand to sharp rock and in close of 80,000Km had 1 tire problem, when the idiot driving the car put a sharp rock through a side wall. [bighmmm] (That was me btw.)

Would more side wall be better - probably , but don't let people tell you 19" are no good. If anything I think they have helped make me a better 4wder.

[rar110]

The sidewall on almost all 19” tyres is ordinary. 18” is probably an ok size. 17” will definitely give you stronger tyre options.

I’ve used 19’s for beach work and stoney roads. They were ok for that. But 18” will be better. I run 18’s for beach and trips now.

[rar110]

Also the FL2 is quite a bit lighter so will cope better on 19’s. But 17’s still always stronger.

[Kevvy]

Thanks all, what brands are you on?

[rar110]

Tyre choices are now changing. For example my 19s are dirt cheap Chinese ‘winrun’ brand tyres. These did pretty well on dirt/gravel roads on our Lightning Ridge trip. And are great for on road.

Bridgestone 697s have a good reputation. If less aggressive is required, Cooper HTs seem to have good strength.

The load rating of a tyre is a rough guide. 18s are arguably a happy medium for on and off road duties.