Michelin XLZ alternatives.

[Lachlan]

Hi everyone,

First time Land Rover owner, first post on this great forum. I've recently purchased a 2010 Defender 130, I'm sure this topic has been brought up in the past but i'd be interested to hear peoples thoughts. I'm looking to get new tyres, currently running the Michelin XZL's (7.5 R16) and have been informed that they are not being made anymore. My 2 rear tyres are on the way out but the fronts are still quite reasonable and i have a untouched spare in the back. If anyone around the Newcastle / Sydney area has a spare they would consider parting with i'd be interested to hear from you. Alternatively, anyone that has had to make the switch, and has advice from personal experience about a good Mud tyre option i'd be really keen to hear from you. To keep the same rims i believe i'm looking at a 265/75 R16.

Look forward to your thoughts...
- Lachlan.

[Colmoore]

G'day Lachlan.
I currently drive a 2010 110 which is up for sale. I have owned it for the passed few years and have done quite a lot of k's on the dirt and in the rough.
I ran the Wrangler AT's for Tarmac and dirt, plus a fair bit of steep rocky trails. They were almost smooth when I replaced them.
Then I put the Wrangler MT's on for going across the gulf country, up the OTT & around Cape York very late in the dry season. Didn't really encounter much mud, except in river crossings, but the tyres performed really well when we did. They are quite noisy and don't handle on the road like the AT's, as you would expect.
Both tyres have Kevlar in the belt and walls which I was skeptical about, but, apart from picking up a tech screw in a river bed, I haven't had a flat in 70,000kms. I spaghetti plugged the hole and it lasted the life of the tyre.
The camper trailer I tow has had 6 punctures and blown 2 tyres (likely due to punctures) in 30,000ks.
I'm a believer in the Kevlar!
Beware of the Wrangler Dura track though - they're a great looking tyre and a good compromise between AT's & muddies but they don't have Kevlar and the sidewalls are thinner & weak. I've heard of sidewall rips from quite a few drivers.
My 2 bobs worth anyway.
Btw I'm looking for a 130 and I live on the Central Coast, so I'll look out for you!
Col

[Lachlan]

Thanks Col, some great insight there. I ran the BFG K02's on my work ute and was really quite happy. I've heard plenty of myths about Muddies but trying to sort through them from people with first hand experience. The Michelin XZL's have quite the roar on the highway so maybe switching could end up being a little quieter even? Keep an eye out, you can't miss me. Silver dual cab with a quad tech canopy on the back. Cheers.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Happy with my BFG KM2's in a 255/85/R16 (33"). Not as noisy as your XZL's

[Zeros]

Ive been looking for a good 7.50R16 tyre. I prefer skinny tyres. They're difficult to find these days. Anyone else had any luck?

[dromader driver]

Zero's
i have been doing the same thing but there are heaps about. Some I would use for sydney brisbane overnights but others would only drive at slow speed around home. Everything from the knockoff zxy to D661's.

What do you want to use them for and how loaded? . Mine's a trayback so occasionally is fully loaded ( overloaded) but usually just running around.

I have also used a set of XZA's which are either regroovable or be visiting mr bandag for the farm series 3

[Mick_Marsh]

Just a quick search. Would these suit?
Toyo Tires Australia - M504 (http://toyotires.com.au/tyres/light-commercial-tyres/item/26-m504)

[Lachlan]

Dromader driver, eventually I'll be looking for something that can cope with the weight in the rear module ( I'm planning on kitting it out for longer trips but just a shell atm), and provide good off-road performance when I'm out in the bush. But I'm just getting caught up on the thought of buying a full set of new tyres when one more Michelin XZL would get me out of trouble for the foreseeable future...
I've heard frontline machinery is due to auction off some new / old stock but I'm sure there only available in sets of 4.

[stewie110]

Hi everyone,

First time Land Rover owner, first post on this great forum. I've recently purchased a 2010 Defender 130, I'm sure this topic has been brought up in the past but i'd be interested to hear peoples thoughts. I'm looking to get new tyres, currently running the Michelin XZL's (7.5 R16) and have been informed that they are not being made anymore. My 2 rear tyres are on the way out but the fronts are still quite reasonable and i have a untouched spare in the back. If anyone around the Newcastle / Sydney area has a spare they would consider parting with i'd be interested to hear from you. Alternatively, anyone that has had to make the switch, and has advice from personal experience about a good Mud tyre option i'd be really keen to hear from you. To keep the same rims i believe i'm looking at a 265/75 R16.

Look forward to your thoughts...
- Lachlan.

I did some research on the tires you discuss as I had them on my old 86 90. Loved those tires and got amazing mileage out of them.

found a few places that sell them in the area you mention. they include


Tempe tires online, they grey import them AFAIK.
If you are not scared to be poor you can also get them from (some) Mercedes dealerships as they come as an optional tire on the g-wagon professional in a XZL 8.25R16. (not sure what option they come in as I was directed there by Michelin Australia)



In the end i went with the BFG MT's.

[Plutei]

Check with these (http://www.marathontyres.com.au/index.html) guys, they stocked XZLs in 7.5 when I called about them two years ago.

[Michael2]

If you would like to stay with Michelin quality, can recommend the LTX AT2 in 235/85R16 which is almost identical to 7.50x16.

My first set of LTX AT2's on the Defender were repplaced at 100,000km and were still in a roadworthy state. During that 100K thay had done Cape York, The Tanami, The Gulf and the Kimberley as well as outback NSW. At least 20,000km were on unmade surfaces. They're a quiet tire, with a strong sidewall and good traction. The only damage I suffered with the tyres was a flat from a nail on that was on a piece of wood as I drove through roadworks in the Pilbara, which was repaired with a tyre plug. And a ripped sidewall, when a hoon towing a trailer was rushing toward me on the Gibb River Road, and I had to detour into the grader piled rocks on the side of the road to avoid a crash.

At around $300 per tyre they're not the cheapest (or the most expensive), but I feel they give a good economical return for the price.

[Plutei]

+1 for the LTX AT2. While I don't have them I've seen them on a car with 80,000km and they still looked fantastic and they were the quietest tyres he'd ever had too. They will probably be my next tyre.

[DazzaTD5]

As mentioned... a 235/85R16 is the equivalent to the ol 7.50 x 16

BUT
The 130 standard steel wheels are a 16 x 6 (i think or 6.5) so you cant go upto a 265/75R16 as some have suggested.
Also the 130 standard steel wheels are for a tubed tyre.
Apparently wheels for tubeless have a additional lip to assist in sealing/keeping tyre on wheel.

BUT would like to know of anyone running tubeless tyres on their 130 steel wheel for tubed, as I have a customer with the same issue.

[Zeros]

+1 for the LTX AT2. While I don't have them I've seen them on a car with 80,000km and they still looked fantastic and they were the quietest tyres he'd ever had too. They will probably be my next tyre.

Does anyone know the side wall ply rating of the LTX AT2? They sound great.

Ive always run Bridgestone 661's 235/85R16 which are similarly tough, 80K+ and super tough sidewalls 10 ply rating

235/85R16's are similar rolling diameter but still a bit wider than 7.50R16's. I prefer 7.50R16's it they're not easy. So still looking for a true replacement for xzl's in 7.50R16.

[Michael2]

BUT would like to know of anyone running tubeless tyres on their 130 steel wheel for tubed, as I have a customer with the same issue.

I was able to run tubeless tyres on my SIII steel wheels. The only problem was they had rusted beads and leaked air when below 15psi on a Simpson desert Trip.

[Michael2]

Does anyone know the side wall ply rating of the LTX AT2? They sound great.



When I was doing my research most tyres had 2 ply side walls and the LTX AT2 was 3 ply. I don't know how Radial ply compares to cross ply tyres

I used to have Custom Xtra Grip cross plies on a second set of rims for off roading. These were very chunky old school tyres (used by forestry and military). I learned that reducing tyre pressure on radials gave me way better traction in steep clay / mud terrain than the hard walled cross plies. Though the chunky grip was better at clawing out of ruts.

[Zeros]

When I was doing my research most tyres had 2 ply side walls and the LTX AT2 was 3 ply. I don't know how Radial ply compares to cross ply tyres.

Thanks, yes I think the 661 sidewalls are 3 ply too. Sounds like the LTX AT2 is definitely worth a look.

Dazza the newer wolf rims and standard Defender steel wheels have the tubeless bead. I have both. ...I wouldn't run tubeless on a rim without the bead.

[Rick]

I've got Goodyear Wrangler TG's on my 110. They are 7.50s, tubed though. Aggressive tread but can't comment about wear because, though I've had them on for a couple years, I don't drive the defender more than a few 1000kms a year.

[Sketty]

I currently have Michelin XZL 7.50R16C on my 130 which are up for replacement. I have tubed rims on my vehicle (ANR5593) which means whatever tyre I replace the Michelin's with have to have tubes in them. Can't afford at this stage to buy tubeless rims.
Leaning towards the TOYO M55s. Is anybody using these tyres with tubes in them or is there anybody out there running tubes inside tyres.
Have read that the trouble with using tubeless tyres with tubes is that the tyres often have a pattern on the inside of the tyre which rubs holes in the tubes & also that using tubes in tubeless tyres over heats them.

[Mick_Marsh]

I have tubed rims on my vehicle (ANR5593) which means whatever tyre I replace the Michelin's with have to have tubes in them.
That statement is not necessarily correct. The Michelins can be run tubeless on a AYG8108 rim, which does not have the beads. Research the tyre. Find out what rim it can be fitted to. You may be able to run them tubeless on the ANR5593 rim.

[Plutei]

I spent ages trawling forums when trying to figure out what my options were for the standard tubed rim and (from memory) did not find anyone who had any issues with running a tubeless tyre on the tube type rim. Plenty here do it, myself included, and I too have had no problems so far, including Simpson crossing and down to 12psi.

[123rover50]

I am running Michelin 7.50 x 16 XZL on the 5.5 inch 272309 rims and Michelin 900 x 16 on Defender 6.5 inch rims all tubeless no problems.

[Zeros]

I enquired at Bob Jane and two inependents today, Michelin LTX AT2 235/&5R16 are no longer available.

Im looking for the best AT / LT Tyre. I dont want mud tyres.

Have been running Bridgestone D661’s for 20 years, which have been brilliant really. But was interested in the Michelin’s for toughness on gravel and perhaps extra wet road grip...only to find no longer available....doesn’t look like a lot of choice for 10 ply / 3 ply sidewall AT’s.

...any thoughts?

[Michael2]

I just checked the Michelin website (au) to see what they had, and they still list the LTX AT2. It might be worth giving Michelin a call, they might know who has stock.

Having said that, I tried to buy Michelins for my D4 a couple of months ago and all 19" tyres were out of stock in the whole country. I ended up with Pirellis, which actually have an accidental damage lifetime warranty (pro rata).

[Zeros]

I just checked the Michelin website (au) to see what they had, and they still list the LTX AT2. It might be worth giving Michelin a call, they might know who has stock.

Having said that, I tried to buy Michelins for my D4 a couple of months ago and all 19" tyres were out of stock in the whole country. I ended up with Pirellis, which actually have an accidental damage lifetime warranty (pro rata).

All the dealers rang Michelin direct. No longer available apparently.

[Zeros]

...is getting decent 16” tyres going to become an issue for us Defender owners?

[ramblingboy42]

the tyre debate goes on forever, but what is a decent tyre for you?

I can't believe for one second that Bridgestone/ Khumo/Toyo cannot supply you with a decent tyre.

[Zeros]

the tyre debate goes on forever, but what is a decent tyre for you?

I can't believe for one second that Bridgestone/ Khumo/Toyo cannot supply you with a decent tyre.

Bridgestone can as I’ve said. The Toyo’s look ok. But there’s not a huge amount of choice in a heavy duty AT that’s not a mud tyre (ie good wet bitumen grip) in a 235/85R16.

[DiscoMick]

Hankook?

[Mark130]

I'm in the middle of buying new wheels and tyres and was really surprised how many options there are in 235/85/R16
I was so over researching the wheels, that when it came to tyres I was happy to take my tyre mob's recommendations and said yes to the Kumho MT51
I didn't want to pay for top shelf tyres as I haven't proven I'll clock up the klms on them.
Fingers crossed.
We're going to try on 235 and 265 and then choose, and was booked in yesterday
Wheel nuts didn't fit - looks like all new wheels from Oz have 60 degree taper holes (stock landrover is 45 degrees)
and Infinity and King wheels also have the 10mm oversize hole, so need to get Nugget's inner rings.

Cheers
Mark

[Zeros]

Hankook?

Would you recommend Hankook Mick?

[Bernd VonCrashen]

Bridgestone can as I’ve said. The Toyo’s look ok. But there’s not a huge amount of choice in a heavy duty AT that’s not a mud tyre (ie good wet bitumen grip) in a 235/85R16.

Was using XZL for my mud tyres, bought them as a second set. Though for road had the General Grabber HT that came on the 110, these where at the end of their life and I was looking for the same, a rugged AT and good on road. My basis was wet weather for the missus, strong/durable/resistant for when i go out back and capable in light mud. In heavy mud and other extreme conditions or particular geographical terrain the XZL's would be bolted on. Considering their rarity they are not on unless required.

End result was the Toyo M55 in 235/85 r16. Great grip all round, missus feels comfortable in the wet on the road with them and more so off road. I have pushed these in the wet and like any big vehicle yes you will break traction but for safe driving they hold their own, albeit I was wanting to see how sporty a defender could be in the wet... As with any tire finding the right tire pressures on road is important, I have mine setup with a little higher than normal pressures in front and rear to aid a little more turn in. M55 at the LR recommended pressures are soft and under steer, add a little more and they seem to be able to change direction / turn in better.

Wet weather emergency break test was a lot better than the GG HT- though the GG where 90k old when i got them. Compared to the ToyoAT2 they are ".5" down on wet grip but being said they stood up better on other aspects. After using AT2 on other vehicles they did not perform that great off road and road driving much the same. M55 are very common for vehicles outback and also in 235/85 r16, another selling point for my journeys.

Overall happy and have done 45k on them and they have not worn halfway yet. Hope this helps for some thoughts and info.

[strangy]

As mentioned... a 235/85R16 is the equivalent to the ol 7.50 x 16

BUT
The 130 standard steel wheels are a 16 x 6 (i think or 6.5) so you cant go upto a 265/75R16 as some have suggested.
Also the 130 standard steel wheels are for a tubed tyre.
Apparently wheels for tubeless have a additional lip to assist in sealing/keeping tyre on wheel.

BUT would like to know of anyone running tubeless tyres on their 130 steel wheel for tubed, as I have a customer with the same issue.'

Rick130 has run tubeless on tubed Defender rims for some time.
There are numerous comments/posts from him with no problems.

[rick130]

'

Rick130 has run tubeless on tubed Defender rims for some time.
There are numerous comments/posts from him with no problems.Yep, me, Pat303 and numerous others over the years have run the old tubed rims tubeless, and with me it was on the recommendation of a tyre service.
I think I ran them like that for near eleven years until I started running Mach V rims

[DiscoMick]

Would you recommend Hankook Mick?They're on my short list for the Defender. Other people seem quite happy with them.