Tyres for a RRC with 3" lift kit

[eb220]

All,

Went and did some driving yesterday out in the Brindabella's out to McIntyres Hut. The old girl went well but I think I suffered a little with the tyres fitted when it came to "grip in the mud", etc. Admittedly the Rangie is the wifes for a little around town driving, so the tyres on it now are more for on-road work (Michellin 4x4 235/70x16).

Want to look at rims/tyres for outback and mountain trips so I have the following options.

1. What size would be best on my spare set of std 16" alloy rims? (Looking at 33/11.5x16)

2. I have a set of 15" aftermarket alloys on the 2nd RR running 31/10.5x15.

Important to note our 4x4 trailer uses 15" 6 stud to be changed to RR pattern (be it 15 or 16" rims) for more useable tyres if we get punctures.

Am looking at the getting the following
M/T ATZ (4 or 5 rib types)
M/T FC-II
BFG "All Terrain" T/A's

but will happily look at other brands if there are enough recommendations.

Am relatively new at this in Aus, but did a fair bit over in the Middle East in my RRC's out there, but that was mainly sand work.

15's or 16's? 31's or 33's?

What can you guys recommend ???????

Chris

[Cap]

Theres plenty of talk about tyres and the questions you ask (do a Search and you will find them). But the long and the short of is personal preference. Some say (I sound like Clarson of TG) that the range of tyres available for 15" rims are more so than 16" rims, also some say that 16" tyres are more expensive than the equivalent 15".

Having 15" tyres gives you more rubber on the sidewall, but 16" rims gives you less rubber but therefore less rubber movement for touring.

Then you have A/T and M/T decisions, some M/T are really quiet, others are noisy. If you intend to do more offroad in the wet/mud, then choose M/T. If your on the black stuff more often, then A/T's.

So, thats my 2c worth... personally I prefer 15x8 rims, and I currently run 33x12.5 M/T (not that I have any tread to call them M/T's)

Hope this helps.

[Merv]

Try 235/85 x 16....these are around 32 inch tyres and should fit with the lift you have quoted.

I have used this size tyre before in a BFG A/T with good results.

[DRanged]

You'd be a goose not to look at Maxxis Bighorn M/T's and Federal M/T's.

Great value for your dollar.

We have both brands in the club and have had no bad reports.

Justin

[PhilipA]

Be careful with 15 inch "flotation" tyres as some have very low load ratings.
I remember a thread about maybe 3-4 years ago when someone was complaining that he had had a number of punctures in 31.10.5x15 .
I checked the tyre loads etc on the makers site and the load rating was very low and probably exceeded with the car loaded.
And they often have unbelievably thin sidewalls.That's why they are cheap!!!
IMHO only get LT rated tyres at the least and ensure the load rating is legal ie at least that on the ADR sticker.
Regard sPhilip A