15" wheels and 225/75 tyres

[PaulP38a]

I just bought a 2001 Freelander with 15"x5.5 rims and 195/80 tyres, pic below:
http://www.cordwell.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/5_600.jpg

I'd like to swap the tyres from my "toy" Sierra to the FL. They are Mickey Thompson Baja Radial MTX 225/75R15. I reckon they'd look beaut on the FL... only about 20mm larger OD than stock, pic below:
http://www.cordwell.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/zook_0336s.jpg

Seeking your view on if this is possible with the 15"x5.5 rims on the FL or what rim alternatives are available for this size tyre on the FL.

<edited>
cheers, Paul.

[Junosi]

Ideally you'd want 7-8" width rims - not 5.5 :( I think the recommended minimum rim width for 225's is a 6" rim and that'd be pushing the limit. Not sure what alternative rims are around in 15" that are wider - there's a lot of rims around with the same PCD and offset though (bore is often different) so should be able to find something - maybe Cherokee rims ?

Nice looking wagon btw :)

[Mockery]

I run 235/75's on my 15" freelander rims, they are perfectly fine!
Do eeet!

[SuperMono]

Not sure about around your way but in the last few years I have found a reluctance by some of the tyre services to fit tyres to wheels or vehicles that don't conform to the labelled sizes.
Example: I have a set of 17inch rims fitted with sticky 'sports' tyres for road use on my Freebie. The first outlet I went to buy tyres from wasn't interested, the second was reluctant until the ratings were carefully checked against the vehicle label.

Have the guys been stung by the VACC or someone?

'Off Road Use'

[Junosi]

I know Vicroads have been auditing roadworthy issuers in Vic over the last year or so and tightening up a lot- my local roadworthy guy has to send vicroads photos of bits of vehicles now to stay legal. I was talking to him a couple weeks ago about whether he was going to let my Flandy pass with no rear drive axle or not - asked him whether I'd have to put it back on for roadworthy or not. Absolutely have to put it back on apparently - even if it is seized.... So I'll put it on - roadworthy it - then remove it again.

235's on 5.5" rims must have an interesting sidewall angle :)

[PaulP38a]

Finally replaced the tyres last week... Gave up on the idea of swapping over the Zook tyres and bought a set of 5 Cooper ATR 205/75R15 for the Freebie.

They handle very well and are surprisingly quiet on the highway. Drove the Freebie to Sydney and back on the weekend and could not fault it. No off-road work yet (if ever :() but a couple of mates run the ATR's on their larger 4WD's and are happy with them.

Speedo is slightly out in a good way. Indicated speed @ 120Kph vs GPS speed @ 115kph.

SWMBO is happy with the look and handling of her new tyres, and at less than $220 each fitted, I'm happy with the price and safety for SWMBO and her dog,... oh yeah, and the kids too ;).

Cheers, Paul.