FL1 tyre dilemma

**Turtle61** · 17th February 2009, 12:48 AM

I need t replace my tyres fairly soon. Got a nice new shiny set of 16 inch alloys that cost me bugger-all. Currently I have Cooper ATs 215/75R15. I want to replace them with 215/70R16 which is the biggest legal size I can go for giving me a little bit extra room.

Now the dilemma. Searching the forum didn't raise any conclusions as to which AT tyre I should consider as there are various opinions on all models. Part of the problem is the size. Not all manufacturers make 215/7-R16 in all tread patterns. Pirelli does not make AT or ATR in 215/70R16 or anything close.

I have compiled a list of tyres I am considering. Any help with any of these would be appreciated. Price is a consideration (as I have to get 5) but not the greatest one. Quality, milage and grip (esp in the wet) as well as dirt track (nothing too serious) are the prime issues. I am guessing 80% road and 20% dirt and sand would be the use. I'd rather not go for HT as I need a little bit more grip for work...

So, here is the list in no particular order:
1. Cooper ATR
2. BFG AT (only one available in LT at the size)
3. Bridgestone D694
4. Goodyear Wrangler ATR
5. Toyo OPAT
6. Yokohama Geolander AT-s
7. Dunlop Grandtrek AT3

At the moment I am steering (no pun intended) towards Coopers, BFGs or D694s:
Coopers - I like my current ATs (lasted over 50,000 km with little maintenance whilst I was OS)
BFG - good rep, only one in LT in the size (may not be an issue for the 'family car')
D694 - good rep, popular, Oz made (could be a good or bad thing).

I am also thinking that a popular and easy to get tyre might be the way to go, just in case I get stuck in the middle of nowhere (which could be a good thing is some way). Unchanging tread design is a strong consideration as although only 2 of my current Cooper ATs are getting low, AT pattern is no longer available and I hate mixing patterns.

Thanks....

**101RRS** · 17th February 2009, 07:18 AM

I have 225/70x16s BFGs ATs on my Freelander. They are wearing really well and grip on-road and offroad is OK. At highway speeds noise is OK but around town the tyres are a bit noisy but quite bearable.

Garry

**Turtle61** · 17th February 2009, 08:48 PM

Thanks Garry. I remember you telling me about the ATs in my last thread regarding tyres for the Flandie...

I am now seriously looking at my options as my tyres are getting a bit thin.

**beforethevision** · 17th February 2009, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by garrycol

I have 225/70x16s BFGs ATs on my Freelander. They are wearing really well and grip on-road and offroad is OK. At highway speeds noise is OK but around town the tyres are a bit noisy but quite bearable.

Garry

x2, commonly recommended tyre and size.

Cheers!

**DEF130** · 19th May 2010, 04:32 PM

Well home again and now looking to purchase 5 x 225/70x16s BFGs ATs for the Freelander. Does anyone know the diameter of these? The BFG website does not show this, displays only rolling diameter. Anyone purchassed these tyres in Melbourne lately, where and how much? thanx

**101RRS** · 19th May 2010, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by DEF130

Well home again and now looking to purchase 5 x 225/70x16s BFGs ATs for the Freelander. Does anyone know the diameter of these? The BFG website does not show this, displays only rolling diameter. Anyone purchassed these tyres in Melbourne lately, where and how much? thanx

(22.5 x .7 x 2) + (16 x 2.54) = Diameter in Cm

(22.5 is tyre width in cm); (.7 is aspect ratio - 70%) (2 is there is a bit of tyre at the top of the wheel and a bit of tyre at the bottom of the wheel)

(16 is wheel diameter in inches) and 2.54 converts to cm

so diameter is diameter of wheel + thickness of the tyre x2

Garry

**DEF130** · 20th May 2010, 01:56 PM

Thanks Garry, a simple but neat way of calculating. I take it 75 profile @ 743mm diameter would be a tad large for the FL1? Would you know?

**101RRS** · 20th May 2010, 06:58 PM

I would have thought so but I have not tried. Going bigger tyres means higher gearing overall so 1st will not be as good as it was off road.

Garry

**PaulP38a** · 26th May 2010, 10:22 PM

FWIW... the Cooper ATR's on our FL1 are wearing very well after almost a year (already?!), they are pretty quiet and handle very well.

Cheers, Paul.

**101RRS** · 27th May 2010, 12:01 PM

I have BFG ATs and have done 50,000 and are less than half worn - can be interesting in the wet and a little noisey at slow speeds.

Garry

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