Thread: Gotta start somewhere

I'm pretty sure we're talking about the same 18" wheels LandyAndy.
They're about $570.00 each (x 5).

Originally Posted by Disco Drew

I'm pretty sure we're talking about the same 18" wheels LandyAndy.
They're about $570.00 each (x 5).

That's the ones. Here they are: Green Oval Experience Land Rover training, Range Rover modifcation

Originally Posted by Ghost-Who-Walks

I've had my D4 for about 2yrs, which I bought 2nd hand (same everything as yours, except it's an SE). I have had the Cooper Zeon 19" tyres on the car since I replaced the original tyres that came with it.
I've just got back from a trip to Cape York (and had it over on Fraser Island), and can't speak highly enough of them. They do everything you need them to do, didn't even look like getting a puncture (towing camper trailer) and they get really good life (~40000km and still going strong).

I appreciate the benefits of the 18" rim/tyre combo you can get, but personally I don't see any reason to change from the 19's, when the 19" Coopers are THAT good!

You've got my attention there. I'd be happy to spend the $s on 18" wheels if the difference of having them were that good, but I have been keeping an eye on the Zeons.
I guess one of my concerns is the availability of 19" tyres around Australia.
Also, could you give me a bit more info on the Zeons please. Like wet handling etc.
Of course the Zeons are a lower profile still. Did you have any concerns with tyre pressures or rim damage?

Originally Posted by Disco Drew

You've got my attention there. I'd be happy to spend the $s on 18" wheels if the difference of having them were that good, but I have been keeping an eye on the Zeons.
I guess one of my concerns is the availability of 19" tyres around Australia.
Also, could you give me a bit more info on the Zeons please. Like wet handling etc.
Of course the Zeons are a lower profile still. Did you have any concerns with tyre pressures or rim damage?

Handling in all conditions has been great. I haven't noticed any deficiency with these tyres on the car (had the Goodyear Wranglers prior to the Zeon's). Others have mentioned increased road noise, but I didn't find that. Super happy with them.

When I let the tyre pressures down, I don't go as low as 'non-low-profile' tyres. On sand at Fraser (with a camper trailer), I was running around 22-24psi. There was enough of a 'bulge' at the bottom of the tyre to give the desired 'float', but still enough sidewall height to protect the rims. Obviously, you want to drive a bit more carefully than if you had 16" rims/tyres, but I didn't get any damage to the tyre sidewall or rims. Same in the mud/crossings at the Cape.

With regard to availability of 19" tyres - that will always be an issue (and I don't really think it'd be much better with 18" tyres). Pretty much every tyre I've ever had for my cars (D1 and now D4), I've had to get ordered in.

I always carry 2xspares on any long/offroad trip. Have yet to even need one of them since running Coopers though!!!

Rob

I agree with Rob about the Zeons. I have had a very good run with them on all types of roads from Outback to the High Country - there's enough posts on here from me about them already. They also perform very well on the bitumen and I would have no hesitation in recommending them, but you do have to be careful - there's not a lot of sidewall.

However, as impressed as I have been with the Zeons, a set of 18"s is the next purchase on my list - they are a higher priority for me than a bullbar.

This is for two reasons. Firstly it means being able to fit LT tyres. Secondly, the rims are much stronger - you don't break Compomotives.

If you are careful, the 19" Zeons will probably get you everywhere you want to go, but the 18"s will have a much higher safety margin for those unexpected moments.

Cheers,
Jon

Hi Disco Drew,

My main issue would be heat buildup in the tyres while towing a van in northern oz. I de-laminated several in the NT and WA towing a three ton van but this was in 2007 and now there are LT's available, I have the Bridgestones LT's in the older 694 pattern and they have done well, I will be off to Tassie next year using them.

I would get the 18" rims and the 697LT's

Enjoy the experience, it's a great country, oh, when in north Qld if you see a "CALL POINT" sign use the CB radio to announce caravan northbound etc at whatever the call point name is as there may be a road-train heading for you at the next corner, you will hear them announce as they get to each call point.

HTH,

Ryall

Hi Ryall. Thanks for your input. Appreciate the feedback from someone else towing a large van.
I see that the 697LT's are 265/60 R18, as are a lot of 18" tyres.
Do the 265/60 R18's correct the speedo enough on the D4 ?
I see that BFGoodrich have the AT KO 265/65 R18. Even though they're listed on GOE, would they too big ?
I've been going around in circles for days reading through previous threads.
I think i'm leaning toward LT's. Just the size I need to sort out.
Will tyre places not fit them if they're outside the door plate limits ?
Too many question. Too Little brain.

Originally Posted by jon3950

Secondly, the rims are much stronger - you don't break Compomotives.

The incidence of bent 19" is increasing.