Thread: Tyres for R19 or R20 110 Defender?

Originally Posted by Lindsay Sharpe

What tyres are recommended for R19 or R20 wheels on the 2023 or 2024 Defender? Looking at doing the Simpson. I see Light Truck tyres are recommended in other forums for better sidewall strength. I’m new at 4x4 so all suggestions welcome.

Whilst you don't really need LT tyres for the Simpson Desert proper, you'll definitely need them getting there and back. The rocks and corrugations around MtDare can be horrendous and roads like the Birdsville Track can vary from almost like the Hume Freeway to nasty corrugations and errant rocks.
So, definitely go LT construction, keep tyre pressures low and drive 20% slower than you think you need to. Your car can handle the steepest dunes all by itself, so you don't need to attack them at warp speed. Don't be afraid to lose traction on your first few attempts as you get to understand the best approach pattern for your car. Sometimes, you can walk over the moguls (caused by overweight warp speed attacks and trailers) in low range because the sand is quite firm; sometimes you'll need high range and a bit of momentum. Best setup for the D4 is Sand Mode, ESC off, Command Mode, mostly high range. I have no idea about the new Defender, so others will need to advise.

Originally Posted by Lindsay Sharpe

What tyres are recommended for R19 or R20 wheels on the 2023 or 2024 Defender? Looking at doing the Simpson. I see Light Truck tyres are recommended in other forums for better sidewall strength. I’m new at 4x4 so all suggestions welcome.

Welcome Lindsay.

20" wheels will open up a greater range of tyres than the very limited 19". Although the side wall dimension is less the stronger side walls of the LT will more than compensate when airing down for driving on sand, I have 18" wheels on mine via a Tuffant brake and wheel conversion for the D300.

no way I'd be heading into any desert without at least 18's

20241125_130011.jpg

20241125_130025.jpg

My mate upgraded to 22” rims

Originally Posted by one_iota

Welcome Lindsay.

20" wheels will open up a greater range of tyres than the very limited 19". Although the side wall dimension is less the stronger side walls of the LT will more than compensate when airing down for driving on sand, I have 18" wheels on mine via a Tuffant brake and wheel conversion for the D300.

I asked the local TyrePower dealer and he indicated there were no LT tyres for the R19 or R20. He suggested 18". Is this why you are on 18"? Also I read 18" won't fit without a conversion due to the brake component sizing on the 19" or 20". Is that why you did a conversion? Thanks for your input mate.

I'm going to change my original 20" Wrangler 'AT' that came on the car soon.
There are some options e.g. Maxxis LT265/60R20 AT811 RAZR which is marginally bigger than stock.
I hear that Falken while not LT rated are very strong in the sidewall and are a popular choice

Originally Posted by Lindsay Sharpe

I asked the local TyrePower dealer and he indicated there were no LT tyres for the R19 or R20. He suggested 18". Is this why you are on 18"? Also I read 18" won't fit without a conversion due to the brake component sizing on the 19" or 20". Is that why you did a conversion? Thanks for your input mate.

TyrePower don't sell Maxxis obviously.

maxxis19s.jpg

Originally Posted by Lindsay Sharpe

I asked the local TyrePower dealer and he indicated there were no LT tyres for the R19 or R20. He suggested 18". Is this why you are on 18"? Also I read 18" won't fit without a conversion due to the brake component sizing on the 19" or 20". Is that why you did a conversion? Thanks for your input mate.

I come from a classic Defender with 16" wheels where side wall dimension with LT grade tyres is just what you do.

So with these fancy new-fangled Defenders to get the same you spend more money.

The 110 D300's standard rear calipers won't accommodate an 18" wheel. Tuffant's conversion uses a Disco caliper certified to comply with its wheels.

Popping tyres in the middle of nowhere is not an option.