RRS 2010 20" Rims & Coopers Around OZ

[firefoxGC]

Hi Everyone,
I've got a RRS TDV8 2010 vehicle. About to convert it to a full off-road spec as we are about to start travelling around OZ for a couple of years.

One of the first places we are going to visit is the Simpson! I've been happy with my current 20" rims and i am now running a set of the cooper ZEON LTZ's 275/55/20's... They are a little squeeze but work well. (wanted a higher tyre wall).

Anyhow will be towing a big van, and the vehicle is getting a snorkel, aux fuel and lots of little accessories.

The question is, has anyone done the desert or some of these outback "tracks" with 20" and can provide experience. I'm in two minds about going with them. I like them, never had a problem and always been happy. But i will be carrying 2 spares with me and i'm just uncomfortable about having a problem..

Apparently Gordon can do 18" (still waiting on him to confirm), but should i drop to 18" or 19"... Any feedback/experience would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Justin

[d3viate]

convert it to a full off-road spec

20" rims ??

[SBD4]

If I were you I would get the 18's from Gordon for your trip and leave the 20's at home for around town. They would be a liability.

[jon3950]

I've seen how the Zeon's perform in 20" off-road and I agree that they work very well - for a 20". For the odd day trip or weekend away I think they'd be pretty good, but for extended outback touring they would scare the bejesus out of me (I have no experience of them in this application).

You won't be much better off with 19"s as I think the Zeons would be the pick of tyres for that application anyway (at least that's what I have chosen). So all you really get is a little more sidewall.

However, going to the 18" opens up better tyre options like the D697 in LT, which going by the feedback on here is what I would choose. The other thing to consider is the 18" are a Compomotive. They are built for motorsport and are a very strong wheel - much less likely to be damaged.

If it were me, that's where I would spend the money.

Cheers,
Jon

[TDV6]

Hi Justin,

I would not attempt it with anything other than an 18" rim and light truck construction tyres. We eventually got 17" rims and LT tyres.

We towed a three ton van around in 07 there were no LT tyres available then, with the heat build-up and the weight of the van we had lots of tread separations, and only one puncture, but waiting in The Alice, Darwin and Karathur for replacement tyres was not what we had in mind.

Once we became aware of the continuing nature of the problem, we changed where we were game to take the car and van which wasn’t really what we set out to do.

GO the 18” and LT’s pack your camera and enjoy your trip.

Ryall

[Blue C]

Hi Justin, I would agree with the above comments re 18" rims/tyres but given you plan to tow a heavy van I would point out for consideration that the 18"Cooper Zeon LTZ's (285/60/18) actually have a higher load rating than the 697's at 120S. However I assume the 697 sidewall being genuine LT would be stronger ( I don't actually know that). It may be easier to source the Bridgestones outside major centres too. Regards, David

[camel_landy]

As it's a TDV8, you'll have Brembo brakes fitted... 19" rims are the smallest you'll be able to go to.

FWIW - I'd suggest dropping to 19" rims and fir 255/55R19.

M

[SBD4]

Do the TDV8, 5.0LtrV8 and 3.0LtrTDV6 have the same brakes? If so, then shouldn't Gordon's 18" rims fit as that is what they are for?

[TerryO]

Well Camel Landy we both learned something new today according to Gordon's website his 18's do fit TDV8 RRS's. ...

[Graeme]

I'd suggest dropping to 19" rims and fir 255/55R19.

275/55R20 have 10mm more sidewall height so no advantage in changing IMO. Changing to 18" is a different matter though if the rims fit.