Overland Rim/ Suspension Setup

[DamosDefender]

Hello

I have tried my hardest to do my own research into this topic, I am still learning about my vehicle and all the jargon that goes with them... so i am sorry if you have spent the time before answering these questions

I am setting up my 15my 110 vehicle to travel From Europe TO South Africa or Europe to Russia (Road Of Bones) ill be convoyed with a SIII and Perentie.

Just a basic outlook at terrain and situation.

Im looking for a vehicle built for a purpose not for show but will get me A to B in the most practical way.

Tyre/Rim

I currently run the stock Boost 235/85 R16 but want Steel rims, preferably Sunraysia style, do i need to go through the extreme of Wolf Rims?? I don't intend to be driving my vehicle that hard.

Do i go Wide tyre or Narrow?? i understand the arguments never ending but is there a preference for overland travel?


Suspension

I Obviously have the standard set up ATM but will need to change eventually..

the vehicle will be setup for 2 people with all the personal requirements that go with it ( Roof Top Tent, Fridge, Clothing, Spares, AirComp and so on)

must i wait to i have everything in my vehicle to see the weight i will be carrying or can i do a two stage process?? i would like to do a Lift 1.5-2" just for piece of mind is that excessive or not? and any recommended quality brands money is not an issue i want it done properly the first time

thank you very much guys and gals i appreciate any response

[Tombie]

I'd do as you say and load it up, then work out suspension.

For wheels the alloys are bloody near on indestructible- you could stick with them.
Or go the Wolf rims.
Sunraysias aren't the toughest of wheels.

[DamosDefender]

Tombie thanks for the reply

is the tyre size of what i have practical for long travels?

[Shoogs]

I drove around Africa for 3/4 years on wolf rims with 235/85R16's common enough in Southern and East Africa. Steel anyone can fix, bend, bash, weld, alloys throw them away...

[Tombie]

I drove around Africa for 3/4 years on wolf rims with 235/85R16's common enough in Southern and East Africa. Steel anyone can fix, bend, bash, weld, alloys throw them away...

Completely agree...

Except the alloys are stronger so less likely to break in the first place...

And even if they do - then go and buy the Wolf rims (available in SA)

[Shoogs]

True, I do prefer alloys, though for instance this is Lake Tanganyika from the Zambian side 4000kms from SA and 9 hours to do 350kms from the nearest bitumen ... which means AA is also 4000kms away... though there is always the local garage...

[n plus one]

Alloys will be tougher (and lighter) than most steelies so stick with them and the 235/85 tyre size with new good quality Light Truck tyres.

They also have better safety beads so you can run much lower pressures without risking popping a bead - something that can be very helpful to a loaded touring rig in mud and sand.

Get your vehicle fully loaded and weighed before you spend any money on your suspension. No need for lift for your application.

[DamosDefender]

thank you for all the replies guys

so the verdict for suspension is wait and see what is carrying fully loaded! can you recommended any try and tested brands?

is the wolf rim the only option? what is the likely hood of popping a bead?? or is the same as how longs a piece of string??

Damian

[DamosDefender]

I drove around Africa for 3/4 years on wolf rims with 235/85R16's common enough in Southern and East Africa. Steel anyone can fix, bend, bash, weld, alloys throw them away...

is there any information you can pass on about your travels anything would be greatly appreciated??

Thank you

[n plus one]

I'd strongly encourage you to look into your spares arrangements, diagnostic equipment/capabilities and fuel filtering arrangements - there a quite a few options to replace/augment/upgrade the existing fuel filter system - plenty of info on this forum.

Not trying to derail your thread but I think this will be more valuable than spending too much of your focus on wheels/tyres/suspension.

My (MY09) truck is set up for long distance remote touring (though not the extremes of cold you are likely to experience) and will hopefully do a lap of South America one day - PM if you'd like to chat about other mods.