I live in Namibia. Our conditions are virtually identical to Oz, with the exception that the sand dunes are much, MUCH bigger. The rest is pretty much the same conditions. The 7.5x16 "skinnys" are still around, but are now sadly rapidly falling from grace. An important thing to note: with 4x4's with low power and torque, these skinnys actually work MUCH better in sand. The 2.25 motor does not have the giddy-up to build and maintain momentum in dunes with 10.5 x 15 tyres. (A popular "upgrade" size for a Landy) The extra width makes it a lot more difficult to move through sand. There is the same "flotation" (or ground pressure) with either size at the same tyre pressure (Physics. Cant change that) The narrower tyre simply has a longer, narrower footprint, and the 10.5 has a shorter, wider footprint. But both have the same contact area at the same pressure. The wider tyre, though, has to move more sand ahead of it. (Flipside is, you can deflate the 10.5x15 more, giving a larger footprint, but then you need the power to use that. So a V6 or V8 Cruiser is better off with bigger, wider tyres like 265 or 275 width, but the 4.2D Cruiser actually performs universally better with the 7.5x16, due to its relative lack of power.) What goes for the 4.2D cruiser, goes double for the Series Landy😁
very informative - esp the floatation explanation - thanks! I was going to buy a set of slightly wider tubeless radials with a less aggressive pattern for beach use. Love your work!
The Michelin XS and XY were actually the first off-road radial-ply tyres, the XS being a desert tyre with a 6-ply rating and an extraordinarily flexible sidewall, and the XY being a heavy duty truck tyre with a 12-ply rating. Here in the UK, 7.50-16's were a factory option on 88" models and indeed a production line fitment, although as standard they came with 6.00-16 (normally either Avon Traction Mileage or the Dunlop RK3A, both being a 6-ply cross-ply). Personally, I run Avon Rangemaster 7.50 R16 8-ply radial for much of the same reasons as the Dunlop SP Road Gripper, except these things don't seem to be wearing out! The Rangemaster was a factory option from 1982 and still available. They still make the Avon Traction Mileage in both 6.00-16 and 7.00-16 size.
Nice explanation for the average user who could use some perspective. I'm a bit of an "Oddball" in the Land Rover world, as an American who has been daily driving series Land Rovers since the 1980's, everything from the Rubicon Trail, Moab, Alaska Highway in the wintertime, -65 F to 116 F. I am very much a believer in these old vehicles, and choosing the right shoes for the usage. (By the way, love the Jack Mac manual diff lock you have, brings back memories😊). After decades of growing bigger rubber and doing more extreme trails (Hammers, Fordyce), I'm finally back on 7.50's and still doing the really hard trails (Pritchett Canyon, Moab, Cliffhanger, Moab, Ect.. Rubicon is a freeway!!) Love the Challenge of driving such small tires were modern folk think you must have 40" rubber and coilovers. I did outgrow 24 spline axles, though, even on my 88"series I with 7.50's. Nowadays I run my own custom 32 spline 1.400" shafts front and rear.
G'day Tim A well traveled adventurer. As you would know and have mentioned above it isn't necessarily the tyre size but how you drive the vehicle and play it to its strengths. Sounds like you have soild drive line now, best of luck with your north American adventures. Kind regards, Geoff
I really enjoy your informative video's my friend, for the simple reason that it's empirical advice (the only kind I'll take). The amount of stuff I get volunteered to me by young lads who've a larger collection of shiny 4X4 magazines that they have spring hanger welding scars is unbelievable!
The Landcruiser 79 single cab still comes with the Dunlop Road Gripper but the size has been changed to a 225/95R16 tubeless tyre to work with new single piece steel rims (16 x 6). Toyota stopped producing the Landcruiser with split rims and 7.50R16 tyres in 2016 when additional safety requirements and DPF were added.
I ran the original bias Goodyear 7.50x16 same tread pattern on my ‘74 SIII 109”, from Florida to Maine to Washington a 4500 mile trip and continued to do so for almost a year until the were shockingly worn. Replaced them with some Cooper STT’s 235/85-R16. Running the original Michelin XZL’s 7.50x16 on my Perenties now. Favorite tire by far has been Goodyear Duratracs . Ran them on my discos and Range Rovers. The mine and oil field workers in Montana, Dakotas and Alberta swear by them.
Michelin maybe the best tyre, but very very expensive in RSA... I've got a set off XLT 900 x 16, or 255 x 100 x R16 on my V8 101 FC and 110 FC... They do not give a lot of kms, due to their "softer" design, but if you use them only for safaris or Bush trips, they will last.. BF Goodrich is maybe the most popular tyre, although as expensive, in RSA, with Cooper as rival..
I really like the Michelin XZL for anything out of tarmac. It's the only M/T I know of that has both a very strong sidewall that can resist a bashinng and a sidewall that flex easily as it's not metal reinforced but with polyester. No need to deflate a lot to have a lot of flex, they really have a superb traction offroad, no surprise it's the tire of choice found on most offroad firetrucks (at least in Europe). It's also worth mentioning that while nowadays they only exist in tubeless variant, it's specified on the tire that they are tube compatible and have no sharp ridge inside that could wear a tube. On the road no miracle, it's a mud tire of old design... They start to be very noisy at 100km/h and they are not very reassuring on wet roads. Still they are quite confortable to drive on road thanks to the flexible sidewall.
Hi J Denmark. That sounds like you god a great run out of the Goodyears, and thanks you for sharing your insight on the Good year Duratracs.Kind regards, Geoff
I had the Dunlops on my SIIA but they were old and needed replacing so I went with the Michelin XZL, as they say tougher than nails and Afghanistan shales…Pricy though…
Ok I have been driving series Landroversince 66 I found for the NT WET SEASON bar tread tyres we’re unstoppable in the mud not a very long life but really good. I had a series 3 I fitted a 4.1 alloy cross flow head Falcon engine a much better engine than the Holden engine.because of the massive torque of this engine I ran 9.00 x16 tyres in a bar tread absolutely fantastic grip but you could see them wearing out.
Would have been nice to see some photos of your S3 with those massive 900 x 16 on.... My 101 FC V8 has got Michelin XLT's 900 x 16 ( 255 x 100 x R16) and they are like 4 x flywheels... Need a lot of oemfff to propel them... On my 110 FC with the 2,6lt six cylinder engine, same tyres, but when the Landy see a hill coming, even the headlights goes into limp mode....😬
My perentie is running bfg km3 750r16 no complaints about razor blades, still outdo most other 4x4 I go out with in most conditions and rarely need any revs
Ripper, thanks Geoff. I'm using some pretty new Weslake 14 ply crossplies - same pattern as you show - on my daily used Series 2A. Completely agree about the difference between these and radials - it's surprising how they transform minor details like grip and handling. I have just finished with a set of Chinese crossplies with a similar pattern and they were hilariously free of grip in any kind of damp conditions - the cheapest way known to turn 30 hp into what looks like 800hp. Powerslide? No problem. Wheelspin up a mild paved incline or perhaps you want the front end to wash away, just tap the brakes at the right time and sideways is yours. Bloody dangerous thought. Back to the West Lakes - they actually seem good in what little wet we have had and I don't mind the Flintstones ride.
That is very interesting, I am sure the Chinese tyre would have been great off road being that hard, they would be able to cut through rock. Plenty of adventure, glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers Geoff
@@seriouslyseriesaustralia Ahh - now we've had some decent rain - the new ones are shyte out of grip on wet asphalt... Looks like I am still going to be finding some radials for the lad to learn on... :)
Thanks Geoff. Doing some sneaky research for my own little project. Not too sure if I'm seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel or just an illusion, but if things wrap up I'll need some tires. Are the rims too deep for the bonnet wheel carrier? Cheers. Mr Foreman.
G'day Mr Foreman. Good to hear from you mate. Great to hear the nail biting saga is coming to a close and the steel patch work is now one. I find if you use the standard Land Rover rims even with the 235/85R size tyre you can fit them on the bonnet no trouble. You will be guaranteed a good solid workout every time you open the bonnet, keeps the gun show in shape. Cheers Geoff
I have Chinese Triang 750 x 16 cross plies on my Series2 SWB for many many years now... They are very aggressive looking, all what you were mentioning above in your video. The road noise is high, making people turn their heads 1 km uproad when I approach. It cancels out the hummmmm, the ghrrrrrr and the whinnnnne of my transfer case, gearbox and diffs...being a very hard tyre, the parabolic blade springs makes it a softer on the kidneys drive... On one of my other Landies i have General Super All Grip radials, 750 x R16's, very nice, good quality, good mileage.... Looks good on any Series and *genuine* Defenders, not Pretenders or Offenders. I find 235 x 85 x R16's a bit to big (wide) and building on standard series rims , but works well on the wider Forward Control rims that I use on my Series 2a, and Wolf rims on Defender V8. I can carry on and on, as I'm a Landy, and tyre, addict. Nice video, nice info, and about same terrain you have there then us up here in RSA..
Pretty sure General Grabbers are made by Cooper. I ran a set of all terrains 265/85 R16 on my lifted Discovery I. They picked up rocks like a tik tok twerker picks up followers.
Hi - another excellent video! On a related topic, do you know the correct torque setting for the original screw-in type wheel studs and associated double-ended lug nuts? I know they can be changed for the later type, but I'm trying to retain the originality.
Nice video Jeff Changing tire sizes effects the gearbox ratio. What ratio does LandRover recommend for your tires?. Obvious you dont want your gearbox to wear out prematurly in favor of a little ground clearance!
Watching the original videos from 2016, he had the same vehicle. The fact it’s still being driven for trips 6 years later suggests there haven’t been any major issues.
Thank you for video. Original SATs virtually last forever. Deestones - 3000 km, very disappointing. NZ distributor not interested and passes buck... Where might one be able to source the Dunlop's? Haven't seen them in NZ.
Hi Tony. The Dunlops are a very common tyre over here in Aus, We have a tyre chain called Tyre Right which supplies them. Might need to do some serious Googling? Cheers Geoff
Never considered the toyos, always seemed to cheap compared to the competition despite being a good brand. Hence why we went with bfg ko2. They’re great but on wet tarmac roads they’re a bit sketchy…
I live in Namibia. Our conditions are virtually identical to Oz, with the exception that the sand dunes are much, MUCH bigger. The rest is pretty much the same conditions.
The 7.5x16 "skinnys" are still around, but are now sadly rapidly falling from grace.
An important thing to note: with 4x4's with low power and torque, these skinnys actually work MUCH better in sand.
The 2.25 motor does not have the giddy-up to build and maintain momentum in dunes with 10.5 x 15 tyres. (A popular "upgrade" size for a Landy) The extra width makes it a lot more difficult to move through sand.
There is the same "flotation" (or ground pressure) with either size at the same tyre pressure (Physics. Cant change that)
The narrower tyre simply has a longer, narrower footprint, and the 10.5 has a shorter, wider footprint. But both have the same contact area at the same pressure.
The wider tyre, though, has to move more sand ahead of it.
(Flipside is, you can deflate the 10.5x15 more, giving a larger footprint, but then you need the power to use that. So a V6 or V8 Cruiser is better off with bigger, wider tyres like 265 or 275 width, but the 4.2D Cruiser actually performs universally better with the 7.5x16, due to its relative lack of power.)
What goes for the 4.2D cruiser, goes double for the Series Landy😁
very informative - esp the floatation explanation - thanks! I was going to buy a set of slightly wider tubeless radials with a less aggressive pattern for beach use. Love your work!
The Michelin XS and XY were actually the first off-road radial-ply tyres, the XS being a desert tyre with a 6-ply rating and an extraordinarily flexible sidewall, and the XY being a heavy duty truck tyre with a 12-ply rating. Here in the UK, 7.50-16's were a factory option on 88" models and indeed a production line fitment, although as standard they came with 6.00-16 (normally either Avon Traction Mileage or the Dunlop RK3A, both being a 6-ply cross-ply). Personally, I run Avon Rangemaster 7.50 R16 8-ply radial for much of the same reasons as the Dunlop SP Road Gripper, except these things don't seem to be wearing out! The Rangemaster was a factory option from 1982 and still available. They still make the Avon Traction Mileage in both 6.00-16 and 7.00-16 size.
I love the Toyo Open Country MTs, run them on my 1989 Land Cruiser BJ70 in 255/85R16. Superb tyre!
There differently one of the best tyres on the market. Cheers Geoff
Nice explanation for the average user who could use some perspective. I'm a bit of an "Oddball" in the Land Rover world, as an American who has been daily driving series Land Rovers since the 1980's, everything from the Rubicon Trail, Moab, Alaska Highway in the wintertime, -65 F to 116 F. I am very much a believer in these old vehicles, and choosing the right shoes for the usage.
(By the way, love the Jack Mac manual diff lock you have, brings back memories😊). After decades of growing bigger rubber and doing more extreme trails (Hammers, Fordyce), I'm finally back on 7.50's and still doing the really hard trails (Pritchett Canyon, Moab, Cliffhanger, Moab, Ect.. Rubicon is a freeway!!) Love the Challenge of driving such small tires were modern folk think you must have 40" rubber and coilovers. I did outgrow 24 spline axles, though, even on my 88"series I with 7.50's. Nowadays I run my own custom 32 spline 1.400" shafts front and rear.
G'day Tim
A well traveled adventurer. As you would know and have mentioned above it isn't necessarily the tyre size but how you drive the vehicle and play it to its strengths. Sounds like you have soild drive line now, best of luck with your north American adventures. Kind regards, Geoff
I really enjoy your informative video's my friend, for the simple reason that it's empirical advice (the only kind I'll take).
The amount of stuff I get volunteered to me by young lads who've a larger collection of shiny 4X4 magazines that they have spring hanger welding scars is unbelievable!
They are too young to understand propaganda and how they make their decisions aren’t them making the decision.
The Landcruiser 79 single cab still comes with the Dunlop Road Gripper but the size has been changed to a 225/95R16 tubeless tyre to work with new single piece steel rims (16 x 6). Toyota stopped producing the Landcruiser with split rims and 7.50R16 tyres in 2016 when additional safety requirements and DPF were added.
Great and informative! We run Bfg all terrain on ours and they are both reasonably quiet and great off road.
Those road grippers are still a 7 ply sidewall from memory I run them on my defender and they have been great
I ran the original bias Goodyear 7.50x16 same tread pattern on my ‘74 SIII 109”, from Florida to Maine to Washington a 4500 mile trip and continued to do so for almost a year until the were shockingly worn. Replaced them with some Cooper STT’s 235/85-R16.
Running the original Michelin XZL’s 7.50x16 on my Perenties now.
Favorite tire by far has been Goodyear Duratracs . Ran them on my discos and Range Rovers. The mine and oil field workers in Montana, Dakotas and Alberta swear by them.
Michelin maybe the best tyre, but very very expensive in RSA... I've got a set off XLT 900 x 16, or 255 x 100 x R16 on my V8 101 FC and 110 FC...
They do not give a lot of kms, due to their "softer" design, but if you use them only for safaris or Bush trips, they will last..
BF Goodrich is maybe the most popular tyre, although as expensive, in RSA, with Cooper as rival..
I really like the Michelin XZL for anything out of tarmac. It's the only M/T I know of that has both a very strong sidewall that can resist a bashinng and a sidewall that flex easily as it's not metal reinforced but with polyester. No need to deflate a lot to have a lot of flex, they really have a superb traction offroad, no surprise it's the tire of choice found on most offroad firetrucks (at least in Europe).
It's also worth mentioning that while nowadays they only exist in tubeless variant, it's specified on the tire that they are tube compatible and have no sharp ridge inside that could wear a tube.
On the road no miracle, it's a mud tire of old design... They start to be very noisy at 100km/h and they are not very reassuring on wet roads. Still they are quite confortable to drive on road thanks to the flexible sidewall.
Hi J Denmark. That sounds like you god a great run out of the Goodyears, and thanks you for sharing your insight on the Good year Duratracs.Kind regards, Geoff
I used to run Toyo tyres 750x16 road tyre. But when ist got it they had 700x16 Dunlop lug
Good advice!
I run Continental cross contacts 235’s on my Series and they are doing good work they did come off a Defender!
I use those old Nato tyres.
Myself the x-ply is the favourite. Easier to steer at low speed or on the spot.
Another good option for a more modern 235/85R16 is the Maxxis RAZR MT772M (mine spec version).
Goodyear G 90, had them on my series 2A, then on a Jeep Wrangler JK (still in use), I would have the on my Unimog U1300L if they made them big enough.
I believe the bf Goodrich Baja ta was the first radial off road tire?
My S3 has Deestons 6.5 x 16. Road driving is agricultural but bearable but off road if great.
I had the Dunlops on my SIIA but they were old and needed replacing so I went with the Michelin XZL, as they say tougher than nails and Afghanistan shales…Pricy though…
Ok I have been driving series Landroversince 66 I found for the NT WET SEASON bar tread tyres we’re unstoppable in the mud not a very long life but really good. I had a series 3 I fitted a 4.1 alloy cross flow head Falcon engine a much better engine than the Holden engine.because of the massive torque of this engine I ran 9.00 x16 tyres in a bar tread absolutely fantastic grip but you could see them wearing out.
Would have been nice to see some photos of your S3 with those massive 900 x 16 on.... My 101 FC V8 has got Michelin XLT's 900 x 16 ( 255 x 100 x R16) and they are like 4 x flywheels... Need a lot of oemfff to propel them... On my 110 FC with the 2,6lt six cylinder engine, same tyres, but when the Landy see a hill coming, even the headlights goes into limp mode....😬
My perentie is running bfg km3 750r16 no complaints about razor blades, still outdo most other 4x4 I go out with in most conditions and rarely need any revs
Ripper, thanks Geoff. I'm using some pretty new Weslake 14 ply crossplies - same pattern as you show - on my daily used Series 2A. Completely agree about the difference between these and radials - it's surprising how they transform minor details like grip and handling. I have just finished with a set of Chinese crossplies with a similar pattern and they were hilariously free of grip in any kind of damp conditions - the cheapest way known to turn 30 hp into what looks like 800hp. Powerslide? No problem. Wheelspin up a mild paved incline or perhaps you want the front end to wash away, just tap the brakes at the right time and sideways is yours. Bloody dangerous thought.
Back to the West Lakes - they actually seem good in what little wet we have had and I don't mind the Flintstones ride.
That is very interesting, I am sure the Chinese tyre would have been great off road being that hard, they would be able to cut through rock. Plenty of adventure, glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers Geoff
@@seriouslyseriesaustralia Ahh - now we've had some decent rain - the new ones are shyte out of grip on wet asphalt... Looks like I am still going to be finding some radials for the lad to learn on... :)
Just wondering what width Dynamic rim do you use? Thanks Graeme Edwards series 3 88
Thanks Geoff. Doing some sneaky research for my own little project. Not too sure if I'm seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel or just an illusion, but if things wrap up I'll need some tires. Are the rims too deep for the bonnet wheel carrier? Cheers. Mr Foreman.
G'day Mr Foreman. Good to hear from you mate. Great to hear the nail biting saga is coming to a close and the steel patch work is now one. I find if you use the standard Land Rover rims even with the 235/85R size tyre you can fit them on the bonnet no trouble. You will be guaranteed a good solid workout every time you open the bonnet, keeps the gun show in shape. Cheers Geoff
You are the number one tyre man ,l realy like that DStone where abouts do you store them at night they would look realy good on my County 4bd1t .
Yaaay another tire video! :D
I have Chinese Triang 750 x 16 cross plies on my Series2 SWB for many many years now...
They are very aggressive looking, all what you were mentioning above in your video. The road noise is high, making people turn their heads 1 km uproad when I approach.
It cancels out the hummmmm, the ghrrrrrr and the whinnnnne of my transfer case, gearbox and diffs...being a very hard tyre, the parabolic blade springs makes it a softer on the kidneys drive...
On one of my other Landies i have General Super All Grip radials, 750 x R16's, very nice, good quality, good mileage.... Looks good on any Series and *genuine* Defenders, not Pretenders or Offenders.
I find 235 x 85 x R16's a bit to big (wide) and building on standard series rims , but works well on the wider Forward Control rims that I use on my Series 2a, and Wolf rims on Defender V8.
I can carry on and on, as I'm a Landy, and tyre, addict.
Nice video, nice info, and about same terrain you have there then us up here in RSA..
Pretty sure General Grabbers are made by Cooper. I ran a set of all terrains 265/85 R16 on my lifted Discovery I. They picked up rocks like a tik tok twerker picks up followers.
Grabbers are very different from SAG, although made by General.... Mine is so old, I think the General was then still a Corporal...
Hi - another excellent video!
On a related topic, do you know the correct torque setting for the original screw-in type wheel studs and associated double-ended lug nuts? I know they can be changed for the later type, but I'm trying to retain the originality.
use thread lock and do them up until they stop turning then give it a final grunt then finish your beer.
Nice video Jeff
Changing tire sizes effects the gearbox ratio.
What ratio does LandRover recommend for your tires?.
Obvious you dont want your gearbox to wear out prematurly in favor of a little ground clearance!
Watching the original videos from 2016, he had the same vehicle. The fact it’s still being driven for trips 6 years later suggests there haven’t been any major issues.
Thank you for video. Original SATs virtually last forever. Deestones - 3000 km, very disappointing. NZ distributor not interested and passes buck...
Where might one be able to source the Dunlop's? Haven't seen them in NZ.
Hi Tony. The Dunlops are a very common tyre over here in Aus, We have a tyre chain called Tyre Right which supplies them. Might need to do some serious Googling? Cheers Geoff
Some tires can get some extra thousand miles if they have enough rubber to be grooved, that’s the benefit of good quality ones.
I run a 1969 Series IIA in New Mexico. Relative humidity gets down to 10% here and as a result tires dry rot. Do you have that problem in OZ.
Hi Craig. I haven't had a problem as of yet. Cheers Geoff
Hi team, is this a Dunlop SB or an SP? Thx
SP. Cheers Geoff
Oh ok. I need to decide......
To all the Perentie owners, what size tires do you run with extra lift?
Never considered the toyos, always seemed to cheap compared to the competition despite being a good brand.
Hence why we went with bfg ko2. They’re great but on wet tarmac roads they’re a bit sketchy…
Never slid in my late 90s Explorer 4WD before.... Until wet roads and a set of BFG KO2s lol.
7.50 x 16 Jeep Service.
Skinny is good.
The best tyres for offroad without a doubt are tractor tyres