Freelander 1 AT tyre advice

[jt150uk]

Hi

Just purchased my first freelander having previously had 2 discos. Ive always put BFG AT's on the discos as often get snow round here so they're a must. Ive done a lot of searching for advice on where i can find 17" AT tyres to fit these freelander wheels.

The current tyre size is 255/55 r17. BFG and General dont seem to do these sizes? Will another size fit? Or can anyone reccomend an alternative, i dont mind remoulds if therir decent. I had some INSA Dakar's on a one of the discos for a while.

Cheers

JT

 

[rhodie]

No AT's available for that size I have the same problem

 

[Singvogel]

If you just want a tyre for tarmac use in snow and not for off-road the best idea is to get tyres with more sipes rather than knobbly bits.

235/55 17s are an alternative instead of the 225s and are the widest you can fit without spacers.

I run Continental Conti4X4Contacts and they are brilliant in snow and light mud.

There is even a comparison chart on Continental's 4X4 website giving suitability for various surfaces and I was surprised to see, contrary to popular believe, that AT tyres are not the best option for snow. Sand and mud - yes, but tarmac and snow - no!

Best on snow is of course a dedicated winter tyre.

Here's the link to the page for the road surface/tread pattern chart:

Continental Tires -Continental 4x4 / SUV Tires

Singvogel.

 

[jt150uk]

So im going to sound really thick here. The current tyre size is 255/55R17. Can i put 235/55/R17 or 225/55/R17 tyres on the same rims?

 

[The Mad Hat Man]

ask yo insurance co

 

[Singvogel]

So im going to sound really thick here. The current tyre size is 255/55R17. Can i put 235/55/R17 or 225/55/R17 tyres on the same rims?

The short answer is - yes.

I have 8 of that size - a Winter set and a Summer set.

Edit: I asked my insurance co. - no probs.

S.

 

[Blippie]

Both those sizes will fit on a 17" rim.

Cheers

Blippie

 

[jt150uk]

Thats great thanks for the help. Insured with Flux cant see them having a problem as its still insured for off roading from the discos

 

[Diesel Do]

They'll fit but they are a smaller diameter! The profile is a percentage of the width, go narrower and the sidewall isn't as deep!


DD

 

[Singvogel]

So im going to sound really thick here. The current tyre size is 255/55R17. Can i put 235/55/R17 or 225/55/R17 tyres on the same rims?

I've just read this again, jt.

Are you sure that your current size is 255?

My 235's have only about 7mm clearance between the tread and the front strut spring cup.

I tried to fit 255s but I don't have enough clearance.

DD is of course right - both 225 and 235 are smaller in diameter than a 255.

225/55 17 was the original LandRover fitment.

S.

 

[Hippo]

I wouldn't put aggressive AT tyres on my Freelander again. Ride quality is poor and they wear quicker. Noise is annoying too. To start with my AT2's were ok and I put up with the change but in all honesty regret fitting them. I went from Michelin XPC to General Grabber AT2 and now on Pirelli Scorpion STR. XPC and STR are both road tyres with an oft road bias. AT2 had a greater oft road bias than XPC and STR, which is what caused my problems. I wouldn't fit anything with an oft road bias greater than what the STR has, to a Freelander. Just my opinion.

 

[The Mad Hat Man]

i just got 38K out of a set of AT2's

 

[Hippo]

i just got 38K out of a set of AT2's

Mine were on ma Freelander and I was looking at something like 20k miles if running them down to 1.6 limit. I normally change at 3mm. I assume yours were on the disco or slitty?

 

[The Mad Hat Man]

X-trail. But shouldnt be much different. used to get about 18-20k before.

unless the X-T is such a superior machine?

 

[Hippo]

X-trail. But shouldnt be much different. used to get about 18-20k before.

unless the X-T is such a superior machine?

Does yer slitty have a vcu or is it like a disco transmission (but without the rust) or is it an electrically operated rear diff?

 

[The Mad Hat Man]

Lecjy vcu as part of rear diff (like freeby2?)

 

[Garboy88]

I got general grabber at2's 235/65/15 on freelander steels and there still going strong 4 years down the line! Awesome tyre on road and off road!

 

[Hippo]

Lecjy vcu as part of rear diff (like freeby2?)

Freelander 2 is electrically engauged when 4x4 is needed. Don't think it has a vcu in the rear diff but someone will let us know. My AT2's were causing my vcu to warm up during vcu testing. Imagine my surprise when filming the props turning. Will give a fuller explanation when I have more time but this all follows my wheel alignment and the vcu testing I've been doing. Hence why I push the Turnip Test as the best test for potentual vcu trouble. Just replacing a vcu at 70k miles is pointless if tyres are causing it to over heat. Hotter the vcu...

 

[Singvogel]

Did you guys check the table in the link I put in post 3?

Forget the brand - that doesnt matter, it's the pattern that's important

Have a look at the tread pattern and what Conti reckon they are suitable for.

I chose mine because they're rated 2 stars for most things so are a pretty good compromise tyre.

I first thought to get ATs for the Winter - but seemingly they are not the most suitable for snow at all!!!!

I might go for a dedicated snow tyre next time - but that's many miles away.

S.

 

[jt150uk]

I've just read this again, jt.

Are you sure that your current size is 255?

My 235's have only about 7mm clearance between the tread and the front strut spring cup.

I tried to fit 255s but I don't have enough clearance.

DD is of course right - both 225 and 235 are smaller in diameter than a 255.

225/55 17 was the original LandRover fitment.

S.

Yep they're definitely 255/55r17 on lr alloys. It's an 06 plate freestyle version it's got some tyres by yono I think? Just always had ATs as I have to get into work whatever the weather but these continentals are looking good. Anyone know if bfg or general do the 225 or 235 /55r17 or know of a similar and where to get. I've tried the usual black circles etc. I'm in Stourbridge west mids?

Cheers jt