Tyre load rating

I have a TDi 300 with tyre sizes of 205/80/16.


When I bought new tyres in the UK I had a load and speed rating of 104T on Goodyear Wranglers - here in France I have since bought 110S load and speed rating on Bridgestone Duelers.....

I'm confused at to what tyres are correct and/or legal as the 110 loading is 'recommended' (and seems correct) for the vehicle, yet the S speed rating seems 'below' the recommended.

The Goodyear 104T however, were the correct speed rating but with the incorrect load rating??

I'm confused - anyone shed any light on this conundrum?

Anyone else on here have a tdi with 205/80/16 tyres?

What tyre brand are they?

khumo road venture on the front..... westlake and hancock on the rear, spare is another westlake..... did have a set of 4 westlake but the fronts wore out faster than i would like..... the spare became the spare after it had a puncture and complete deflation whilst driving, treads ok but there is some scuffing on walls...the westlake on the rear will soon need changing.... will get two new ones , probably whatever budget brand the bloke down the road has on the rack then the hancock will be the spare.

Harold 4x4 said:

Anyone else on here have a tdi with 205/80/16 tyres?

What tyre brand are they?

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Hello from the Creuse Harold.


Re tyre for a TDi 300: the recommended sizes are 205/80/16 and 235/70/16. The 205 size is a bit of a hangover from TDi 200 and I would say is a bit narrow and tall for a 2ton+ vehicle. Also, for a very short while I bought a set of Continental 205/80's for my previous TDi 300 and they were truly awful - to a dangerous extent.

So, the point I'm coming to is that the preferred size in my opinion is 235/70/16 or even 255/65/16 as they both have the same rolling radius, but the 255's give more grip on corners and the cost is almost identical.

Now to load and speed ratings:

Load is all about the safe operating max load that can be put on a tyre in relating to it's vehicle:

The following figures relate to a tyre inflated to a std pressure of 36psi:-


104 is rated to 900kgs each wheel

110 is rated to 1060kgs each wheel.

When you consider that the maximum load on the rear axle (the largest load of the two) is 1600kgs, you can see that either tyre is going to be fine.


Speed rating

R 106mph 170kph

S 112mph 180kph

T 118mph 190kph

H 130mph 210kph

Now as we know a Disco TDi 300 won't do above about 160kph, but that is not the issue, the manufacture has deemed that to have a level of safety, a given rating is recommended, H I believe.

We need to step back and look at what all this means. A tyre has to give safe grip in all conditions - snow is important for you in the Auvergne - last a long time, be legal, be comfortable, be capable to operating in your conditions - onroad/offroad etc

My recommendation to you is:

General Grabber AT 235/70/16 or 255/65/16 - probably the best blend of grip in all conditions, longevity, comfort and vfm

BF Goodrich AT, same sizes - all the same reasons, plus even better durabilty - price is about 25% higher.


Hope that helps you Harold

Cheers
David

THEBIGLAD, can I just say that reply was outstanding, detailed and a comprehensive answer, well done mate!

Not my thread but found it interesting all the same

BIG MATT said:

THEBIGLAD, can I just say that reply was outstanding, detailed and a comprehensive answer, well done mate!

Not my thread but found it interesting all the same

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"Ooooooh I'm all overcome"


That's very kind of you to take the time to comment

Cheers
Dave

Comprehensive answer David, thanks. It's the 'legality' of my tyres that I'm trying to ascertain?

The problem is I already have two sets of wheels and tyres at 205/80/16 - as spec'd above: Goodyear and Bridgestones (and a couple of mud tyres )

I don't have any issues with snow, mud or any terrain as both brands have worked very well in extreme conditions, and I live where the conditions are very extreme. Our Freelander works better in the snow

The 'conundrum' as such is the difference in Load and speed ratings on each set.

ie.

The wranglers were 104T :NOT recommended load for that tyre size but an acceptable speed rating..

The Bridgestones are 110S : The correct load rating for that tyre size but with too low a (recommended) speed rating.

What I would like is a 110 load rating with at least a 'T' Speed rating

All the French tyre suppliers have suggested no less than a 110 load for that tyre size.

I guess a change of tyre size is the way to go - General Grabber looks promising.

Thanks

Paul

Harold 4x4 said:

Comprehensive answer David, thanks. It's the 'legality' of my tyres that I'm trying to ascertain?


I guess a change of tyre size is the way to go - General Grabber looks promising.

Thanks

Paul

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205/80/16; 235/7016/ & 255/65/16 are all the same rolling radius so there will be now difference in ride height.

Dave

Big Lad, I forgot to ask....

General Grabber 235/70/16? I found a set at a reasonable price - do they fit on the standard steel wheels?

Harold 4x4 said:

Big Lad, I forgot to ask....

General Grabber 235/70/16? I found a set at a reasonable price - do they fit on the standard steel wheels?

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Yes they do, "Go get'em Floyd" Where did you find them?

Thanks - Local tyre supplier in Montbrison ordered them for me...

Harold 4x4 said:

Thanks - Local tyre supplier in Montbrison ordered them for me...

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Well done Harold, getting them cheaper than in the UK is a real find !!

Enjoy.................

Would you believe it? Had a call today saying they now can't get them - typically French to be a week in founding out - hey, you can't have everything over here )

Back to Goodyear Wranglers again...

Harold 4x4 said:

Would you believe it? Had a call today saying they now can't get them - typically French to be a week in founding out - hey, you can't have everything over here )

Back to Goodyear Wranglers again...

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Now that is disappointing. Are you aware that the likes of Paddocks will deliver tyres to France for a £5 apiece? Might be worth checking their prices before you spend your dough?

Dave

Yes, that's true, but you still have to pay for mounting and balancing etc - and there's no comeback if the tyres are duff...

I bought in the UK for my Tiumph Rocket rear tyre (60 euros cheaper in UK) but it cost me 30 euros to get if fitted in France (not an easy tyre to fit)!

I have the Goodyears coming for the same price, so it's not all bad.