Tyre size advice

Hi guys... long time lurker but 1st time poster.

Thanks for all the advice since I bought my TD4 Freelander 1 just over a year ago (yes I know; I should have bought a real tratter, no the doors havent fallen off yet & no, I wont burn it)

Usually I can find what I need to know using the search function but this is a reasonably specific question regarding whether I can fit certain tyres to my FL.

Currently I've got 215 65 16's on it but they're getting low in the tread dept & its time to treat her to some new boots. Originally I was going for some Discoverer STT's which look very agressive but it seems that now I want to buy they've been discontinued in the right size. Looking around I can see the Discoverer S/T's are available but only in 205 70 16 which according to the various tyre dia calculators out there are 7mm larger overall. I'm pretty sure that these will go on without issue but am I missing something blindingly obvious with fitting slightly narrower tyres over a wider rim?

Failing that I could take the safe option of getting the correct Grabber AT's but they dont look as agressive plus I occasionally have to pull swmbo's horse box over reasonably muddy fields.

Any thoughts or advice are appreciated - thanks in advance.

-Bulb

Two things here -

Firstly I would be advising that you stick with the original tyre size - or perhaps go for wider and lower - not narrower and higher!

Secondly - I've never come across such a size as 205/70 16 - are you sure you've not typed a wrong number somewhere?

Singvogel.

Thanks for the reply Sing, pretty sure I read it right on Coopers website but I'll follow your advice

The grabbers don't look as aggressive but I've read vert good things about them - they're designed to be legal under a new EU assf**k we're about to get. Other options for under 100 quid a corner are the Conti Crosscontact AT - but they wear very fast apparently.

I'm going to put Grabber AT's on mine .

I have Cooper ST Maxx fitted in 285/75/16 on my Pajero and they're great, silent, and grippy with sod all wear in 5000 miles or more, but they are heavy tyres for their size. Bloody tough though.

At the same time I had some General Grabber ATs (AT3 as I call them) fitted in 30/9.50/15 to my Delica. They grip just as well off road as my Coopers, but I reckon they are better on the road in the wet and snow. Wear and noise are equally negligible. They are also much lighter, though do not look as chunky as the Coopers.

When I get my new Freelander I shall be fitting the Grabbers...

HTH..

GlowingBulb said:

Thanks for the reply Sing, pretty sure I read it right on Coopers website but I'll follow your advice

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Hi GB,

I had a look on Coopers website and you're right - Coopers do make that size.

It's a North American size - probably originally in inches.

Continental, Michelin, Pirelli etc. don't make such a size.

It's a pretty heavy duty truck tyre rated at 104T so for a much bigger heavier US/Canadian vehicle than a Freelander.

I learn something new every day - lucky me.

Singvogel.

Thanks for the replies guys, not a single "burn it"to be read anywhere either!

I bit the bullet & went for a set of Grabber AT's, I've heard good things about then also, seems that serious 4x4 tyre choice for the Freelander isnt too great but thats to be expected considering it isnt too famous for its off road capability.

I'll see just how far I can push mine on some local green lanes & at Billing next weekend, I've got a recovery rope in the boot & I fully expect to get into some places where my mate in his Defender will have to pull me out.

Hopefully I'll be suprised how far I can push the "soft roader".

They're fun

Now that looks like FUN!!!

Are they 15" wheels you've got fitted? Was debating getting a set of 15" steel wheels if the more agressive tyres are more available in that size.

GlowingBulb said:

Now that looks like FUN!!!

Are they 15" wheels you've got fitted? Was debating getting a set of 15" steel wheels if the more agressive tyres are more available in that size.

Click to expand...

16" steel modulars, 225/75/16 kumho kl71 mud terrains. The wheels have a greater offset so I didn't need spacers to get the huge tyres to clear the spring seat. Also got a 2" lift. And rock sliders It's great off road always amazes me

Looks awesome bud, also looks like it gets used for more than just parking on grass verges!

Wish I'd have known about those steel modulars before I bought the ATs, then again, I guess I'd have also had to fit the lift kit to get tyres like that under the arches.

How does the 2" lift effect your on road handling - does it go round corners like a boat or is it still reasonably well mannered?

I can see this going from a set of tyres to something much more expensive quite quickly...