Another tire size question (sorry)

[pgeorgeson]

I am restoring my 1966 Series IIa 109 and need new tires. I want the tires sized to look stock (not wide modern 4x4 tires). I have 16" rims. I understand the original stock tire was a 750x16. I also understand that width equates to approx. 190mm. With the 750x16, there is no aspect ratio.

What size modern tire (that is reasonably available) best approximates the original stock tires?

(I tried searching, but couldn't find the exact answer I need).

[siii8873]

235-85-16

[pgeorgeson]

Thanks, but aren't the 235's substantially wider than the original 750s?

[siii8873]

I'll check the difference. I have a spare 235-85-16 and 7.5x16's on the trucks. There is a guy selling some bridgestone 7.5x16 on the land rover exchange. They are an OK tire for everyday use, not a real aggressive tire for off road. Picture of them attached on a truck 7.5x16's that is.

[siii8873]

picture of 235-85-16's on a truck

[jac04]

You can't beat the 7.50 x 16 for that authentic look.
There is a guy on d-90.com selling a set of 5 Michelin XZLs if you are interested.

[Linus Tremaine]

235s are wider but they are the closest modern tire that you can find that will go on your truck. If you want narrow you will have to find 7.50 x 16. Most of what you will find are bias ply. Try safari rover he had some XZLs a while back. OF course, the problem with that type of tire is what happens when you cut a side wall or have a blow out. They are not something you can just replace when you are on the road somewhere.

I thought hard about it because I had 7.50x16 dunlop radial rovers which I really liked, but the peace of mind of having a modern readily available tire made the cut over factory dimensions.

[Eric W S]

Thanks, but aren't the 235's substantially wider than the original 750s?

Depends on the tire. Swamper has a radial that is a very narrow 235.

Check tire rack or like site. They list the width. Find one you like.

EwS

[stomper]

If they look too wide, why not go with a 215/85/16. There is a link to another thread you may find worth a read.
http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9489

[yorker]

:thumb-up:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires2.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires3.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires4.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires5.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires6.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires7.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires8p.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires9p.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/sepp45/LR%20parts/landrovertires10p.jpg

[RoverForm]

i feel like the bf goodrich mud t/a is probably the most accessable, original looking tire with the best all around quality, IF, you can find them close to the 7.50x16 size range.

i don't like the look of super swamper wide tires on anything, especially a rover.

plus the tread pattern on these reminds me of the michelin XZL

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/mtavm5.xl.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/tires/bf_goodrich/size/viewProductDetail.do%3Fpc%3D38730&usg=__GtxEFofYjPPes5qyhQmjo8c1CJo=&h=1001&w=1001&sz=124&hl=en&start=15&zoom=1&tbnid=hlYDXqGJ1qPzIM:&tbnh=149&tbnw=149&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbf%2Bgoodrich%2Bmud%2Bterrain%2Bt/a%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1

[pgeorgeson]

Thanks everyone. Great info. I was assuming the "750" in the 750x16 was designating that the tire was 7.5 inches wide. Now I realize that the 750 means it is 7.5 inches tall. Based on that, I now realize why the 235s are basically at least the same height. However, i like the look of the narrower tires, so I might still try some 215/85/16s. I note that Cooper apparently makes the "Discoverer S/T" in that size. I am going to try to find one of those in that size to look at.

[roverjohn]

I'll check the difference. I have a spare 235-85-16 and 7.5x16's on the trucks. There is a guy selling some bridgestone 7.5x16 on the land rover exchange. They are an OK tire for everyday use, not a real aggressive tire for off road. Picture of them attached on a truck 7.5x16's that is.


I am selling the Bridgestone tires on here as well. Here is the link:

http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9508

You are correct; they are not the most aggressive tire out there, but they are more aggressive than you might think. The outer tread will bite for off road use but the centers are more of a highway tread. They run fairly quiet down the highway and they should last a fairly long time.


I have sold quite a few of these tires for Series Rovers and everyone that I have sold to, really seem to like them. In fact, I am sending a set of 5 to New York tomorrow.

I still have a few sets left, so let me know if you are interested.

[cousindave]

I have the mud terrains in 33x9.50x15 and I love them. They are not the greatest in the snow though. Another great tire is the radial rover r/t. Ihad them on my discovery and nothing could beat those. Also they are ten or twelve ply which I loved. Since a heavy ply tire is so stiff it cuts down on a lot of wander associated with taller tires and also less prone.to flats.

[Eric W S]

i feel like the bf goodrich mud t/a is probably the most accessable, original looking tire with the best all around quality, IF, you can find them close to the 7.50x16 size range.

i don't like the look of super swamper wide tires on anything, especially a rover.

plus the tread pattern on these reminds me of the michelin XZL

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/mtavm5.xl.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/tires/bf_goodrich/size/viewProductDetail.do%3Fpc%3D38730&usg=__GtxEFofYjPPes5qyhQmjo8c1CJo=&h=1001&w=1001&sz=124&hl=en&start=15&zoom=1&tbnid=hlYDXqGJ1qPzIM:&tbnh=149&tbnw=149&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbf%2Bgoodrich%2Bmud%2Bterrain%2Bt/a%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1

The BF Goods Muds look nothing like the original avon traction mileage tires or the XZL's. The BF ones the guy from colorado is selling are the closest to an origianl look.

All Swampers aren't wide. Do your research. Ike has a set on a truck he restored and they look better than any BF tires I have seen as they are much narrower. Check his site. It's the red rover that now lives in Indy.

[Momo]

The BFG KMs are now discontinued and the KM2 is the mudder to get. I just ordered a set from America's Tire/AKA Discount Tire Co. which has locations in 23 states or so. Mounted and balanced- $1060 and change.

They price match even internet prices so look around. Tire prices are up due to petroleum and steel costs but shop wisely and you will do okay.

I love the old XCL and XZL tires but Linus is right, if you cheese one, you're SOL.

Concerning radials: the 235/85R16 is the biggest you want to go if you have a bonnet mounted spare. Any more width they look stupid on the bonnet, plus you lose some visibility over obstacles.

Or you could easily go bias ply and get the original look, but there are a few big disadvantages:

1. Bias ply tires get flat spots when they sit and then go "whump whump" for about a half mile until you warm them up. Function of crossply design.

2. The kind of look you want is expensive now because almost nobody is running those tires on a road licensed vehicle. They are now basically farm/military use tires. Look to pay $200-250 per tire unless you go Chinese or Taiwanese.

3. Bias Plys have no flotation so airing down is futile. Sidewall stiffness.

4. Many bias plys of the offroad/AT type have a speed rating of only 50-55 mph so be careful before you buy. If you do any highway mileage this is an issue (granted there is some cushion built in by the mfr but buyer beware).

5. They are noisy and they track poorly in the wet. They don't shed water like a radial and they will hydroplane much earlier.

6. Unlike a radial, which flexes and hugs in cornering, they will "skip" in hard cornering.

7. They are generally noisier on pavement than a radial (bias ply designs were conceived before noise factors were ever considered).

8. You'll be lucky to get 15-20k miles out of them unless most of your use is off road.

On the plus side:

1. They have "the look".

2. They are very tough tires, and if most of your driving is off road, they will last a good long while.

Check these out: http://www.stausaonline.com/light-truck/index.html

[Cutter]

Bias ply rides really hard, I have some on mine that look great but damn they are rough. Even with a travel mug my coffee erupts out all the time. The PO put these on right before selling and they are in great shape, but sometimes I wish I had radials.

and in case you are curious mine are courser traction lt tires, you can see them on a google image search

[73series88]

ive got bf goodrich mud t/a 31/10.5 15

i drive to work every day and there great on the trails as well
its just personal preference. tall short wide skinny
to each there own.
aaron

[Winston-Rover]

ive got bf goodrich mud t/a 31/10.5 15



are they mounted on standard Series wheels? I thought that tire would be too wide for the standard wheel. do you have any pics?

[gudjeon]

215/85/16 LT radials I found work perfect and mimmick the compromise 7.00x16 size. I used to run 235's and would never go back. The small, ciped block tread is what works to get grip. Works great when you don't have the power to spin wheels fast enough to fling off muck. last for a long while and don't moan on the highway.:thumb-up:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/gudjeon/IMG_0693.jpg
Each to their own of course. Usual caveats, etc.

[pgeorgeson]

So I dropped by the tire shop today and had them pull out some 235/85/16s. They didn't look as wide as I feared. Therefore, given that, and given that there is a much wider selection and better availability, I now think that is the direction I am going to go.

[Momo]

Well here are some 235/85 R16s on a 109 wagon to give you a visual. These are BFG MTs. I just put 'em on today.

[Linus Tremaine]

What did you do about that rim?

[73series88]

yep standard series 3 wheels
no problems
aaron

[Terrys]

So I dropped by the tire shop today and had them pull out some 235/85/16s. They didn't look as wide as I feared. Therefore, given that, and given that there is a much wider selection and better availability, I now think that is the direction I am going to go.
Wise choice. I have found that anything wider means more rapid wear of swivel pins and ball joints.

[cousindave]

If you're going 235/85/16 look at the interco truxus. I had them on my series IIA and they were awesome in the mud and snow. I had them mounted on steel nato wheels.

[Momo]

Hi Linus... the rim is going to get trued, just have to find someone local or it will be cheaper to just replace.

[CRiordan01]

Anyone have any experience with Yokohama Geolander A/T-S tires? Looking to put either 225/75R16 or 225/70R16 on my Series III SWB. Currently have a set of Nangkook(?) Wide Conquerors 205R16s that desperately need replaced (at least the front do). Any thoughts on the Geolanders? Thinking of ordering today...

[Jim-ME]

My son put 33X12.50X15s on his Jeep. I was impressed enough that I will put a set of 16s on the Rover eventually. They may not be the greatest off road tire but they wore very well of his Jeep.
Jim

[SafeAirOne]

Anyone have any experience with Yokohama Geolander A/T-S tires? Looking to put either 225/75R16 or 225/70R16 on my Series III SWB. Currently have a set of Nangkook(?) Wide Conquerors 205R16s that desperately need replaced (at least the front do). Any thoughts on the Geolanders? Thinking of ordering today...

I put some on my wife's FJ Cruiser a couple of days before the huge Halloween snow storm we had here last year and I couldn't get the car to break traction in 8 inches of snow. I ended up going back and having a set of 235/85-16s put on the 109, since it was due for new tires anyway. They cancelled winter this year, so I can't say how they did in the snow on the 109, but I don't remember having any problems on the few occasions where we got an inch or two. I haven't done any serious off-roading with them, though they were sufficient to pull my son's enormous truck out of a frozen puddle/mudhole.

I drive with them on the highway about 34 miles round trip 5 days a week, but I have no idea if these tires are noisy or not.

[stomper]

I recently replaced a set of Geolander A/T S on my DD with a set of Cooper Discoverer AT3s. I liked the Geolanders for the first winter, and they were pretty decent in the Mud. (They were on a Lexus GX470, but I do use it off road some). The second winter, when the tread wore down, they were horrible. I switched them out for the Coopers before this past winter, but will be swapping the Geolanders back on for the summer so I can get the last bit of tread use out of them. The wear nicely, are quiet on road, but are just disappointing as they wear down.

[CRiordan01]

I ended up ordering the 225/75/16 Geolanders A/T-S. We will see how they wear and I will update. Most of my driving is highway (60 miles round trip for work) although I will also use for some light off road. The Series is not my primary vehicle, so it won't be used heavily in snow; major snows in Richmond, VA, typically involve accumulations of 1" or less. Pretty brutal I know...

[Tsmith]

I just received five Kuhmo 215 85 16's from tire rack. I'll put them on this weekend. They are about the same width and diameter as the 7,50's now on the truck.

[4flattires]

yorker....thanks for the post....nice read with pics!

pgeorgeson..I just scored a set of four 7.50x16 M/S for my 109 today. If you need dimensions, just let me know. I also run 215/85x16 on my dually. Again, let me know if you need dimensions.

[JimCT]

the 215's and 225-75's are too small diameter if you do highway driving.




I just received five Kuhmo 215 85 16's from tire rack. I'll put them on this weekend. They are about the same width and diameter as the 7,50's now on the truck.

[yorker]

Without an OD:

215-85-16s are usually 30.5" tall and = 3870 rpm at 65 mph
235-85-16s are usually ~32" tall and = 3700 rpm at 65 mph


215 85 16s are a pretty nice size on 88s. Stock 88 tires were originally 28.5-29" tall somewhat similar to a 205-80-16 today, that would put you ~4070 rpm at 65 which could definitely benefit from an OD. The only advantage I can see for the smaller diameter tires is somewhat easier acceleration and less stress on the drivetrain, oh and they are sometimes available in a load range better suited to an 88's capacities. That could translate into a better ride.

[scarter]

Just put a set of 215-85-16's on my 109, Firestones for summer/highway use. They are 3/4 inch narrower:thumb-up: than 235's, approximate the look of 750's better, being slightly < 8.5 width. FWIW.

[siii8873]

65mph without an OD?


Without an OD:

215-85-16s are usually 30.5" tall and = 3870 rpm at 65 mph
235-85-16s are usually ~32" tall and = 3700 rpm at 65 mph


215 85 16s are a pretty nice size on 88s. Stock 88 tires were originally 28.5-29" tall somewhat similar to a 205-80-16 today, that would put you ~4070 rpm at 65 which could definitely benefit from an OD. The only advantage I can see for the smaller diameter tires is somewhat easier acceleration and less stress on the drivetrain, oh and they are sometimes available in a load range better suited to an 88's capacities. That could translate into a better ride.

[dabawei]

Hi,
Any one tried 235/85-R16 Dunlop TG 31? and share the picture?

This type of tires made mainly for sand but I am not sure how nice would look up