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| YOLO110 Member Since: 14 Feb 2015 Location: Perth Oz and Stansted UK Posts: 1633  
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Early days yet with my new 90!
But I am planning a big trip around OZ at some point and am mulling getting some HD steel wheels (Wolf) which are 6.5J X 16 with an good AT tyre to replace the standard skinny standard Michelin Latitude Cross 7.5 R X 16c on my 5.5 inch steel wheels. The Michelin Latitude Cross has some pretty good reviews, but is it up to sand etc? I am not going to Cape York, so don't really need a full on MT tyre like the OEM Goodyear Wrangler, more like the OEM Continental Cross Contact AT. It seems a bit nuts to just put a new set of wheels and tyres aside if I don't have too! Thoughts most welcome please! Cheers, Pete.  YOLO... You Only Live Once... |
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20th Aug 2015 9:13am |
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| Cupboard Member Since: 21 Mar 2014 Location: Suffolk Posts: 2971  
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The Latitude is fine in slippery mud, I don't see why it shouldn't be fine in sand.
I don't know how width comes in to play on sand, I guess unlike most UK conditions a wider tyre might actually be beneficial? Anyway, I've got a set of 7.50 Latitudes, I actually bought a set of Wolf rims so I could change them to 235 ATs and have a load more choice but I think I'm actually going to replace them like for like again. Sure they're a bit slidey in goop but so are my BF Goodrich Mud Terrains. |
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20th Aug 2015 12:46pm |
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| YOLO110 Member Since: 14 Feb 2015 Location: Perth Oz and Stansted UK Posts: 1633
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Many thanks.
So, can you fit the 7.5's on the 6.5J Wolf rims? I thought the 7.5 section tyre would be a bit narrow for the 6.5J??? YOLO... You Only Live Once... |
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20th Aug 2015 1:15pm |
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| Ads90 Member Since: 16 Jun 2008 Location: Cots-on-the-Wolds Posts: 800 
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I've just swapped my standard 5.5" rims with 7 year old 7.5 Michelin tyres (which I've been very pleased with) for Wolf HD rims, and have gone for 235x85 Cooper A/T3s.
Unfortunately too soon for me to give a verdict on them, as I've only driven about 5 miles since, but I'll update when I've put some miles on. I spent a lot of time researching AT tyres before deciding on the Coopers, and found it very hard identifying truly subjective opinions, same goes for unbiased testing. All I really went on in the end is the EU markings and the manufacturer's suggested 60/40 (road/off road) split, which I think should best suit my needs. My previous Michelin 7.5 tyres were the older version of the Latitude Cross, and I found them to be great all-rounders and far superior in ALL conditions (except dry tarmac) to my previous (to that) 265 wide BFG ATs. So they are the only ones I can offer opinion on - but that's in the UK and I agree with others that sand driving my benefit from a wider tyre. PS - my 2nd choice would have been 235 Conti CrossContacts - if a new-take-off set had come up at the right time (without alloys attached), I probably would have gone for them. |
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20th Aug 2015 4:07pm |
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| leeds Member Since: 28 Dec 2009 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 8578
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On a 25,000 mile trip around the Australian outback we used 255/85/16. BFG M/T.
Picked up two punctures, both from roof sheeting bolts in towns. Aussie builders are as careful as UK builders as to where they leave their unwanted screws and nails! Depending where and how you are travelling does have an effect on tyre choice. If travelling as part of a group try to ensure some common sizes amongst the group. Travelling solo in the more remote areas 2spares plus a couple of inner tubes. Also a GOOD compressor. Use tyres that are reasonably new with good tread depth. Old tyres tend to be perished and more prone to punctures/pressure loss. Soft sand a wide tyre reduces ground pressure, and a tall tyre gives better ground clearance. which 255/85/16 gives you. Brendan |
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20th Aug 2015 11:55pm |
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| YOLO110 Member Since: 14 Feb 2015 Location: Perth Oz and Stansted UK Posts: 1633
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Thanks for the replies guys.
I think I will still get the HD wheels, because the look rubber COOL! And given the info, fit my new Michelin Latitude Cross 7.5c X 16R to them. The tyres do get some good reviews. My main concern was would the tyre be too narrow for a rim that is 1" wider. Carry 2 spares indeed! Cheers, Pete YOLO... You Only Live Once... |
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21st Aug 2015 12:03am |
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| ericvv Member Since: 02 Jun 2011 Location: Near the Jet d'Eau Posts: 5816  
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Think with Wolf wheels the general practice is to put 235 wide tires. And that size always looks good on Defender, just a perfect fit, and still a factory standard too. So if you buy those wolf wheels why don't you consider the just lauched new version of one of the most praised AT tires, the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. Would be one of the best possible looking and performing combinations I think.
You then could decide to keep or to sell your standard wheels/tires combo a bit later, wouldn't be surprised you would decide to sell them. 
Eric This one here I mean http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tire-select...re-details You never actually own a Defender. You merely look after it for the next generation. http://youtu.be/yVRlSsJwD0o https://youtu.be/vmPr3oTHndg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GtzTT9Pdl0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABqKPz28e6A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLZ49Jce_n0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvAsz_ilQYU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8tMHiX9lSw https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dxwjPuHIV7I https://vimeo.com/201482507 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSixqL0iyHw |
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21st Aug 2015 6:38am |
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| YOLO110 Member Since: 14 Feb 2015 Location: Perth Oz and Stansted UK Posts: 1633
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IF I can safely put my Michelin on the Wolf's, I would do so I think. They get a good review.
So, that is the big one! 
I hear about those BFG reviews etc... but personally, I dislike the BFG with all their bling white lettering!! I know they can be fitted 'inside out' but you can still see the white stuff. It does not suit a classic Keswick Green 90 IMHO! YOLO... You Only Live Once... |
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21st Aug 2015 7:03am |
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| ericvv Member Since: 02 Jun 2011 Location: Near the Jet d'Eau Posts: 5816
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^^ You are right about that.
IMO what suits a classic Keswick/White Defender the best of all, is the GG TR in 235 width which still was the standard fit back in 2008 when I bought the SVX. Later replaced by the Conti, which looks too modern for a Defender I think. My summer wheels and original GG TR set were stolen from our property back in Jan, and I have been thinking of waiting for these new BFG A/T KO2, also gave some thought about the Conti, but in the end reordered new GG TR. Which needed intervention from Conti Germany, as it meant a special import into Switzerland by Conti (who own GG) because the GG TR even if they remain in production, are not imported into Switzerland anymore. Happy I did just that, for me that is a classic tire which suits a Defender very much, and which in my case is just perfect, quiet, but admit, I drive 100% on asphalted roads, except for the gravel at home.
Eric  Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge You never actually own a Defender. You merely look after it for the next generation. http://youtu.be/yVRlSsJwD0o https://youtu.be/vmPr3oTHndg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GtzTT9Pdl0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABqKPz28e6A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLZ49Jce_n0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvAsz_ilQYU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8tMHiX9lSw https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dxwjPuHIV7I https://vimeo.com/201482507 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSixqL0iyHw |
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21st Aug 2015 7:18am |
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| Cupboard Member Since: 21 Mar 2014 Location: Suffolk Posts: 2971
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The army put 7.50s (XZLs) on Wolf rims after all |
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21st Aug 2015 7:13pm |
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