series 3 wheels and tyres??

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Ok, got myself a set of S3 LWB 5.5 rims for my SWB. Now to choose the best AT tyre. Will a Goodyear Wrangler or BFG 236/85/16 fit the 5.5” rim and accept tubes?
 
boristhes3 said:
Ok, got myself a set of S3 LWB 5.5 rims for my SWB. Now to choose the best AT tyre. Will a Goodyear Wrangler or BFG 236/85/16 fit the 5.5” rim and accept tubes?
Click to expand...
All tyre makers will recommend 6.0" as the minimum width rim for a 235/85R16, have a look at a few tyre makers sites, e.g.
https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tires/mud-terrain/mud-terrain-t-a-km3.html
(scroll down and select 16" and click the size for the details)

If your rims are tube type, you will need tubes no matter what tyres you fit. As such rims don't have the extra bulge to hold the tyre bead in place, therefore without tubes you could get an explosive decompression of a tyre while driving, should the sidewall of the tyre take an impact and slide on the inside of the rim.
 
The ideal if you can find them are the one ton or Fc rims . I have run them tubeless for donkeys years without any probs apart from one that had a slow leak at one of the rivets .
 
300bhp/ton said:
What do you want to use the vehicle for? Personally I quite like remoulds. Good price and lots of choice of good tread patterns. But if you think it'll be mostly road use, then you might be better off with some new tyres.

In terms of size. 6.00 x 16 are a standard size. About the same as a 205 but narrower. These are not very tall. They can work fine but might not look the best.

7.50 x 16 is a nice size and also a standard fitment. Here are taller tyres. Usually anywhere from 29-31". They are also narrow.

The only trouble is. This is a rare size these days. Michelin XZL's can be had in this size. But are pricey and while tough, not the best performers.

You can still get lots of remoulds in this size. But physical sizes vary a lot. Sadly it's a trend to re-brand 235/85R16's as 7.50's. But a 235 is a fair chunk wider.

On that note. 235/85R16 is a good choice and lots of choice. Technically they are not suitable for standard Series rims as they should be on a 6j rim or wider. And Series are 5.5j wide.

Defender rims can be used, as a 235 is a standard size for Defenders. Or you want to get some after market rims.

With a Series it's a balance of not sticking the tyres out of the arches vs not losing all of your steering lock. Again this depends on you intended use to how important some of these things maybe. And it is possible to add wheel arch extensions or spats.


As for tread patterns. This depends on the use. Aggressive MT's are great off road. But not so on the road. Personally I'd avoid Insa Turbo special tracks unless you really think you need them. I quite like diamonds. And they can be had in 7.50 size.

Terrain and where you are in the country might also dictate what is or isn't a good tread pattern for you.
Click to expand...
So if I wanted to fit All terrains on my series 2a which size would they be, currently I have 7.50
 
Desert Driver said:
So if I wanted to fit All terrains on my series 2a which size would they be, currently I have 7.50
Click to expand...
7.50 x 16 is IMO a good size for a Series. But there is limited choice. A 235/85R16 is the closest alternative, but it is fatter and technically a standard Series rim is too narrow. You'd need aftermarket rims or find some 90/Defender rims.
 
Agreed. I ran 235/85/16 BFGs on std 5.5 rims for 5 years but when I needed a new set I bought a set of 6.5" Wolf rims. The 235/85/16 sit much better. The wheels cost me £140 for the set 2nd hand and I saved that by buying Yokohamas instead of BFGs. I think the BFG s are over priced, its worth looking at alternatives.
 
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