Shep25

Member
I'd like to get some mud terrains for my series 3, but I've no idea what tyre/ wheel sizes to get or what brand. Any advice would be much appreciated!!!
 
If you want to go wider than 7.50/16 then 235/85/16 is about as wide as you can go without either sticking out of the line of the body (don't even think about arches on a Series!) or losing any semblance of a turning circle.

235's are a bit wide for Series rims though later Fender rims are a little wider. People do squeeze then on but there's plenty of tyre sites that give recommended widths so you can make up your own mind.

As for Mt patterns the insa turbo special tracks are about the best road legal in mud but pretty grim on the road.

The IT Dakar type is more the usual compromise though I like the directional amazon pattern myself

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I've always been happy with remoulds though no doubt more expensive tyres last longer. The patterns are fairly standard whatever the manufacturer though they call them different names.
 
Don't know enough about that tyre size mate. It's all to do with aspect ratio; width versus tyre wall height. Anyone?
 
Thoughts on 205's?

205s are standard fitment on swb. Most consider them too small (diameter) and 750s an upgrade.

235/85s are the same dia as 750s but wider.

265/75s are also the same dia but too wide for a Series without serious compromise.
 
I'd like to get some mud terrains for my series 3, but I've no idea what tyre/ wheel sizes to get or what brand. Any advice would be much appreciated!!!
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.
 
Avon Rangemaster is a good general-purpose tyre that was fitted as standard to 90/110s. They're available in 7.50R16 size and last approximately forever. The owners' manual with my 90 recommends reducing the pressures when off-roading, presumably to stop the treads clogging up which they can do otherwise.
 
Lower pressures give a much bigger footprint and allow a tyre to deform over obstacles, allowing more tread to be in contact.

With the ALRC for RTV vehicles you can run 21psi for competitions. For CCV events as low as 12psi. Any lower and there is real risk of the tyre coming off the bead however. This is where tubed tyres work well, or even running tubes in a tubeless tyre.
 
If you want to go wider than 7.50/16 then 235/85/16 is about as wide as you can go without either sticking out of the line of the body (don't even think about arches on a Series!) or losing any semblance of a turning circle.

235's are a bit wide for Series rims though later Fender rims are a little wider. People do squeeze then on but there's plenty of tyre sites that give recommended widths so you can make up your own mind.

As for Mt patterns the insa turbo special tracks are about the best road legal in mud but pretty grim on the road.

The IT Dakar type is more the usual compromise though I like the directional amazon pattern myself

View attachment 99611

I've always been happy with remoulds though no doubt more expensive tyres last longer. The patterns are fairly standard whatever the manufacturer though they call them different names.
Do 7.50/16 tyres plus tubes fit the 5” rim on a SWB S3?
 
Yes, assuming 5" is the standard Series 3 SWB rim. I use Avon Rangemasters 7.5/16 on my SWB rims, with tubes. They're good tyres. The steering would be lighter with 6/16 tyres though. The gearing is higher with larger tyres on a standard SWB, so in theory you should change the speedo, otherwise you will under-record your speed by about 12%. I've not done this, and just take account of the difference when driving in 30 zones. Not a problem in 60 zones!!
 
Yes, assuming 5" is the standard Series 3 SWB rim. I use Avon Rangemasters 7.5/16 on my SWB rims, with tubes. They're good tyres. The steering would be lighter with 6/16 tyres though. The gearing is higher with larger tyres on a standard SWB, so in theory you should change the speedo, otherwise you will under-record your speed by about 12%. I've not done this, and just take account of the difference when driving in 30 zones. Not a problem in 60 zones!!
a 5@ rim is the original swb rim but originally a swb would have been fitted with 6.00 (205 in modern measurements) it was the lwb which was fitted with 750 and the wider rim.
 
A 5” rim is the original swb rim but originally a swb would have been fitted with 6.00 (205 in modern measurements) it was the lwb which was fitted with 750 and the wider rim.
Haynes suggests 205 are good for the 5”. Do y’all concur?
 

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