Finally, someone in the 4x4 community who is practical and gets to the point!
@BigPubez69
3 ай бұрын
Right? America needs more sense like this
@nealesmith1873
6 ай бұрын
Great video! I once had a 1943 GPW with 7.50 x 16 tube tyres! Brings back some great memories.
@Alexmouseuk
Жыл бұрын
The British Trans Americas expedition famously knackered their Range Rovers with big tyres and wheels.
@92fitty
4 жыл бұрын
as a fellow overlander, I can say with certainty, I have never seen video in which so much common sense was obvious. Thank you, I agree with every conclusion you came to. One additional point on tyres is the availability of a replacement in remote areas. You will always find standard tyres in Africa where Land Rovers still abound but over large specialist tyres are impossible to find.
@defendermodsandtravels
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your kind comments Colin As for replacement tyres, if you have sensibly sized rims you can always buy a pair of nearly matching tyres to fit. From memory 235/80R16 have the same OD as the 7.50R16 which I use, and they are a very common size. You made a good point.
@ianparsons8894
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a well thought, logical video explaining the benefits. It seems the only arguments for expensive wide tyres are aesthetics and floatation which isn’t required for majority of vehicles. If it’s a purpose built rock crawler or snow travel vehicle that’s different but for over landing, touring and general 4WDing, skinny tyres and steel rims work best.
@adelarsen9776
3 жыл бұрын
1) Skinny steel rims and tyres are best. 2) High profile square edged tyres are best to prevent staking in the side wall. 3) Mud tyres (in radial form) have open cleats which assist in catching stakes and helping drive them in causing a puncture. It's hard to drive a stake through a tread block and a carcass but it's easy to drive a stake between open wide tread blocks and through a carcass. 4) Tyres which are road oriented with closed tread blocks are much more puncture resistant. 5) When a vehicle needs to suddenly stop on a bitumen road, all terrain and road-oriented tread patterned tyres allow good braking and control. Mud tyres are dangerous on wet, icey and greasy bitumen. 6) Good suspension and differential locks get you further with bald tyres than big mud tyres and awful suspension and no diff locks. 7) For most people in the western world (first world) tubeless tyres are the best. Having an ARB Speedy Seal kit is essential as is a compressor. 8) If you're travelling across the central asian steppe for 6 months then you might want to consider skinny Cross Ply tyres in 8,10,12,14,16 ply for puncture resistance. MRF brand are good. 9) If you do run split rims and tubes you should carry quality Michelin or Bridgestone tubes. Quality tubes make all the difference - and keep them clean. 10) 90% of punctures are caused by either poor quality tubes or poor/unclean fitment. Even too much Talc can collect and go hard and wear a hole in a tube. Don't over do it. 11) Tip for new players : Only buy tyre levers from the tyre industry. Don't buy them from an Auto Store - they are rubbish. Poor man buys twice. Cheap tyre levers break and bend. 12) The 4wd magazines are all sponsored by the tyre manufacturers. Tyre shops want to sell tyres with profit so they sell you what's popular. 13) The best tyres are boring, plain, un-cool skinny tyres of LT design with a road oriented tread. NB : I wouldn't listen to anyone from SA when it comes to overland cross country driving. There is no experts on You Tube. 14) The first thing a 4wd needs is an air compressor - not a set of tyres.
@defendermodsandtravels
3 жыл бұрын
Many thanks for sharing your great knowledge on this subject.
@GraveBlashyrkh
2 жыл бұрын
Ade Larsen can you recommend good tires according to your experience?
@adelarsen9776
2 жыл бұрын
@@GraveBlashyrkh Yes I can. 1) Tough strong Radial tyres are made by Bridgestone in Japan and must use tubes. Here's the model numbers and ply rating : a) Bridgestone M857 14 ply and 8 ply b) Bridgestone G530 14 ply c) Bridgestone R205 12 Ply 2) Otani Tyres from Thailand. Excellent Cross/Bias ply tyres for tubes. Extreme stake resistance and tough as nails a) S 78 Xtra Grip 14 ply b) S 70 Xtra Grip 14 ply c) U 068 16 ply 3) MRF tyres from India. Excellent Cross/Bias ply for tubes. Really tough. a) M77 14 ply b) Super Traction 12 ply c) Hwy 14 ply d) Super Lug 16 ply Various sizes available but all above come in 7.50x16. All these tyres listed above I have current and personal experience with over decades. They are normally a lot cheaper than useless brand name mud tyres. Be aware of speed rating, ADR and insurance when you fit cross ply tyres to your vehicle. Remember, it is suspension and difflocks that take you a lot further than any tyre tread pattern. The tyres listed above are for serious off-track, off-highway, on-farm use. These tyres are available all around the world. Hope this gives you what you need. Cheers.
@GraveBlashyrkh
2 жыл бұрын
@Ade Larsen thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience on tyres. I mainly used all terrain models until now, since I have mainly road and mud use(not heavy offroading). One shouldn't rely too much on diff locks but more so on driving skill. They help with tough situations though
@adelarsen9776
2 жыл бұрын
@@GraveBlashyrkh If you're only driving on tracks that others have been on then just use your regular tyres. If you are overlanding and driving across the Mid Asia Step or through the deserts of Australia and Africa you need these tough tyres. If you're a miner or surveyor then you need these tyres. Going to the local 4wd park you don't need these tyres.
@Jakexx01
Жыл бұрын
It's about time that someone chose to create an excellently presented video built around a sound understanding of physics, years of firsthand experience and a foundation of common sense. Not to mention the fact that caring what absolute strangers think and say about one's opinions is so often fueled by those who merely regurgitate the utterances of the inexperienced and uneducated. Thank you, Sir!
@adrianianna2868
2 жыл бұрын
Here in Australia we have a lot of sand. Lots of low pressure work . The friction with tubed tyres is just not worth it .
@louiswilliamhicks
Жыл бұрын
If KZitem had more videos like this, it would be a much better place to get advice. There were a lot of things covered most wouldn't think of or be aware of and it was very valuable. I also don't fit unnecessary parts or large tyres. I work off what I need and what will be reliable, both in itself and how it will affect the longterm reliability of the vehicle. I myself chose Falken WildPeak AT Trail, in OEM size and rating, which fitted to my 18inch OEM wheels and carried a minimal weight penalty. This means less risk to the diff and gearbox over time. They also have a stronger sidewall than the OEM tyres. You sir just got a Like and a new Subscriber! Haha. All the best
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comments. I find that OEM spec caters for most situations I encounter and I do travel widely.
@louiswilliamhicks
Жыл бұрын
@@defendermodsandtravels I have only had a quick look at your list of videos, but I already envy the travelling you've been able to do and hopefully in time I will achieve something close to that. All the best, and safe travels.
@derekarcher8495
2 жыл бұрын
Great video mate! Well thought out and logical advice. I've been running wide tyres and rims on my Hilux for years and can't say I have enjoyed any advantage. After careful consideration, I'm going back to standard tyres on split rims. Keep up the great work with the vids and safe travels!
@defendermodsandtravels
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment. Currently on a trip to SE Asia but without the Defender which I'm preparing for an expedition to southern Africa later this year. I did a lot of off road travel in Spain and Portugal this winter. I didn't get bogged once and I am happy with the choice of tyres. Good travels friend!
@NathanNostaw
4 жыл бұрын
Some great advice here. Very sound tips for reliability. Thanks for a great video.
@vic6820
2 жыл бұрын
Another excellent tyre is the Cooper st maxx. I have the 235/85 and they're the best I've had.
@georgeali7189
6 ай бұрын
Learned something today never knew about the tube type tyre and the other use for a hilift jack. Thank you sir.
@Sam.campbelll
2 жыл бұрын
You sir are a legend. I salute you for your knowledge and enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing.
@beecee1235
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for your videos. Before I saw them I was beginning to think I was slowly going mad. "why am I the only lemming to be able to see the cliff" :) But now, I may have found a kindred spirit. I'm a great believer in "the manufacturer PROBABLY knows best" they may have had a reason for the design, so have a little think for yourself from a logical engineering point of view. Thanks again. Keep up the great videos.
@defendermodsandtravels
2 жыл бұрын
Agree with you. Furthermore I am running standard shocks on my vehicles which to many 4x4 owners is heresy. Perfectly adequate for general overlanding with occasional demanding off road sections.
@ForemanAndWilmsAdventures
3 жыл бұрын
Good video! I put alloy rims on the defender in Australia for the Western Walkabout series and 2 of them developed little splits from a heavy load and rough roads. I’ll be down grading back to steel if I ever return to my homeland. Great channel.
@defendermodsandtravels
3 жыл бұрын
I find this comment amusing. There were howls of protest fom Stephan Fischer of All Offroad Adventures (comment below) that alloy wheels were usually more robust than steel. Your experience was obviously different. I haven't used alloy wheels off road but I wouldn't trust them for a demanding trip.
@ForemanAndWilmsAdventures
3 жыл бұрын
@@defendermodsandtravels I can only vouch for my own experience using standard quality rims, maybe there are high budget super duper ones but us defender owners don’t usually go down that route or we’d own range rovers.
@bert3536
3 ай бұрын
@@defendermodsandtravels you have regular alloys (cast ones) and then you have forged alloys, like Alcoa's, there is a difference between them.
@HeinerStorchennest1
15 күн бұрын
Some years ago, my son and me habe done about 10k kilometers through Moroc, on and Offroad plus 2x2k kilometers to get there and back. 7.50R16 Michelin xzl in Standard 5.5 rims Had done an excellent job. In soft-sand passages down to 0.8 bar, muddy and stony tracks were No severe Problems, apart from 5 Times using the Hi-Lift and alu-sand boards. Still going strong, only thread depth isn't no longer sufficient.
@Africasideways
4 жыл бұрын
Great vid kind Sir!
@defendermodsandtravels
4 жыл бұрын
I guess that's Gregory? Many thanks for the positive comment.
@stevenq3840
4 жыл бұрын
Another great video, thank you for sharing real facts.
@operation4wheelz
Жыл бұрын
Though I agree with much of what you’re saying. Technology has moved on and good quality alloy rims exist. There are also garbage steel ones. I’ve run alloys for years across harsh Australian conditions and never once had an issue. Also tyre technology has moved on significantly too. You are significantly restricted running tubed tyres. The biggest issue is running lower pressures, as they are prone to overheating. Modern good quality Mud tyres like KM3 are extremely versatile and extremely strong. Though I’ve never done over landing in Europe, I seriously doubt that conditions are anywhere near as harsh as Australia or Africa.
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the advice. If I were starting again I might well go with more modern wheels and tyres however it'd be a big call for me to change out the two sets I already have, and very expensive too. Whilst I don't pay too much attention to appearance, a set of fancy alloy wheels would look absurd on a 30+ year old ex-military Defender. The Wolf steel rims I use with the MTs are HD military type and are probably stronger than anything else available (you have to use longer wheel studs because of the extra thickness). I accept that Australian conditions are harsher than European but this vehicle goes everywhere (currently in S. Africa). Let's see how it performs there.
@davidsingleton7242
2 жыл бұрын
Hi I run a 1993 110 Defender fitted with 7.5 x 16 Michelin XZL tyres and which does probably 90% of its time on road as my daily driver and 10% towing a 10 foot twin axle flatbed trailer loaded with 2x round hay bales into and out of fields during the winter months for feeding livestock. in my experience I find them to be well mannered on road with good grip in wet or dry conditions and also reliable at getting across wet fields even with the trailer attached. Mileage wise I regularly get approx 45,000 miles out of the fronts and 50,000 miles from the rears. Yes they are a bit noisy on the road but lets face it, I'm not driving a Rolls Royce who used to market their cars by saying that the only noise you would hear when driving them was the clock ticking! and I have the reassurance that I am not going to be stuck in the middle of a field in the middle of winter with a trailer full of hay.
@rickbear7249
8 ай бұрын
7.50/R16 is the tyre size used by the British military and the US Rangers. These are tall tyres with a relatively narrow tread. No sane military would equip their Defenders with wide profile tyres, for one very good reason. That is that the military MUST GET THROUGH and all other considerations are secondary. Tall thin tyres will always find grip because they cut through the grass or mud or snow to find the underlying earth. That means grip! While fat wide profile tyres are nice if you want to minimalise any damage to the surface, it is essential for the military - and an overlander - to get through. As for the best value 7.50/R16 tyres, then try ordering a set of DEESTONE tyres + inner tubes. These are like the old factory-fitted military tyre (indeed, I suspect DEESTONE may have acquired the moulds). They're only caveat being that these tyres take a month or two to 'bed in', during which time they're quite slippery on tarmac. Also, be aware that Mud & Snow tyres have an entirely different tread to Sand cross-ply rather than radials, but you're unlikely to need radials on a Defender. Finally, note that both of these are off-road tyres as versus the so-called all terrain tyres used by primarily on-road 'Chelsea Tractor' 4x4s. Have fun and safe driving. Postscript: on getting your 7.50/R16 tyres wheel balanced. I suggest looking around for an independent tyre house with eastern-European tyre fitters. They're familiar with heavy agricultural tyres with inner tubes, and will have both the strength and the expertise to bounce these big heavy wheels as the inner tubes are first inflated. Failure to do this will strain the valve and result in inner tube punctures.
@hitekredneck109
Жыл бұрын
I have a 1982 chevy k5 blazer. I dont overland with it but I do some mild to moderate off road. It weighs about 4500lbs. It has a 4" lift kit and 35x12.5 mud/snows on steelies....mostly mud (it's how I bought it). #1 bling/chrome dont get you home and #2. When it comes time to replace the tires I will be installing something skinnier......skinny tires cut deep into the ground and find traction PLUS they handle much better on the road and put much less stress on the axles and front end components. Save your $$ on fat tires and instead get s really good winch because I dont care what tires you have, you WILL get stuck somewhere eventually!!!
@michaelterreblanche537
7 ай бұрын
I overland in southern afrika and replaced my alloys with steel rims due to pothole damage. Also I found narrower tires give a better turning circle and better fuel consumption. Wider tyres did not work for me as well as the narrower tyres, I am currently running 7.50R16 on my Defender. Thanks for your video with great points to consider.
@fenby1976
Жыл бұрын
I used those Goodyear Wrangler Radial MT tyres on my SIII for several years for use in daily driving and greenlaning. They lasted very well and were fine for 99% of greenlanes. I've used Michelin XZLs in that size too and they only lasted a fraction of the time before they were worn out. I did like them though. Road handling and off road performance were good.
@youtoobme1
7 ай бұрын
Very interesting video thanks... I am interested in the heavy duty tubes but the link is not working and I cant find any info about the company. Do you know are they still in open? or another supplier? Thanks
@TechnikMeister2
Жыл бұрын
After doing North and South America, Africa and Australia, 80% on dirt roads, these are my observations: 1. An A/T rated tyre is sufficient if it comes from a major manufacturer. For me the best by far was the Yokohama Geolander. 2. Great on gravel, adequate in mud, quiet on the blacktop. No punctures. 3. They bag out nicely when you air. down for sand with high flotation. 4. You can buy them anywhere and they are easy to fit roadside. M/T tyres are better in mud, But nowhere else. They are stiff, heavy and don't float on sand. They are very noisy on blacktop. Check out "The Road Chose Me" youtube videos.
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your comments which are full of good points. Like you I think AT tyres are best for all round use and I will check out the Yokohamas which I am unfamiliar with. However I am just embarking on a trip to southern Africa and it's the rainy season where I am going. After a lot of thought I have fitted the set of MTs.
@57WillysCJ
Жыл бұрын
My experience comes from driving in extreme weather. I delivered with my vehicle in the early mornig hours before road crews were out fixing washouts or plowing snow. I covered 200 miles per day and that was before cell phones. You learned because you didn't want to walk a long distance in deep snow and bitter cold to find a phone. I found narrow tires did much better not only in deep snow but also wet snow. Wide tires in wet snow pushes it in front of the tire. Depending on the tread pattern, it would stick to the tire which became a snow sock. That cut out your traction. Probably the best thing for a four wheel drive is to make it a real four wheel drive, not one in the front and one in the back with power. I learned this from two wheel drive vehicles. Is you had a positive traction rear differential you went much farther. Even worked with a pickup truck with no extra weight in the bed of the truck. The tall skiny tires should be a no brainer. Look at the original military tires on a Jeep and the ones on the Volkswagon or for that matter the Model T. All used tall narrow tires, not because the engineers wre to stupid in making tire decisions. They knew they worked. They were designed when very few roads were paved.
@EthosAtheos
Жыл бұрын
Man leaning on a Land Rover says "if you want to keep your vehicle reliable". Land Rovers are absolutely reliable from the factory, you can guarantee you'll be under it soon. Over all I think it's all good advice but very region specific. I haven't seen an inner tube in over 30 years in my country (USA). I've never had a problem running aluminum rims. I hate steel tube less rims as they always rot and loose air. Salted roads are murder on steel. I do agree that lots of overlanding gear is unnecessary even when it is good quality and a lot of it isn't good quality.
@janetgilmore8006
Жыл бұрын
We have always used 700 16 off road tread on steel wheels on a f250 4 wheel drive high boy, never been stuck yet a winch helps..? 40 years..?
@peterjohnson2245
Жыл бұрын
Always run a 7.50 or 235/85 in the 30yrs of landrovers. The track edge was a brilliant tyre grip wise but i felt they suffered with a side wall that was easily damaged. I agree with the XZL and recently put another set of 7.50s, they are noisy but never had an issue with grip on or off road or in snow. Given there has been a lot of progress by other in the AT area I think for the next set I will look for something in that range too. I do like you bead breaker for the high lift jack, that's a nice idea.
@hammyh1165
Жыл бұрын
Trac edge was the best tyre BFG made , we used them extensively on our Landys for corporate off-road days with no issues. They used to last forever wear wise too.
@Vikingocazar
4 ай бұрын
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac’s are f’ing awesome!!
@NBSV1
Жыл бұрын
The majority of modern overland stuff is all about looking cool over actual function. They end up with so much money in it it’s hard to really take it overlanding and tear it up. Plus, then they’d have to face the fact that their rig sucks at actually overlanding.
@ro...valverde1622
Жыл бұрын
I like Goodyear's Duratracs they are a good mix between AT and MT tread and I love the look
@fabiohaddad2531
2 жыл бұрын
Totally agree with you sir. Thank you for the lessons!
@AlloffroadAu
4 жыл бұрын
it always depends on the application and use there is no one fits approach, for your purposes, vehicle and travel the tyre choice makes perfect sense for me it would not so. Just keep in mind calling aloy rims brittle is not true I dare to say any (expensive) 7075 alloy rim will be stronger and will take way more abuse then any steel rim but that is only refereing to strenth the other points you mention especially for travel in poorer countries and replacemnt are valid points. My touring vehicle also runs cheap steel rims lol.
@defendermodsandtravels
4 жыл бұрын
Clearly there's no "one fits approach" as the title of the video indicates. I am well aware that there are very tough alloy wheels available, and I would trust any fitted OE by any of the name manufacturers, however many of the after market rims are Chinese imports of dubious quality. I wouldn't touch them with the proverbial barge pole. If cheap 'n cheerful steel rims are good enough for the locals then they are good enough for me too.
@philhealey449
3 жыл бұрын
I'm putting faith in 30 mm thick aluminum Hutchinson beadlock wheels, suspecting they will not be fragile. Lightness has not been achieved however.
@AlloffroadAu
3 жыл бұрын
@@philhealey449 I'm considering them for my Jeep are this the two piece internal beadlocked ones?
@philhealey449
3 жыл бұрын
@@AlloffroadAu Yes, the ex military 20inch.
@tiakontikiadventures1536
2 жыл бұрын
Thankyou for a very well informed vlog. I throughly enjoyed the layout and the presentation. How have I not come across you before? I have a 1997 Discovery 300tdi, owned her since 1998. Consider a new subscriber! Excellent!
@defendermodsandtravels
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comments. This is a hobby channel and I don't chase subscribers. It's a small club for those who like a commonsense approach with a sound technical basis. My daily driver is a Disco 1 which started to feature in my rustproofing series of videos.
@tbjtbj4786
Жыл бұрын
Superswampers tsl or groundhogs well now super swamper colbolts
@raginroadrunner
Жыл бұрын
These vehicles hsve NO power and all they run in dand and level dirt roads.
@IAm1InTheIAm
2 жыл бұрын
Bloody good show, Old Chap. I drive almost exclusively off the road here in Alaska, and so I like the more aggressive all terrain radial tyres with a little less pressure in them, so the sharp bedrock doesn't shred them as easily, and the traction in steep terrain is better. OEM steel rims and tall skinnies work for my old llA. Pip pip 👍
@federicoacker5672
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much Sir, for sharing your knowledge and experience, new channel added to my list. Kind Regards
@defendermodsandtravels
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the small club of rational overlanders Federico
@andysparks8245
3 жыл бұрын
Just discovered your channel and loving it. I also watch other channels but to be honest purely for the Starship Enterprise approach to Overlanding which is unacheivable for me, but it's entertaining. However your channel is far more grounded and "real world". I don't have £100k to spend on an overlanding vehicle and then be frightened of scratching it...... I could go on.
@defendermodsandtravels
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment. Yes I am very grounded. If you want to go overlanding on the cheap buy a good example of any of the older 4x4s - Defender, Pajero, Patrol, Jeep, it doesn't matter. Outfit it cheaply and you"re away. For practical advice I recommend The Road Chose Me channel.The guy has done some serious travel and has a very functional approach. Good luck with your future travels.
@abdulmajedalmodhabri7939
18 күн бұрын
alloy wheels can be much stronger than steel. Rays Eng. makes super durable forged alloy wheels (te37xt). it would be a great upgrade to use tubeless tyres and light weight rims that are quite durable(stronger than steel rims made with sheet metal like the once your are running (yes they are stronger)) you would save around 7 kg per wheel without compromising. tubeless and light weight. what more could ask for? i guess less costs for this upgrade. but it's a life time upgrade.
@defendermodsandtravels
13 күн бұрын
Yes but you are surely joking for me to fit modern alloy wheels onto a 33 year old ex-Army Defender. It would look absurd. I have looked at the Ray Eng website and they didn't seem to have rims which would suit my 7.50R16 high profile tyres - or am I wrong? I don't doubt that alloy wheels can but stronger than mild steel but I'd like to see the stress / strain curve for the alloy. I bet there's much less ductility. If I dent a rim on a rock (which I have thankfully never done) I can bash it back into shape which one probably can't do with an alloy wheel. I know your comment was well intentioned but I think you are barking up the wrong tree friend.
@TonyBlews
3 жыл бұрын
On high tech equipment... the more high tech, the more likely to break when you need it.
@master-paul2862
2 ай бұрын
Sound advice Many thanks
@mattl2366
9 ай бұрын
Hi Bill, excellent video. I was hoping to pick your brains for some advice please if you would be so kind. I wouldn't class myself as particularly experienced in this realm, having not ventured that far out of Yorkshire, but I have been reading and trying to learn lots around this subject of tyres ahead of planning my own self supported expeditions to the Moroccan Sahara, and generally travelling Europe. I am 24 years old and have a 2008 110 2.4 Puma ex Red Cross and a 1989 One Ten V8. A few of my friends have pickups and 4x4 SUVs and insist on fitting massive stupid mud tyres, and indeed, I myself went through a phase with my V8 of running it as a daily with a set of 235/85 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R (as fitted as LRs standard mud tyre on the Pumas) - I will say that they do look very cool, but this is of course logically irellevant. But I am a bit of a realist here in that my daily driver is 95% road miles when at home, with only light green landing off road, and also 'playing' in the snow in winter, but I would also like to keep the same set of tyres for adventuring and non adventuring - and tyres are not cheap - so I want to fit a set which will suit my needs and be the best all rounder for me. For the Puma I am kitting this out to be the expedition vehicle with a relatively barebones camping setup with some electrical and water facilities. I daily drive the puma so it has to be good on road, good on fuel, ideally not too noisy, and have good mileage all out of the tyres. But then I would like it to be strong and capable off road for whatever obstacle I may encounter. I understand this is a slight oxymoron, and the tyre I choose may be inherently a 'compromise'. I am running the standard (non wolf) steel wheels (called 5.5 I think?). I have narrowed the choice down to Michelin Latitude Cross in 7.50 R16 (from what I have read this is 35% off road/65% on road bias tyre, acting like an AT off road, and like a road tyre on road, and was standard fit on Pumas). Many people rave about this tyre and I like the look of it very much. Another option is Bridgestone Duellers in 7.50, and these also have the benefit of the EU '3 peak mountain flake' rating for winter use in Europe which is really quite appealing. The final option is Michelin XZL, which are supposedly very strong, very good in sandy conditions, however I am told are lethal in the wet and ice/snow, therefore rendering them quite poor as a set to leave on my Puma for commuting to work etc when I am not on expedition. I think my favourite choice is the Michelin Latitude Cross - have you ever run these tyres or heard any feedback on them for expedition use? My question to you is - what tyre would you choose and why? Also, would you have any other recommendations for me for other brands/models? Thank you very much indeed and please do keep on making these brilliant videos.
@defendermodsandtravels
9 ай бұрын
Most tracks in Europe and Morocco aren't too bad and a good set of ATs should be fine. Aggressive MTs aren't that good in soft sand paradoxically. I wouldn't go wider than 235s in a Defender. Buy the highest profile tyres you can get so the sidewalls will tolerate being depressurised on the soft stuff. Good luck with your trips. Morocco is a good place to start.
@Tillerman56
2 жыл бұрын
The breaking of the swivel of GrizzlyNbear's front axle was related to a production fault in these front axles of early Puma Defenders. I've seen a similar breakdown with the same story somewhere else. I only found this out after I acquired a 2008 Puma.... Great channel, by the way. Nothing better than experience.
@defendermodsandtravels
2 жыл бұрын
It's a while since I did the video on the failure of the swivel on the G&B front axle but I recall that it seemed to have a pre-existing flaw at the knuckle which is most likely the production fault you refer to. The wider wheels and spacers will have contributed greatly to the growth and final failure of this flaw (remembering that the crack growth rate varies with > stress range cubed). With standard tyres and no spacers it's quite likely that the flaw would never have developed into a fatigue crack.
@Jabber-ig3iw
2 жыл бұрын
The large tyres and spacers they were running at the time will have majorly contributed to that failure.
@pinkpotato1
Жыл бұрын
I've seen the same thing happen to a td5 running 35" tyres. Its not a puma fault only.
@rainerzuehlke501
8 ай бұрын
I'm a big fan of Landrover Defenders and have used them extensively for professional (geology) and touristic purposes in Iceland and in Africa. However, it is slightly ironic to argue for reliability when leaning against a Defender. Yes, they are relatively easy to repair but reliability is still preferable from my perspective. I do not agree with every point you make but enjoy your videos very much. Most of all your direct style of communication.
@defendermodsandtravels
8 ай бұрын
Look I am a realist and I fully understand the Defender's faults however if you live in the UK it's so much easier to buy and prepare a Land Rover than any other marque; likewise a Toyota if you live in Africa or Australia, or a Jeep in N. America I send this from the Tankwa Karoo which is a near desert in South Africa. The Defender has taken a battering this year but it will get us home 👍👍 I have a friend who is preparing Hilux in the UK for an expedition. There are few decent accessories available and he had to import a fairly routine spare part from Dubai. It makes no sense.
@vincefairleigh6899
Жыл бұрын
A wise man here, although 265 mm isn’t fancy or that wide, the extra width makes it way better off road, skinny tires are great when mud or snow isn’t deep, and skinny doesn’t work well in sand.. and he’s right about not using large rims, I’d never use 18”-20”… and wheel spacers are junk.
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Your statement about sand is simplifying too much. Please see my terramechanics videos. Let me try to explain without complication. For a given tyre penetration (sinkage) a narrow tyre will alwavs have less resistance than a wider tyre. However the penetration will depend on: 1. Wheel load. 2. Tyre width. 3. Inflation pressure (which governs the contact length). 4. Soil properties (for sand this is the angle of internal friction). 5. Wheel diameter. There are a range of conditions for which the narrow tyre performs better and other conditions where wide tyre is preferable.
@enduranceadventure8057
4 жыл бұрын
Absolutely spot on advice! I’m currently using Continental Cross Contact AT which came as standard on my Defender Puma and they are great! Priced well they have lasted 3 years and I’ve just bought another set! Wheel and Tyre weight is something not fully considered! I have Land Rover Wolf Rims a Standard Steel! The standard is super capable and much easier to handle. Another great video!
@defendermodsandtravels
4 жыл бұрын
Yep and what's more wheel/tyre weight is unsprung weight. My previous video on vehicle dynamics is currently down for re-work but it shows that the effect of unsprung weight on various aspects of the vehicle performance is dramatic. I am unfamiliar with the Contis but will look out for them.
@1danny2k
Жыл бұрын
Continental cross contacts are famous here in india too. They easily last 100k kms a set. Not shabby offroad as well.
@robertsegura6451
Жыл бұрын
Thats what I like about you, your to the point nothing fancy just what works best. You sort of remind me of this other youtuber called , The Road Chose Me.
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Yes Dan Grec. I used to follow his channel too but lost track of it.
@nickboylen6873
Жыл бұрын
I recognise the channel he disagrees with, and I agree that guy is a boorish lout seemingly endorsing whatever expensive and excessive kit he is paid to advertise in a style that looks like an honest review. There are plenty of channels doing that for pay or freebies, but few giving honest advice that promotes humble and simple equipment.
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
I don't actually pay too much attention to what other channels say - there's no right answer and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just report my experiences and on occasions resort to engineering theory to support what I say. My approach is simple: I spend the necessary time and money to build a really competent overland vehicle and leave it at that. I like to save money on bling etc to pay for extra travel. I intend to take this Defender to all continents (three so far and counting) except Australia where the biosecurity regs are very stringent.
@DD-gi6kx
Жыл бұрын
the best tires for overland travelly...did I miss something, aren't all tires for overland travelling
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Very witty.
@MATT-zj7zj
Жыл бұрын
LOOK OUT SIDE THE BOX RT TYRES
@sebass156
Жыл бұрын
You lost me at tubed tires🥴
@tbjtbj4786
Жыл бұрын
I don't know about where you're at but that grinding on the inside of the tire would no longer be on road dot approved here.
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
It may not be legal here but it does reduce the fretting on the inner tube and I have eliminated these blow outs. The police are welcome to stop me and inspect the vehicle.
@Predator27007
Жыл бұрын
Soil mechanics come into tyre effectiveness. Shear strength, wet/dry density all determine which tyres (tread design, running pressure, footprint length, self cleaning) are best OVERALL. You can not predict soil conditions, so be conservative.
@yukonica4560
Жыл бұрын
I genuinely miss my 88 series 2a... One vehicle I should never have let go. Thank you for the video. Wranglers are the 'poop' but become pucks at -25C.
@globlander3542
2 жыл бұрын
HI! Super movie. I agree with you. Big doesn't mean good. Everyone has different requirements. Decide for yourself. Fashion is a bad advisor. Greetings !
@MediaFilter
Жыл бұрын
@2:00 ""
@richardstone5241
5 ай бұрын
I'm 70+ and have been in the off-road arena for many decades (Dick Cepek and Mickey Thompson) days. A tall narrow tire is the way to go and especially on a steel wheel. Why steel wheels? Because they are easy to care for and if they get bent in the field they can be bent back whereas the aluminum wheel cracks and there is nothing you can do. If we did use aluminum wheels they spun aluminum NOT cast.
@defendermodsandtravels
5 ай бұрын
We seem to agree on this. Regarding the use of steel or alloy wheels, I made the same point in a video entitled "Do like the locals do" (or something very similar) a couple of years ago.
@richardstone5241
5 ай бұрын
@@defendermodsandtravels Yes, I saw that and it brought back a few memories...lol Thank you for a great channel! Subscribed.
@carolyndavis4517
Жыл бұрын
im 62 years old and have been offroad touring , overlanding in oz and the usa for 40 years , i have owned my 110 for the last 20years . for the last 15 ive switched to no tubes in a tubeless tyre on tubed original rim . bfg mudies ,10ply and have run at 10psi on the sand . tyre retailers say not to do this but i have only had 1 come offf the rim [ rubicon trail usa ] . i do a lot of sand/beach driving and the tubes would wear out from the inside due to low pressures. so 10 ply tubeless on tubed standard rims not exactly legal but with carefull driving will work the best
@luizrobertoandrade
Жыл бұрын
thank you very much. Today I received a magnificent class from you. I believe that you are very correct.
@rao180677
3 ай бұрын
This is why I like to hang around with older people. 5 minutes with them and we learn so much. But if you allow me an advice: please don’t place that foot between the bull bar and the grill… 😮 one small balance issue and….
@defendermodsandtravels
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the advice. I am making a conscious effort to avoid risk situations these days.
@rao180677
3 ай бұрын
@@defendermodsandtravels I just found your channel and I’m delightful with your content. This is pure gold info. Thank you for sharing!
@stevefrost8789
Жыл бұрын
safety... a half flat tubless tyre on the front of a car hits a curb or something at motorway speed... peels of the rim... an instant deflate... and roll over of the car.... the tubless is a higher risk set up.. maybe not such a good idea.
@DR.LUIGGI
Жыл бұрын
This is an amazing video! Great job! thank you for sharing! you made a documentary of 19 mins!
@MATT-zj7zj
Жыл бұрын
wrong and wrong i run radar rengage rt best both wourlds i do so haappy
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
If I have stated some incorrect facts please point them out to me. I am not wrong actually, these tyres work for me, apparently they work for a number of my subscribers if you look at the comments, and were supplied by the manufacturer. I think that what you are saying is that in your opinion there are better tyres available. I don't mind looking at alternativesI however I am unlikely to switch given the cost of replacing two sets of wheels and tyres, as mentioned in the video. I have looked at the RT Renegade web page and it seems that one of the main selling points is the "aggressive look" which carries no weight with me. I see that they are manufactured in several Asian countries including China :-( I am very pleased they work for you.
@theslimrealshady
Жыл бұрын
I very much agree. I keep things as standard and light as possible. I've recently taken quite a liking to Bridgestone AT001 tyres, well worth a look but tubeless only. I'm happy with my set up but I still enjoy watching videos like this as you never know what you will pick up. I had never thought about adding tpms but I will now.
@HeinerStorch
2 жыл бұрын
Hi, great vid. Is your 12 item TPM. system the Michelin branded, too?
@corvus2746
Жыл бұрын
Its hard to drive overwater, overland means on the road or offroad?
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Overland means different things to different people. In Europe overlanding generally means long distance, independent travel through more than one country. In Australia and USA it would usually be the same thing within the same country. To most people a weekend's camping with the family wouldn't qualify, nor would offroading sessions with no particular destination.
@KaizuoSilva
Жыл бұрын
your mic is unbearable in this video.
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Sorry about that. It was an early video and I'd do a better job now. When you start out there's so much to learn and it takes time to become competent. I am in the middle of a sound improvement exercise right now and hope that future videos will have better sound.
@georgecurtis6463
3 жыл бұрын
Kiss. Keep it simple stupid. Very well explained.
@stephanc7192
4 ай бұрын
A small winch would be helpfull
@defendermodsandtravels
4 ай бұрын
I get by fine without. I explain my reasons in a video entitled Do Like The Locals (or something similar). Have recently come back from 6 month trup to Africa and didn't need it once although I went to many isolated and inaccessible places.
@EWOverland
2 жыл бұрын
Impresive and sincer video, definitivle apreciate thanks for sharing and waiting for more
@w0bblyd0inkb0ink
Жыл бұрын
This is someone who actually does the overlanding.
@gnarkillgnarkill7725
Жыл бұрын
best opinions iv heard !! you are a gentleman and a scholar, thank you
@richardheinen1126
27 күн бұрын
Does anyone know what brand the new mud terrain tires in this video are?
@defendermodsandtravels
27 күн бұрын
@@richardheinen1126 Yes Michelin XZL.
@richardheinen1126
27 күн бұрын
@@defendermodsandtravels awesome!!! Thank You I really like that tread pattern
@paul_t_kendall
Жыл бұрын
Thanks from Heber City Utah. Solid info!
@petermenzies1714
2 жыл бұрын
Agree with everything you said, because it is my experience also.
@Raymasseyus
11 ай бұрын
I enjoy this video immensely. I'm wondering about your opinion regarding two-wheel drive or rear wheel drive and mud tires. I have a rear wheel drive pickup truck. And I put mud tires on the back and all terrains on the front. I rotate side to side rather than front to rear. But I like the mud tires because I've only got one axle to get me out of trouble if I get into trouble. I have never found all terrains to be that great in the mud. When I first bought the truck it had street tires and I got stuck on wet grass. I swore that wasn't going to happen again. It's something that I saw on a lot of trucks growing up in the sixties and seventies in the US. It seemed to make sense now as much as it did then. I didn't want mud tires on the front because they take away from the mileage for no good reason on the front, at least no good reason that I could tell. I've already tested these in the rain for the last few years and they haven't caused me any problems they all grip about the same on dry pavement and in the rain. Anyway I'd appreciate any input you might have. Looking forward to any more content you might put out. I find yours one of the most useful channels on the whole of KZitem. So I watch the videos again and again.
@defendermodsandtravels
11 ай бұрын
Hi, I see the logic of what you are saying but have no experience of that tyre choice personally. As I said in the video, I just keep the two sets (ATs and MTs) and choose whichever seems best suited for my next trip. My one concession to improved traction is a limited slip diff at the rear and I think that helps. I am in southern Africa at present and chose the MTs for safety although they haven't been tested that much. In Namibia there were a number of tracks with sharp rocks / stones and the chunky treads absorbed the cuts well. I think the ATs might not have coped. I trundle along quite slowly when in expedition mode so the MTs are fine even on wet tarmac.
@Raymasseyus
10 ай бұрын
Thanks for the input as always. I have a factory Locker or that's what they call it, in the rear. I was thinking about going to a manually controlled blocker for a more decisive lockup. And considering that or a limited slip whenever I have to open it. This one General Motors refers to as their G80.
@Raymasseyus
10 ай бұрын
I also find the mud tires I've been using to be fine even on wet pavement. I hope you enjoy your time in Africa. That looks like an amazing adventure.
@Don2264
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your efforts and God bless! Well done.
@iamgriff
Жыл бұрын
Big Mud Terrain Tires on aluminum rims, bolted to a 1 ton diesel truck is the American way. 😂
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Their way not mine :-)
@iamgriff
Жыл бұрын
@@defendermodsandtravels I understand… If you’re not American. 🤣 It’s okay
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
@@iamgriff I do real international overland expeditions. Nationalities, cultures, fads mean nothing to me. What gets me home is all that matters.
@otsilesehularo638
Жыл бұрын
💀😅👌🏾🙏🏾
@yfelwulf
Жыл бұрын
Started watching thinking what would this English Git know there is almost no overland areas in the UK and not a great deal in Europe proper. This old hand in a few minutes covered topics that are now under discussion years before any else thought of it. SUBSCRIBED
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
This English git isn't quite sure what you are referring to but is pleased you seem to have found the video interesting.
@kisbushcraftdownunder
9 ай бұрын
You are bang on correct about breaking traction before the vehicle I watched a demo on a Landcruiser on concrete with twin locked differentials spinning all four wheels as the engineer said the vehicle design everything was stronger than the contact of the tyres
@defendermodsandtravels
9 ай бұрын
Very interesting. Sound engineering design.
@grasrau4051
3 жыл бұрын
Steel rims can also be repaired with relative ease. Alloy rims are a nightmare to repair.
@hermask815
Жыл бұрын
I’m no outdoorsy guy, but I read a decade ago, that the farther you are away from populated areas, you shouldn’t go for very specific hardware because mechanics wouldn’t have neither skills or spare parts in remote locations. Seemed a good advice at that time. Guess it holds true today. (Theme was the Australian outback.)
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Yup keep it simple and it'll get you home.
@WannabeOverlander
Жыл бұрын
👋🏻🤠🇫🇮
@mikeadler434
Жыл бұрын
👍👍
@dominicbaylis622
Жыл бұрын
that was a very informative report on tyres as I Run my Pagero mk 2 on BF Goodrich and they have served me well apart from one out of the batch that has let me down for 4 years, even though all the tyres were fitted 10 years ago ,now I need to get 2new bf Goodrich for the front at least around 400,00 pounds , Ilike this tyre and has served me well .any help as money is struggle I need 2 Bf Goodrich match the rear👍
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
£400 per tyre? I recently paid £150 for Michelin 7.50 R16 XZL tyres and thought that was too much.
@shankarbalan3813
2 жыл бұрын
Solid common sense Sir. Thank you so much.
@NJBH100
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing knowledge, awesome videos
@pedroc7925
Жыл бұрын
I´m preparing a expedition around Marocco and found just what I needed; a good advice from a guy who has actual experience. Thank you very much good sir!
@defendermodsandtravels
Жыл бұрын
Any questions please ask and I'll be happy to share my experience. What vehicle are you going in?
@Predator27007
2 жыл бұрын
Vrakking Tyres, Holland. Supplier of ex Mil and other tyres.
@defendermodsandtravels
2 жыл бұрын
OK noted thanks.
@xochj
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely solid advice.
@andrewberzins752
2 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the insights, not doing a lot of overlanding but travelling a lot on unpaved roads so I'll be looking into all the points. Might seem a little superficial, but the Michelin XZL do look good on a 90...which is a non-essential extra overlanding.
@defendermodsandtravels
2 жыл бұрын
I need to buy some XZLs for an upcoming trip and they are a wicked price these days - around £180 each, fitted. However I want matching tyres and wouldn't contemplate non-premium tyres so I must just grin and bear it.
@joekresan8990
Жыл бұрын
I love this bloke. Cheers mate
@petertwiggable
2 жыл бұрын
Good man. Talking sense.
@andrewmoroney2381
2 жыл бұрын
That was a great video, thanks
@srw_cricket2976
2 жыл бұрын
Great video and advice. I have a 1981 Series 3 SWB and I opted for a full set of x5 5.5" steel rims and the Michelin 7.50 XZL R16. I did so much research. Everyone was suggesting the 235 x 85 because they "look good".. I am so pleased with my tyres. On off road days they never let me down whilst others are always getting stuck. Yes not great on the road, especially in the wet but I do very few miles and have lots of fun off road. I think I bought the KABAT inners but can't remember so checking my records.. I vaguely recall reading -ve comments about Air Tight. Once again, great videos. I have a question: Should I be rotating the wheels/tyres as the spare on the bonnet is clearly unused and as I have free wheeling hubs the rears more likely to wear sooner? Only done around 4-500 miles in the last year so I'm guessing if I rotate I should be doing it any time soon?
@defendermodsandtravels
2 жыл бұрын
I am no expert on rotation of tyres but have found it necessary. On the Defender I found it was the front tyres which wore quicker.
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