Best tyre size: 285 or 315 for Patrol
Submitted: Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 20:52
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JackAttack
Hi there,
I know, it's probably one of the questions that appear again and again, but even searichng the net for days, I can't find an answer to my questions.
I just bought a new Nissan Patrol 3,0TDi. Beneath other smaller modifications, I'll equip it with a Steinbauer P-Box and a ARB Winchbar.
I'd also like to upgrade the serial tyres to something more solid, a Mud Terrain Pattern. Hell, it seems to be a very emotional matter, but after all, most guys go for the BFG MT or the Cooper STT. Probably they're both equally good, or almost. I guess that that doesn't make much of a difference...
But when it comes to the size of the tyres, there is just no common opinion, what size is the best for the bush. Some say the bigger the better - others told me nonono, you have to keep it small if you like to go off-road.
Honestly, I'm really confused. Sure I like the look of a fat tyre but when it only brings disadvantages I'd rather go for a smaller one!
I'll drive mostly on bitumen, some gravel road... but there are muddy times ahead, and I like to be prepared for that...
Anyone any suggestions?
Reply By: the nugget - Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 21:21
Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 21:21
if you are going to go remote stay close to the tyre size that is already on the Patrol or the 285 max, as A Patrol driver and travelled remote areas you dont want tyres that may hang outside the existing wheel tracks, particularly driving through spinifix and areas where the hakea and such has been burnt.as anything sticking up close to the wheel tracks will penetrate a sidewall like a hot needle going through butter. My experiences in seeing other vehicles with wide tyres that have picked up the odd stake where regular size tyres have come through unscathed, particularly on those off tracks that run off from the CanningStock route
AnswerID:
236279
Reply By: Snowy 3.0iTD - Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 21:44
Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 21:44
JackAttack
With a standard ride height, 285/75R16 (33") is as big as you can go without large amounts of guard rubbing on full articulation. With a 2inch lift you could probably go to 315/75R16. I run 285 Goodyear MTR's with a 2 inch lift, with the bigger tyres I find that acceleration and braking suffer a bit, I fixed the braking up by fitting softer/grippier pads and a D-Tronic unit helps with the acceleration. I have myself considered going to a 315/75 but I think I would have to look at changing diff ratios, and getting a ADR certificate from a automotive engineer. In my travels throughout SA and WA I have not come across any situation where I was wishing for bigger tyres, but it may be different if you are in the
Vic high country.
As for the tyres you have to make up your own mind but I would keep my decision between BFG MT's and Goodyear MTR's, steer clear of the Cooper STT. Other guys in my club who have run them are not very happy with them.
Regards
Snowy
AnswerID:
236289
Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 22:25
Friday, Apr 27, 2007 at 22:25
Since you wont be doing mud for a while, dont bother with muddies.
The best part of any muddy is the first 20,000klms while there are still sharp edges on the tread blocks.
Your best bet is some AT's I would say.
with a 2inch lift you can fit 36's (Q78's)
AnswerID:
236301
Reply By: JackAttack - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 00:31
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 00:31
Thanks for the
feedback. I interpret what you said as a clear answer - so I'll opt for the 285/75 R16. Although I can confirm that a MT is only really good during the first couple thousand km, I still opt for them as they've probably still more grip due to their wide pattern... whatever... have to change them every 2 years anyway.
I'm still trying to figure out if there is a comfy (!) off-road
suspension. My old HJZ105 had an ARB OME and it wasn't bad at all. But when driving in the city, it was a bit bumpy sometimes. I mean in comparison with the original susp. - is there something smoother or are they all tough to your backside?
Jack
AnswerID:
236333
Follow Up By: Snowy 3.0iTD - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 02:35
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 02:35
Don't know about OME as I don't have any experience with them, but when I changed the standard supension over at 90,000 km to Ironman I was blown away by the improvement.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:48
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:48
Theres a trillionbillionteen threads on
suspension..
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 11:49
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 11:49
I have OME on my 3l Patrol and I am more than happy with them
FollowupID:
497462
Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 10:39
Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 10:39
I dont really see the point in
suspension threads..
theres too many variables to it, from driving styles, accessories, where you drive, weight, etc etc etc..
search adn you will find good and bad on EVERY brand and combo of
suspension...
I have Koni, and love them, others have had them and love them...
I had OME love em would have em again
etc etc
etc
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Follow Up By: Nick R - Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 18:01
Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 18:01
When I went to ironman to do a lift it was suggested to not go over 285s as they can get hard to turn, ie. slow takeoff, once I ran 285s on the 4.2 and towing the camper it was noticably slower to take off. a change of diff ratios would fix this or a workover of the exhaust, injection timing etc... i suppose a dtronic for the 3 litre
Nick
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 21:06
Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 21:06
I would like to run a set of 285's for a week or so just to see what difference they make - not too much would be my guess offroad, but onroad maybe a little more, any offers?
Did you take your grumpy pills today T-Man?
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Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 05:32
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 05:32
JackAttack,
You might also want to factor in how hard would it be to get a replacement tyre in the size you replace the original with.
A 265x75x16 or 285x75x16 would have to be the most popular size tyres available away from the bigger towns. Having a different size tyre might mean a forced wait for a replacement tyre to turn up.
Wayne
AnswerID:
236342
Reply By: Robin - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:28
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:28
Hi Jack
Neither tyre is best for Gu , espically the 3lt which are a bit light on for power.
235/85/16 would improve your all round performance , but note the need for muddies and I can certainly reccomend the Bighorn MT 762 , in a size of 255/85/16.
You need to get power/weight ratio right so tyres can cut in , many 315's end up just bouncing.
Slightly taller than 285 and narrower , with less total weight and axle stress, as they can ride on offset 7 inch trak 11 rims.
My current set $240 each 5-6 weeks ago Bob jane
Just haven't had time lately to write full report on lateset , but deep
well cut lugs are siped sort of like MTR's and unlike BFG.
Robin Miller
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - DOZER- Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 18:57
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 18:57
Gday
I run 315's they are strictly speaking illegal...because they are outside regs for tyre size...they are great on road and better off, the biggest downfall with them is the braking of the car suffers because of the bigger diameter...most dont mention this, but it is quite noticeable....they are dearer and
puncture easier with larger sidewalls...but...the bigger the diameter, the longer the flat spot on mother earth, so traction is better....i remember once along time ago...having reversed up my driveway many times with 35's on the back(40 degree slope) i put some 31x10r's on and was surprised to have to engage 4wd to make it...so there is a practical example....for hard wet surfaces...now if it was slippery mud, with a solid underbase, then 750x16 slinnies would dig and continue to have traction where my 315 would slip and slide on the surface...thats why the discussion is so fierce....
Work out what your needs are and buy based on them not size...285's are great legal compromise tyres between full on 4wding and road rules....
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Crackles - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 19:27
Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 19:27
Agree Dozer the 285 is an excellent compromize for all round use. Anything smaller (particually in mud) & the diff just bottoms out, any taller & they scrape the gaurds, loose too much power, make braking noticably longer & play hell with the fuel consumption. Normally one can go up a couple of tyre sizes from standard without issues but above that one may need new diff ratio's, flare the gaurds or fit a body lift etc.
Cheers Craig..........
FollowupID:
497554
Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 18:52
Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 18:52
I went to 315/75 Mickey Thompson MTZs, only because they make the 6.5 chevvy rev just that little bit less @ 100k/h. As such, I actually used a bit less fuel than mate's similarly-loaded 4.2TD over a recent trip up to
Alice Springs via the
Oodnadatta Track and back down the blacktop.
I'me very happy with my choice; just have to wait and see how long they last.
AnswerID:
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