Tubes for splits

Steve

I have been using tubes for a few years and so far have not had any problems. The original factory fitted Bridgestones are now 5 years old and are nearing the end of their life. The tubes are Bridgestone and still look excellent.

I have a second set of 18 month old occasional use tyres with Michelin tubes. They seem to get a lot of favourable reports on 4b forums but it is far too soon to tell yet.

All of my driving is on factory recommended pressures and the car is never more than 2/3 maximum weight.

I had a long phone conversation with Mick Hutton from Beadell Tours last year. He uses heavy MRF highway tyres, both all steel and cross ply construction, for all their on and off track western desert tours. I expected him to say he also uses MRF tubes but he but no, they use what he described as heavy duty Chinese. He then said not everything that comes out of China is rubbish. Unfortunately he could not remember what brand they were.

I recently bought a new set of standard size highway tyres very cheaply off Ebay. They will stay tubeless and will replace the old Bridgestones for everyday use. I will always prefer split rims in the bush and intend staying with the Michelins and see how they go,

Brian

Steve,
What brand tubes have given you the trouble?. Sounds like you've got a bunch of Korean tubes. Usually the original tubes are not too bad. .

I gave up on splits and went to tubeless about 10 years ago because of the tube issues, so I'm not much help. Some tube fatigue can be reduced by rubbing talcum powder over the tube before reassembly.

Tubeless Rims:
Depends on what size tyres you want to run, but any rim that fits a rigid front end (105series) LandCruiser will fit your troopie. Factory rims are best.

235/85R16: same diameter as 750R16; Best rim is the 105series RV (16x6.5). Second best is the 16x7 Speedy or ROH steel rims. You'll probably get away without flares for this size. The wider sizes below will need flares.

265/75R16: Best rim is a 16x7 79series mag; alternatively 16x7 Speedy or ROH steels, but 265's will go on any of the 16x8.

285/75R16 (30mm greater diameter) needs a 16x8. Best option in steel is the factory 16x8 105series rims. Second best is the factory mags for the same. Third option is aftermarket mags or steel.

Beware of cheap "sunraysia" steel wheels - theres some cracking up out there at present.

I currently own 3 sets of rims, and 1 or 2 sets will have to go. Are you in adelaide?

Giday Steve,

Ive got 7 splits which I rotate on a yearly basis, 3 of them have been on going problems [slow punctures etc].
Main problem being seams. These are unknown asian brand tubes.
The others are old Dunlops and have had no issues with them, even dropping tyres to 7psi in deep sand.

Specify known brand tubes when at your supplier and I think youll have no further problems.

Cheers....Lionel.

the tubes you are using come in a box of 20 or something and the boxes have tyres R Us on them or such like- most tyre places only have them now and few stock proper tubes due tothe cost.
Labour is expensive and these tubes are cheap so punturs are no longer fixed but another tube is just put in.
these tubes are made of a funny kind of rubber as well that patches wont stick too easily.
Michelin tubes are good but you may have to order them in

Toyota were doing a half price deal on factory 16x8 steel rims. Ones for the 105 series were about $130 when I bought one here in Melbourne (just after I bought a second hand set for about the same price :-( )

If you're keep to change, check out these deals at the dealers first.

Cheers,

Mark