Tire options for LR3 SE, 18" rims

[nwoods]

You will be fine with the Nittos on the trails you describe. The Nittos don't rub at slow trail speeds that you will have in Moab, though they will rub a little bit on faster parts, such as the dry river bed in the Klondike Bluffs trail towards Arches NP. You will need to air down the spare to get it to fit under the truck, or just keep it pressurized and stowed in the cargo area like I do when off roading.

If dedicated for Moab, there are better tires than the Nittos. The Goodyears actually did really well there. Street tires have tremendous grip on the sandstone. But for an overall tire, the Nittos are hard to beat as a well rounded tire. (sorry for the pun)

Here are some photos of my LR3 in Moab with Nittos
http://blog.nextstepdesigns.com/?cat=22

 

[davez26]

The Goodyears actually did really well there. Street tires have tremendous grip on the sandstone.

When we did our customer trip in Moab, the stock tires did really well out there with no problems. We ran four days out @ TOp of the World, Hells Revenge x2 and Poison SPider x2, no problems on our vehicles or clients. Come to think of it, I think if the Goodyears excel anywhere, it is Moab!

While nwoods leans towards the Nittos, the BFG's (265/60R18) are a little narrower, and have the same clearance and noise issues.

 

[Timgco]

You will be fine with the Nittos on the trails you describe. The Nittos don't rub at slow trail speeds that you will have in Moab, though they will rub a little bit on faster parts, such as the dry river bed in the Klondike Bluffs trail towards Arches NP. You will need to air down the spare to get it to fit under the truck, or just keep it pressurized and stowed in the cargo area like I do when off roading.

If dedicated for Moab, there are better tires than the Nittos. The Goodyears actually did really well there. Street tires have tremendous grip on the sandstone. But for an overall tire, the Nittos are hard to beat as a well rounded tire. (sorry for the pun)

Here are some photos of my LR3 in Moab with Nittos
http://blog.nextstepdesigns.com/?cat=22

Thanks for the info. We actually just got home. Picked up the truck tonight! traded in the H3. But since it's her truck, we kept the 19's. She liked those more. So now, it's off to try and find some tires for this. I may have to try and find someone that can get the MTR's into the US????

 

[chomondely]

I am looking to replace my 18 inch tires. Most of my driving is highway with frequent trips off the road at the deer lease. Lots of sharp cactus and mesquite thorns. Some sharp rocks and a bit of mud. When I am off road, I use the high setting and drive slow. Do I want the Nittos?
When you mention that they rub, where are they rubbing?
Is the clearance issue the section/tread width or the overall diameter?

Thanks, Chomondely

 

[nwoods]

Tim, congrats on the LR3. Please do your part as a Land Rover owner and get her dirty!

Chomondely, It is a diameter issue, not a width issue. The rubbing is only in the rear, at the 3:00 or 9:00 position, depending on where you are standing. It's the forward portion of the rear tire well, just above where the side skirts tuck into the wheel well. It only rubs on occasion, and has not caused any issues that I'm aware of. It is very rare to happen on the street, and only occassionally when off roading with vigor.

One thing to consider is if you drive in snow. The Nittos make for tight sidewall clearances behind the front tire near the top suspension arms. Chains would be hard to fit I think. For that reason, the BFG's might be a good choice, plus they probably wear longer than the Nittos do, as the Nittos have a slightly softer compound I think.

 

[Shark_LR3]

Coopers

Cooper make an aptly named "Discoverer"

285/55 18
265/60-18

30.25" and 30.4"

I've had a Coopers in the past, and on my Audi at the moment. They do OK, just don't let them go more than 3 or so years.

 

[di_LR3_co]

anyone know what kind of tread life the nittos have? my local tire shop can get me some for less than 200 / tire installed / mounted.. is that a good deal or ?

 

[nwoods]

That is a good deal, but be sure to have them Road Force Balanced, or else you will have some minor vibrations at speed. The Nittos are tricky to balance for some reason.

Mine have over 22,000 miles on them, and are less than half way worn. I don't intend to replace them until 35,000 miles or so ( I hope). I have subjected mine to hard use.

 

[JohnKel]

I've gotten tired of waiting for 19" MTR's so it's 18" rims on order and I'm leaning towards GY Wrangler Silent Armor P265/60R18 @ 30.5"dia and ~.5" wider than stock 19 HP's and using one of the 19"s for a full size spare , or must I go with 5 18's ???

Montrose CO bound ,
John

 

[duckdive]

Before you order those rims you might want to check availibility on those
Silent Armors. Last thing I heard was that they hadn't started production on
that tire yet.