Hi guys, I've found this forum soo useful as a first time FL2 owner and wanted to ask something that's been bugging me for a while:

I really don't understand tyre specs properly.
I get that mine are 235 wide, 65 high and radius 17" but the load and speed ratings relate to what?
The top speed of the vehicle when fully loaded (4+ passengers, luggage) or just the driver?

For instance, for me something like a T rated at 118mph seems plenty but most people recommend at least H or V 130mph+.
A 108V seems like top spec for me, when it's pretty much just me on the motorway going roughly 70.

Is there anything stopping me putting on 235/55/17 for instance, or am I really not getting it!
Sorry for the techno-newbie question.

ChrisSoutham wrote:

Is there anything stopping me putting on 235/55/17 for instance, or am I really not getting it!
Sorry for the techno-newbie question.

Yes of course, that makes a lot of sense now I think of it!

First off the '65' is not the height it is the 'Aspect Ratio', it means the height is 65% of the width (235mm) and in this case it would be 152.75mm. This is to give you the correct rolling circumference and that is why if you work out for an 18" wheel/tyre of 235/60/18 it would be very close to the same rolling circumference although you have gone up in wheel size.

The Load Rating is decided by the manufacturer based on what weight the tyres need to support, and that is fully loaded.

You are right about the 'Speed Rating', just choose a rating that caters for the vehicles top speed.

But don't forget if you put an under spec tyre on it could invalidate your insurance as it won't be to Land Rover specification, my manual states 108V so that's what I use. Gone, 2007 TD4 SE Auto Baltic blue, clear side repeaters, full sized alloy spare.

English by birth..... Yorkshire by the grace of God.

Is it me or do you think Tyre size's are Mad !!!

we work in MM for the width, % for the Depth( side wall) and inches for hole in the middle,
Is it so the the whole world can have it's say in the size make up !!

It's not not a surprise people get confused

jp wrote:

Is it me or do you think Tyre size's are Mad !!!

we work in MM for the width, % for the Depth( side wall) and inches for hole in the middle,
Is it so the the whole world can have it's say in the size make up !!

It's not not a surprise people get confused

For 17" wheels you need 104H, but for 18" and above you should go for 108V!

Don't ask me why, it's just what the sticker inside the drivers door says.

My 17 inch Continentals fitted on build to MY11 are 108.
My sticker gives both 104 and 108 as acceptable

Thanks to all for this useful information,,,

i must admit tyre sizes are crazy

its funny how we are buying fuel in litres when we drive on imperial roads, funny how the old gallons were replaced with litres,,,,nothing to do with making it easier to hike prices do you think

Be careful with speed ratings. The drivers 'B' post says 'V' rate as does the handbook for 235/65/17.
I was thinking of downrating the 'V' as it's a 149mph rated tyre and most AT tyres are 'H' rated.

I cleared this with my insurance and also received an email from Michelin to say that 108H are fine for FL2.
In the end, i ended up with Nokian WR GR2 which are 'V' rated. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

I found the following website whilst researching tyres on my Merc and Porsche. Tells you everything you could ever possibly want to know about tyres...

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

Enjoy!  57 HSE AUTO with H.I.D's - Grey with Black leather. (H.S.E. Heightadjustable Seats Extra )
My Aviation website - UKHelicopterPilot.com

Pegleg wrote:

Be careful with speed ratings. The drivers 'B' post says 'V' rate as does the handbook for 235/65/17.
I was thinking of downrating the 'V' as it's a 149mph rated tyre and most AT tyres are 'H' rated.

I cleared this with my insurance and also received an email from Michelin to say that 108H are fine for FL2.
In the end, i ended up with Nokian WR GR2 which are 'V' rated.