Hi there....
we collect our new SE Tech manual on 1st Sept and will hopefully get a few caravan trips in before year end. However, does anyone have any experience with 19" Alloys on the FL2 when towing? Someone said that road noise will be greater with the larger wheel and hence, lower profile tyre. Plus, they are not as ideal for towing as the 17" wheels and deeper tyres. Any advice please?

Hi. I have an HSE with 18's. Previously had an SE with 17's. I also have some 17's with winter tyres. No problem towing with the larger tyres TBH and I was not expecting any. NPinks on here has 19's and tows. I know he cannot tell the difference. There are lots of other types of car out there with similar 55 profile to your 19's that would be used for towing. Cannot see what issues you would have. Enjoy!
Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Hi Bob,
thanks for the advice. I was worried, as I've been saying for long enough that we'd have an XS and the 17" wheels but then when the current models came out there was no option on the SE Tech and preferred the 19's on that to the other style 18's on the SE. Also, I've had many issues in the past with VW's running low profile tyres and suffering 'stepping' on the inside of the tread (where the tread wears unevenly). The tyre garage did say they see it all the time, especially on the wider, low profiles. Will keep an eye and ear out for this on the FL as this problem always gives a multi-tone rumble when rolling. Similar to a wheel bearing. Thanks again, Craig

Hi Craig. I now understand your concerns. I too had a VW (an '07 Passat Estate) that had the dreaded rear tyre "sawtooth" wear. It was all down to incorrect rear tracking! The VW dealers seemed to have no idea. It was only when I had it set up on a "Hunter" computer rig that it was sorted. Not heard of any issues like that with the Freelander. Also, although the 19s are lower profile, the width is the same at 235. It has to be to clear the suspension! What changes is the profile ie - 65/60/55.
Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Absolutely no problems with road noise on my 19's Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

dunkley201 wrote:

Hi Craig. I now understand your concerns. I too had a VW (an '07 Passat Estate) that had the dreaded rear tyre "sawtooth" wear. It was all down to incorrect rear tracking! The VW dealers seemed to have no idea. It was only when I had it set up on a "Hunter" computer rig that it was sorted. Not heard of any issues like that with the Freelander. Also, although the 19s are lower profile, the width is the same at 235. It has to be to clear the suspension! What changes is the profile ie - 65/60/55.
Bob

Thanks again Bob...I always said that the rear wheels on our Touran 'splayed out' excessively at the bottom but was never sure if that would have caused the stepping. I'll pass that on to whoever the new owner is. Looking good with the FL then and looking forward to our first trip now. Watch this space

npinks wrote:

Absolutely no problems with road noise on my 19's

Craig - re your Touran - the 'splay out' you describe is negative camber. That would not cause the 'sawtooth' wear. Maybe some even wear on the inner edge. The 'sawtooth' wear is caused by the rear tracking being misaligned causing the rear wheels to 'fight' each other and scrub. Enjoy your first tow with the 'van. You don't know what you have been missing!
Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Ah ok, that makes sense and I probably should have had it looked at sooner. Yes I'm sure we'll enjoy our first tow when the nerves settle from commanding over £40k worth of car and van . The Touran has towed ok tbh, but it's 10 years old now and 91% match so all things considered, the change is due. Our van is a 2007 Bailey Pageant Burgundy and hopefully an easy pull for the FL . Thanks again.

Hi, I went from an xs with 17" to a hse lux with 19". I have not noticed any difference at all when towing my van. Road noise is the same. The only thing you need to worry about is hitting a curb due to the low profile tyre So no need to flap. Enjoy.

I've towed with 17" 18" and 19" on a Freelander, liked the 19" better, less bouncy, wasn't keen on the 17" at all.

Absolutely no problems towing with my HSE on 19" stock tyres towing an old 550/5 Bailey Ranger, heavily laden with wife, 2 kids, 2 dogs, roof box and a lot of chattels!

Happy shed dragging.............

Peter

I have now completed two trips to the south of France, with 20's and no issues what so ever. Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........