Oversized Spare Tire mod

[MilehighLR3]

Yeah. The 275/65/18's. You'll need a lift to run that size. I make my own kit - Sasquatch Rods. Check out Johnson Rods and see which one suits your needs. Greg and I both sell direct.
These are by far the best Snow Tire that I have ever used. BFG MT's, BFG AT's, Nitto Terra Grapplers - all pale in comparison to this tire. It is a "soft" sidewall though. .

The rod mod is likely my next step (the LR3 is back in the shop to address a suspension fault). I've researched the past threads and there seems to be a variety of opinions, although there is also a lot of bonafide experience. I know I want a taller tire (to help protect the wheel on my off-road excursions).

Re: "soft" sidewall . . . .I'm not sure if that will be a problem for me. While we do have a lot of rocky trails, I've really not experienced too many sidewall issues (I've peeled plenty of cast aluminum wheels, but never "popped" as sidewall).

Appreciate the input, always great to hear what someone else's experiences have been, especially from someone that "uses" their Rover.

 

[blackforestham]

Let me also add that by doing a rod mod, you will be adding additional air volume to the suspension in order to gain lift. This pressure will translate to a slightly firmer ride. When I ran my Nitto's at 60psi on the highways, it was a bit of a jackhammer ride. It felt a touch nervous. I'm sure this was from the bulletproof sidewalls of the Nitto's. As soon as the DuraTrac's were installed, the cush factory ride came right back! The DT's are the only sidewall that I have had blown out. It may have been partially my fault for running too low psi at the time. Scared the heck out of me. Sounded like I NAILED the undercarriage on a rock! HARD! Live and learn. Road Side Hazard warranty. 30 bucks for a brand new tire.

 

[Houm_WA]

@milehigh: I can see what you're saying....agreed that on packed snow most MTs are gonna suck. I"ve considered siping the middle-lugs on my MT/Rs but honestly I just don't see snow up here all that much. ...and I don't run the MT/Rs unless I'm going off-road.

My best move would be to make my next set of tires Nokians to replace my Michelin Syncrhones on my 19" wheels and leave the MT/Rs alone.

 

[MilehighLR3]

Let me also add that by doing a rod mod, you will be adding additional air volume to the suspension in order to gain lift. This pressure will translate to a slightly firmer ride.

I hadn't considered that, makes sense. Does that then also mean that the compressor will run more often? I recall reading on the Johnson Rod site that frequent playing with the height may cause the compressor to overheat (I'm of course paraphrasing and adding some poetic license) . . . .

I suspect I'll be getting a new compressor Thursday as a result of my recent "Suspension Fault".

 

[blackforestham]

The compressor will not run any longer than normal. Once it achieves the required air pressure, it shuts off. New psi will be in the 170 range - compared to the 150 stock range. Burst pressure is 760 psi, so we are well within safe operating pressures.

 

[MilehighLR3]

The compressor will not run any longer than normal. Once it achieves the required air pressure, it shuts off. New psi will be in the 170 range - compared to the 150 stock range. Burst pressure is 760 psi, so we are well within safe operating pressures.

Got it, makes sense.

 

[obsteve]

Did you notice any issues with the heat shield not being on? Or does the airflow under the car cool the tread sufficiently? I recently squeezed my 285/65/18 spare into the space after removing the bumpers (easy), letting out some air and coaxing it in with my floor jack. It all fits up nice and tight and even has about a half inch to spare for the hitch. I may never be able to get it out again...

 

[blackforestham]

I haven't seen any long range issues by removing the shield. Unless the tire is physically touching the pipe (which it doesn't), I see no downside. I would bet the tires touching the road have a significantly higher surface temperature.

 

[wcryer]

what would peoples opinion be on a tire that would also be good on the hard pack snow. Basically i want something that can perform on trails, asphalt, and snow/ice. Are the duratracs (all MTs) really noticeably poor on the hard packed/plowed surfaces?

In the past i have run the bfg T/A KOs, where do you think these would fit into the scheme of things?

 

[blackforestham]

The DT's are designed for snow and ice. This is where they separate themselves from the pack. Liberal siping and relatively soft sidewalls allow you to air down and take advantage of the rubber compound. Great snow/ice tire.