There are some 17" rims on eBay located in Newcastle that would suit your car

 

ASC TDI

You definitely need to find yourself some 17s although there's a little more tyre choice in 18s now.

I'm with AAMI and they paid me out when I drowned my Treg last year. Didn't seem to bother them.

Lastly, I've been a member of a 4WD club almost from the time I got my Treg and I reckon that's the best way to get driver ed and experience. Most of the clubs will take to mickey about your Treg, but they pretty quickly come around when the see its capability.

Cheers

Bob

 

Most of the clubs will take to mickey about your Treg, but they pretty quickly come around when the see its capability.

I can relate. And this is one of the things I like the most of my Treg... The way it shuts up Cruiser and Patrol critics...

 

Hi Guys,
I have Toyo OPAT's 265 65 17s on my V6 petrol and they are quite grippy. Don,t know about life expectancy.(tyres I mean)
Insurance: Alianz is a good one. You are covered for off-road use. Many of our 4WD club mates use it.
There,s no better 4WD training than club training and yes you will cop a hiding from the 'big' 4WD crowd.

 

Re: Training

Hi Guys,

[...]

1. Off Road training

[...]

Thirdly, I have only done a little off roading in the past with my Toyota Parado. But I would to skill up some more. Is anyone aware of 4x4 training companies or schools?

[...]

Re: Training

I did an accredited 4WD (basics) course with Getabout. Was around $300-400 for two people, 1-2 days. Including training material. That was good. I also did a sand driving course with them, which was very enjoyable - at Stockton Beach of course.

Getabout 4WD Adventures

I now want to do more tours/trips and plan to join this 4WD club, see below. They require that any member does the club training before you can join a tour, regardless prior experience. Fair enough. The training is also 2 days (weekend) with a theory night before. Club membership includes the training and is cheaper for one year than the course with Getabout. The course content is, from what I can tell, very similar. I can imagine though, that one gets more out of the club training. I'll wait with the membership though until start of next FY, since the club charges the full annual amount regardless of when you join...

http://www.awdc.com.au

Enjoy
Sascha

 

Thanks for our responses guys!

Very interested in you opinion of the below options as off-road tyres:
1. Pirelli - Scorpion ATR
2. Goodyear - WRANGLER ATR
3. Sumitomo Tyres SL840
4. Sava RV
5. Toyo OPAT's

Also what specs are most apporiate for basic - mid-range off roading? i was thinking 255/70/17 or 19??

 

I think we've sort of established that the best compromise is one of two options:
265/65R17 if your off-road excursions include a reasonable amount of sand.
245/70R17 if you plan on doing some snow stuff.

These two sizes have virtually identical diameters. I run 265/65R17 an IMO it's the best size for what I do, as we don't get snow in SA.

I might be wrong, but 255/70R17 is a weird size. It'll be slightly bigger that the two above, but should still fit without issues. If availability isn't an issue, I can't see a problem with that size, except that the 265 might be a little easier on the eye as it's a little wider.

I won't comment on the brand choices, as most of them do not apply to the SA market.

 

I run Cooper Zeon's on 20 inch rims, never had a flat and find these quite good off road. On road a little noisy, and have had some issues re tyre quality. Tyre life looks pretty good though. Have been in rough off road situations with these tyres, actually pulled landcruise tray top out of situation that the Treg got through. For me these are not a bad compromise. and saves me swapping out tyres .

 

I've had a chat with a few wheel and tyre shops... they have all raised a concern about the 265/65/17 dimensions. Basically they all say that there wont be enough clearence and the tyre may rub against the inside of the wheel arch. they also say that because i have 20's on and i move to this new config there will be major issues with the speedo - 60km/h on 275/40/20's = 68km/m on 265/65/17's.

They also say that because i have the 20's the nut configuration is different to the tregs with the 17/19" rims. as such i may have to get the wheels custom made!

Anyone have any similar issues??

 

They obviously don't have a clue what they're talking about.

1. There are two bolt patterns used on the Touareg. All models except the R5TDi have a 130mm PCD. The R5 is 120mm. All Q7's and Cayenne's also have a 130mm PCD, so the only people who have issues with getting wheels to fit are R5 owners like myself.
2. The 265/65R17 fits on any Treg (except a V10 because you can't fit a 17" wheel on a V10, only 18") even the diesels with intercooler vents in the wheel arches. A 265/65R18 will also fit, but you might need to mod the intercooler vents a bit.
3. Yes, there will be a change in indicated speed, because of the bigger size, but both myself with 265/65R17 and Yeti with 245/70R17 have found that our speedo's are just about spot-on when compared with a GPS.
4. I disagree with their speed calculation. There is a 6.2% difference in circumference between a 275/40R20 and 265/65R17, which means a true speed of 60km/h on the 20" would be 63.7km/h on the 17".

All of this is well documneted on ths forum. I've done about 40,000km now with my 265/65R17's of which quite a bit was some serious off-road stuff. (Have a look in my Gallery). I've NEVER had any rubbing issues with these tyres, in fact I'm considering going even bigger to a 265/70R17. I might have to mod my wheel arches slightly, though.

They want to keep you on 20's so that you can come back for new tyres every 40,000km. Current wear indicates I should get between 80,000 and 100,000km on the 265/65R17's.

 

That is the first time that some one has given me a glimmer of hope. With you posting the prediction on your tyres ( 80 -100km). So many are saying what poor milage they are getting out of the tyres that i was starting to get a little concerned. If the best was going to be 30 -40 km why pay top prices for certain bands. Especially seems the speed limits here are only 110km maximum ( legally ).

 

My good year wrangler F1s almost done at 16K GRRRR. If you go for non spec tyres and the drive train fails your on your own that is if VWA know, I would be suspect that if you send your treg to the stealer for a general service with over size wheels they will document and record the noncompliant tyres, and hence you waive the guarantee on the drive train with out even knowing. My golf died the other day stealer said “the diesel was contaminated with unleaded” I trust not.
.

 

I would suspect that if you send your treg to the stealer for a general service with over size wheels they will document and record the noncompliant tyres, and hence you waive the guarantee on the drive train with out even knowing.

I still would like someone to show me concrete proof that oversize tyres cause premature draivetrain wear, especially if you still use OE wheels and the offset stays the same. I honestly believe you should be able to fight that battle in court. The size of the tyre has an influence on how the vehicle performs as you are effectively changing the gearing, but it has no effect on the drivetrain. Remember that the onus will be on VW to prove that the wear was caused by the oversize tyres. If they can't, they've got no foot to stand on and warranty still applies.

What you guys in Oz DO need to look at is your legislation regarding tyres. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I think it's illegal in certain states to fit tyres other than OE spec...? Also, keep the speed rating in mind. My Duellers have a T-rating which is 190km/h. The car came originally with H-rated (210km/h) tyres, but again, your local speed limit is 110km/h so you're not supposed to have a tyre failure due to overspeed anyway.

 

I agree with Andre about "no effect on the drivetrain". Provided all tyres are the same size there should be no effect on the drive train, just on the gearing. This will effect fuel consumption and speedo readings but not the mechanical workings within the drivetrain.

My experience has been that the tyres wear faster as the speed rating increases. Other factors may be important, depending on the end usage: road noise, tyre wear, traction in varying conditions etc.

In NZ we can fit alternative tyres provided that they are fit for purpose, and equal or exceed the safety ratings

 

Hay guy's
Just read through the last thread on tyres and such. I have been running "Coopers 255/65/17's CTS " since December last year, and over the holiday's beenn up and down the highway about 5 times between sunshine coast and the gold coast and they drive really well! Went over to moreton island for 4 day's And they were excellent in the sand as well!I paid $265.00 each for them fitted and balanced. and since there coopers I'm hoping to get decent milage out of them!!

 

Hay guy's
Just read through the last thread on tyres and such. I have been running "Coopers 255/65/17's CTS " since December last year, and over the holiday's beenn up and down the highway about 5 times between sunshine coast and the gold coast and they drive really well! Went over to moreton island for 4 day's And they were excellent in the sand as well!I paid $265.00 each for them fitted and balanced. and since there coopers I'm hoping to get decent milage out of them!!

Powderhound, I have my eyes on that size as well. Espeially liked hearing how well it handled sand. If you don't mind my asking, how much have you had to air-down yours? Thanks, Chris

 

Need some help about tyres getting very angry with some tyres dealers here. I currently have 255/60/R17 pirelli P Zero Rosso Great tyre but not very good in powdery sand no traction. Would like to but on Bridgestone D694 or Pirelli At or ATR but told by bob jane T mark store can only run pirelli ST or pirelli Zero or continental 4x4 255/60/17. He seriously advised me about going up to 265/65 17 which would solve my problem were i can get a little more aggressive tyre. Has any one had any bad experience with going to the next size. All help and advise appreciate nearly had enough of a 4x4 which supposedly can only run road tyres
Cheers Brent

 

Update

Need some help about tyres getting very angry with some tyres dealers here. I currently have 255/60/R17 pirelli P Zero Rosso Great tyre but not very good in powdery sand no traction. Would like to but on Bridgestone D694 or Pirelli At or ATR but told by bob jane T mark store can only run pirelli ST or pirelli Zero or continental 4x4 255/60/17. He seriously advised me about going up to 265/65 17 which would solve my problem were i can get a little more aggressive tyre. Has any one had any bad experience with going to the next size. All help and advise appreciate nearly had enough of a 4x4 which supposedly can only run road tyres
Cheers Brent

Hi Brent
Just seen this old post of yours. Most tyre blokes are clueless with regard to what you can and can't do. I have posted WA regulation on another thread re this. You have seen my 265/65 17 on my car and I was recommended them by BJ in Clarkson. So far all OK (I just need to get another one for my spare makalu rim soon!)

 

Hi Brent
Went thru this myself. So I went to the motor registry and was put in contact with the technical officer. Told him my predicament that the tyres are an unusual size and I couldn’t get the tyre size as per the tyre placard on the car in an off road tread. He said the ADR’s are the determining factor and that regardless of what the placard or car manual says, you can increase the tyre size by 15mm in diameter. If the car is imported as a 4WD (one would think the Touareg is) then you can go to 50mm increase as long as you get the speedo re calibrated. He gave me the details of the local business that was approved to do this, and yes they would but for a cost of approx $300. I settled on Scorpion ATR 245 65 17. If you went to 265 65 the diameter increase is over 15mm, hence you need the speedo re calibrated. Try this site for measurement changes:
Tire size calculator

Also keep in mind that you must keep the same or higher load rating tyre as stated by VW, which if memory serves me correct is 950kg.

Cheers Les

 

Hi Brent
Went thru this myself. So I went to the motor registry and was put in contact with the technical officer. Told him my predicament that the tyres are an unusual size and I couldn’t get the tyre size as per the tyre placard on the car in an off road tread. He said the ADR’s are the determining factor and that regardless of what the placard or car manual says, you can increase the tyre size by 15mm in diameter. If the car is imported as a 4WD (one would think the Touareg is) then you can go to 50mm increase as long as you get the speedo re calibrated. He gave me the details of the local business that was approved to do this, and yes they would but for a cost of approx $300. I settled on Scorpion ATR 245 65 17. If you went to 265 65 the diameter increase is over 15mm, hence you need the speedo re calibrated. Try this site for measurement changes:
Tire size calculator

Also keep in mind that you must keep the same or higher load rating tyre as stated by VW, which if memory serves me correct is 950kg.

Cheers Les

I have checked my speedo and like most it reads faster than what i am doing so the increase in size would correct my speedo. Not sure if Touareg is listed as 4wd or as a SUV in regard to 50mm increase. Also not sure what ADR'S stands for? You are correct about load rating it is 950 kg.
Cheers Brent

 

Very quickly, as this has been a regular post.
I fitted Pirelli AT 235/65/17 on my V6 TDI.
They are listed on the placard and were relatively easy to source (although I was told they were an uncommon size).

They are wearing well, and very good off road. They are a little noisey, but it's a trade off we can live with for the extra confidence off road.

I fully expect to replace these with the Pirelli ATRs one day.
If I had my time again, I might have bought a slightly larger tyre, as I think other forum members have. It would give me a little more ground clearance and I'm told address the speedo inaccuracy 104 kmph on the dial is 100 on the road.

It recently occured to me that changing tyre size might also mess up the fuel economy calculations. Interested to hear more about that form someone who knows.

I'd also be interested to hear how this speedo recalibration works. I'd have thought that would be something VW would need to do in their firmware.

Finally, I recall the original poster was asking about 4wd training.
We joined the Range Rover Club, and completed their state accredited driver training. I had previously done a commercial driver training course, and the club training was equal if not better, and essentially free with membership (which does have a cost).

 

Brent

ADR is Australian Design Rules and I’m fairly certain they are the reason your speedo is out because they say it must read higher than the speed you are doing. So when you put a tyre with a larger rolling diameter on it must be corrected. With the 245 65’s on mine it still reads around 104 at 100kph, but they are within the 15mm limit. As for VW changing the firmware, maybe but I would assume they would have to issue a certificate similar to the testing lab, and the dealers may not be approved for this. I never took the mater any further to find out one way or the other.

Cheers

 

Some of this might be old news, but here goes... (again...)

1. I've been running D694 Duellers in 265/65R17 for ±45,000km now. No problems. I probably have about 60% - 70% tread left on them. As far as I'm concerned, it's the perfect tyre for the Treg when off-roading, especially if you don't see a lot of snow. (If you do, rather opt for a 245/70R17)
2. My car came with 235/65R17's. The Duellers are 39mm larger in diameter. That's a 5.29% increase in circumference, which now puts my speedo spot-on.
3. Max load rating of the Dueller is 1120kg.
4. My calculated average fuel consumption in the MFI is slightly pessimistic now, because the actual distance driven is more than the distance indicated by the odo. Tank-to-tank calculations are actually better than what the MFI indicates. Variation is ±0.5 to 0.7 l/100km.

Here's a thought. When you take it to have the speedo checked, deflate the tyres. The smaller rolling radius will make the speedo overread again. Tell the guy it's off-road tyres, you need to run them at lower pressures...

 

G'day
Last time I looked the ADRs stated that a speedo must read within 10%. Leaves a lot of room to play....
Regards
kevin

 

Went to Bridgestone dealer last night he would put 265/65/17 D694 on. when i questioned him on weight and speed his reply was the D694 load was 1120kg which was good but speed rating was T think 180 -190 kph. said my plate said 255/6017v from memory. He said i had better check with the insurance company first. Law says equall to or greater on both. Back the drawing board will ring insurance company to day.

 

Has anyone tried Kumho tyres in particular Road venture AT KL78. They seem to meet all the load and speed ratings.

 

Hay Schubie,
I just read you post from the other day. Mate they have been a great tyre so far! The 255 fill's out the wheel arches really well and being a 65 sits a bit higher of the road. i don't Know if you've been to Moreton Island or not but it is a full sand island with know paved roads only 4x4 sand tracks. Had the tyre preasure set at 20psi and they went perfect, never even looked like getting stuck!

 

Thanks for the helpful info, powderhound. Never been to your neck of the woods, but would love to someday. Really interested to hear the 255/65's did fine at 20psi. Just now getting my paperwork in order for an outer beach permit here. But need a tire that's good in deep snow too. Having gotten myself stuck for a bit in the frozen stuff over the weekend, can't wait to chuck the OE 255/60's. Assuming 255's handle the local beach sand nicely, will probably opt for something like this:
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2

 

Hi Bhannaford,

I too have had major issues with tyre dealers... I have 275/40/20 on my Touareg, and wanted a set of wheels and tyres for off roading... they all said it could not be done! After weeks of talking to people, i finally baught a set of original touareg 17's, and yesterday fitted Pirelli ATR's 265/65/17's. I went to JAX Tyres to put them on... in fact JAX stocks all the good brands - Maxxis, Pirelli's, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone D694 and the continental. So give JAX a call if you're still having issues with dealers.

 

I have made a desicion to go for Kumho Road venture AT KL78 235/65/17
They match all current dimension almost to a T load rating and speed as well. Have ordered 5 and they go on this friday will wait and see.
Cheers Brent