I've had the van 7 years now and my only modification previously was a set of Michelin Latitude Cross in the stock 235/55x17 size on the original Devonports. I used to race motorbikes in Cross Country Rally (think Dakar Rally only I'm not quite at that level) and now help organise off road motorcycle events so need the ability to get out of wet muddy fields and navigate forest roads, the van also gets used as an impromptu camper with a set of insulated window blinds and a camp bed in the back.
It is also my daily driver but i've worked at home since March 2020 and even now only have to go in one day a week. In that time I've also changed jobs so replaced a 45 mile each way x 5 days a week commute with a 13 mile each way one day a week commute (yes 450 miles a week replaced by 26 miles
). So as i'm hardly using the van for commuting duties anymore, I thought i'd look to improving its usefulness for weekend trips out and event organising.
I have just replaced the double front bench seat with a single, for happiness from the Mrs and access to the rear when used a camper, swivels are next on the list as well as some sound deadening/insulation.
That might be it for now as I need the ability to transport two motorbikes or two e-bikes in the back.
So what to do with the tyres?
The rears are approaching replacement time but the fronts have loads of life left in them. So do I replace them with another pair of Latitude Cross at £150 a pop, or look for a cheaper alternative and sod the cross country ability, on the basis the fronts will drag it through anything rough. Or replace all four for a bigger size for at a cost of £600+
Maybe not then, as the cost of having to buy 4 new tyres at once makes a change of size difficult to justify at this time (hey I've just spent far too much on that seat).
And to be honest not sure if I want to go for the full swamper look although I am tempted by BFG ATs as i've used them on a number of previous Land Rovers (I had 11 different Land Rovers and a brief interlude with a Vito rust bucket before seeing the light and buying the T6).
So question is, does anyone know of a tyre available in 235/55x17 that's a bit more aggressive than the latitude cross and still meets the load rating of 103? I am aware there are a number of tyres sold for SUVs in this size but they all seem to have a load rating of 99.
