Sterlin is fitted with Grabber AT2 tires from General Tire. Basically a stock tire that is a little wider than normal and with a more aggressive grip for both on and off road driving.
The Vehicle Dependent Expedition Guide (VDEG) by Tom Sheppard recommends the following:-
- Tubed Tires. Our tires are in fact tubeless. Apparently tubeless tires save weight, cost and puncture less dramatically. But they require specialist equipment to fit and large amounts of high pressure air to fill.
- One spare. To quote our venerable VDEG, “A single spare wheel and tyre is perfectly adequate for expeditions in even the most distant region; quite simply, the weight, bulk of one spare wheel is quite enough of a handicap when you are pushed for payload”.
- Radial Ply Tires. Our tires are radial ply. See below for more details of the tire constructions. Radial Ply offer lower rolling resistance gaining detectably better fuel consumption as well as permitting lower inflation pressures without overheating.
The choice of tire is quite important as they are bound to fail at some point on the journey. We will be on tarmac, tracks, mud and desert so a good all-round tire is preferred. Ideally we would have a tire like the Michelin XZL, but the Grabber AT2 is an ok alternative.
In terms of wheels or rims, we have the tires fitted onto factory alloy rims. All wheels are configured the same in terms of both tires and rims. The rims are secured to the car with McGard wheel locks. Some specs for our tire choice.
- Brand: General Tire
- Model: Grabber AT2
- Size: 255/65R-16
- Type: Mud and Snow
- Load/Speed Index: 109T (1,030kgs/2,300lbs, 190kph/118mph)
- Load Range: Standard Load
- Sidewall: Outline White Lettering
- Overall Tire/Wheel Diameter: 29.1 ins.
- Tire Weight: 37.0 lbs
- Max Inflation Pressure: 44 psi
- Overall Section Width (measuring rim): 10.2 (7.5) ins.
- Approved Rim Widths: 7.0 – 9.0 ins.
- Max Load: 2271 lbs
- Tread Depth (32nds): 16
- Revs per Mile: 714
- RIM Protect: yes
