As soon as you fit wider tyres on wider rims, which are normally offset, you will not only run a great risk of wheel arch body damage, but you also expose the brake discs and associated guards to possible damage when in deep ruts. When driving through mud or simply on filthy roads, the wider offset tyres also make the sides of the vehicle disgustingly messy for normal use.

In any case, wide tyres of 9.5 inches or more across the tread rarely work well for you when driving off-road in wet hillside climbing situations. Okay, a wide tyre may give greater floatation properties on flat, boggy type ground, but for climbing or descending they don't cut through the surface and bite as well as they could.

Now, if you are using a Land Rover then you have a greater choice of tyre sizes. Land Rover's own choice has a job to be bettered; 6.50/205x16 on swb and 90 and 7.50x16 for lwb/110/130.

On swb and 90 vehicles, the Michelin radial 205x16 M&S (Mud and Snow) is a superb radial compromise tyre giving long life, nice gearing and comfort by having flexible sidewalls. It has very good road manners in all weather conditions. If you want additional tyre benefits giving greater ground clearance, then fit any number of a range of tyres that is standard optional fitment on the 90's larger brother.

The general-purpose tyre for lwb, 110 and 130 is the Avon Rangemaster, with an option of Michelin XZY. If you want a tyre for off-roading rather than for on roadwork, settle for the Michelin XCL pattern. XCL tyres were used on all Camel Trophy events up until 1995 - in various sizes to suit the vehicle being used.

Michelin XCL Michelin XZL O/R Michelin XS

Camel Trophy vehicles now use a new tyre from Michelin - the XZL O/R. This new off-road tyre has caught my eye with interest.The well-spaced tread blocks look ideal for serious off-road work. The footprint is nice and narrow for biting into a wet greasy surface and the sidewalls are reinforced with rubbing strips to protect the tyre from sideways knocks. Finally Solihull recommends for Sand driving the Michelin XS. All the above tyres are radial.

For swb and 90 you might try BF Goodrich Trac Edge. Use either their 225x75x16 (similar in size to 6.50x16/205x16) or 750x16 giving a greater ground clearance, or for lwb/110/130 use 235x85x16 or 750x16. Trac Edge are Q speed rated to 100mph.

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(c)Goodwinch Limited 2006