After destroying a tire and discovering the challenges of finding a replacement, it was time for the MU-X to get some new wheels and tires.
We had originally planned on wearing the factory tires out and putting some All-Terrain tires on. But we discovered 20inch 4WD wheels are rare and just replacing the rubber with something stronger would not help. It meant it was time not only for some new tires, but wheels to match.
The consensus was that 17inch wheels are the way to go. If we wrapped them in 265/65/R17 Light Truck All Terrains we’d have a much better chance of getting a replacement tire, if we happened to blow another. In fact, we discovered Isuzu was one of the very few manufacturers who didn’t use this combination. Fortunately an Isuzu UTE survey landed in Christian’s inbox and this feedback was duly provided. This pairing meant we would maintain the same rolling diameter, keeping the speedo accurate and making sure the spare still fit nicely underneath. We could have gone one size larger, but this would have raised the car half an inch and made the spare very tight. With a GVM Upgrade planned (that would raise things two inches) we decided we didn’t need any more height.
Bob Jane T-Marts in Mackay sorted us out, getting is some nice wheels and much more suitable tires. They claimed the Yokohama Geolander is a very popular tire and it was Christian’s pick based on his research. The wheels were a bit trickier, with so many to choose from we went for something very light and strong. Monster Ammo wheels are both super strong, super light and look the part. The only downer was that the wheels nuts changed and a few extra tools are required to change tires. A small price to pay!