I know this has been discussed, a lot! But I couldn’t find any definitive resolution to the query.

My SDV8 is on 21 inch rims with the usual 275/45 Contis, which I have found a little scary at times on the wet motorway, particularly in comparison with the Falken Wildpeak AT3s (All season / 3 peaks) which I found the best on my Disco 4 and just cut through unavoidable standing water.

I’d like to go to a smaller wheel, so more sidewall, preferably with 255/60 or 255/55 Wildpeaks. Ideally this would be a 19” wheel, but the documentation says that my V8 cannot use smaller than 20” (as stated in previous posts). I’d prefer to use a 19” with a LR approved tyre size, rather than a 20” as the sidewall advantage without going beyond +3% would be minimal and this is stated as unsafe. Speed rating shouldn’t be an issue.

Views please!

Thanks. 2017 SDV8
Previously
2009 Defender 90 2.4 Tdci
2013 Discovery 4 SDV6
2009 Defender 110 2.4 Tdci
2003 Discovery 2 TD5
1987 RRC 3.5V8
(Defenders / Freelanders +++ professionally)

I haven’t found a 19” rim that will fit over the SDV8 brakes.

I’m happy with the 20” rims though. I have a set with GG AT3’s for the winter when I’m negotiating muddy fields and tracks.

The 255-55-20 has the same sidewall height (5.5”) as the 255-55-19.

I’m pretty sure that the Falkens are available in 255-55-20.

Click image to enlarge

Thank you for your response on my query LT. 20” sounds like the way forward.  2017 SDV8
Previously
2009 Defender 90 2.4 Tdci
2013 Discovery 4 SDV6
2009 Defender 110 2.4 Tdci
2003 Discovery 2 TD5
1987 RRC 3.5V8
(Defenders / Freelanders +++ professionally)

You’re welcome

It works well for me. I run two sets, the GG AT3 and Pirelli All Seasons.

The choice of AT tyres is limited in 255-55-20, but it’s slowly getting better. I’m wary of the sidewall strength of the GG’s.

I have 255/55R20 Falkan AT-Trail all-weather tires I use on OEM wheels for off-road/winter use. They fit nicely over the brakes and provide lots of tire choices.

Click image to enlarge

^
In the U.K. those are RRS rims.

Correct, same in Canada. I should have said they are OEM RRS 20" wheels

Either way, these are your best bet. I found the wheels with working TPMS for $400 CAD on FB Marketplace. Dan. 🇨🇦 2013 L405 5.0 SCV8

You can often pick them up very cheaply over here. I just preferred the style that I have.

Are you still rocking the GG AT3's on your winter set? I have just bought the same set of alloys on eBay, now need some tyres.

I'm in a 2019 SDV8.

If I was a purchasing a new set of tyres, I’d be leaning towards trying the Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3WA.

I can’t really fault the GG’s, but I’m still wary of their sidewall strength, with no real reason I should add. I just keep hearing and reading great reviews of the Falken’s.

Thanks to the TR system, the Pirelli All Seasons are surprisingly capable off road, but understandably struggle when the mud gets too deep or heavy. They are of course superior on road to the GG’s.

Thanks for your thoughts so far.

I'm toying with the idea of 275/55R20 BFG K02's...I'm not sure they'll fit happily though, and they're rather expensive.

See my calculator fiddlings here:

My original's being the 275/40R22 Turbine alloys, this change would see a 1.2" increase in diameter, so 0.6" each end...doesn't sound like much, but I don't want any loss of articulation or rubbing under any circumstance.

Any thoughts?

Click image to enlarge

In addition to the normal format 22" rims, I have a set of 255/60/20 pirellis all seasons on a set of defender L633 alloys. Those are same height, but slightly narrower than you're suggesting. The defender alloys also sit slightly further out than standard fullfat 20" alloys I believe.

For mine there is decent clearance on the front hub arm, never had a rubbing issue as far as I can tell in the wheel arches either. That said, looking at the shoulder profile, it's quite tapered on the pirellis ( I think its actually a con how narrow the road tread is to the overall size of the tyre personally, to the detriment of handling too, but thats another discussion. ) More AT orientated patterns will likely have bulkier shoulders. So if you combine that 275/55/20 is taller, wider, and potentially might not have the benefit of a lower offset alloy rim, I think it could be a tight fit / borderline not possible.

Also, personally I'm not sure I'm a fan of the taller height as a look on the L405 ... looks like the wheels are a bit too big for the car. I certainly won't be replacing the tyres for the same height, I'll be going back down to the standard height. Considering 285/50/20 as replacements further down the line I think. V8 or else ...