Defenders in the Wild. Let's see them.
#571
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#572
#573
Yes. They drastically attenuate the Defender's trail capability. Thin, lightweight sidewalls, pointlessly small side-lugs, and a rubber compound as sticky as a hockey puck in these below freezing temps.
On the upside, I'll be honest, it was a little fun doing the tire change as a pit crew of three. Stressful when it's your own car of course and easy enough to get flustered so far from the blacktop.
I'm glad I've done it so many times before in the comfort of my own driveway. It becomes second nature. I was surprised my mate hadn't used his jack or spare before and was unaware of the remount jig and two security lug nuts on the spare. Something worth practicing.
I noped out of this trail last August after going up it a bit and saw how gnarly it was getting. Back then I was running the Goodyears on OEM 20" rims and not being able to air such low profile tires down, thought a flat was very likely. This time on KO2s I started at 18psi and subsequently went down to 16psi. Probably could have gone lower but it's something I'm still learning. My other pal on 35" tires was down to 12psi.
It's a beaut of a rig to behold. A tremendous build driven by a very capable bloke.
On the upside, I'll be honest, it was a little fun doing the tire change as a pit crew of three. Stressful when it's your own car of course and easy enough to get flustered so far from the blacktop.
I'm glad I've done it so many times before in the comfort of my own driveway. It becomes second nature. I was surprised my mate hadn't used his jack or spare before and was unaware of the remount jig and two security lug nuts on the spare. Something worth practicing.
- Chocking the wheels with rocks,
- Loosen the wheel nuts so they're ready to be removed
- Stabilizing the jack,
- Getting the spare off and in position ready to go. (first time it had ever been off since the Nitra robots/humans put it on in this case),
- Jack the car up and check for vertical and lateral clearance for the fully inflated new tire .
- Take the flat off
- Get the new one on lickety split with the remount jig
- Get everything cinched down to 2 uggaduggas
- Get the flat back on the rear door with the jig to 1 uggaduggas
- Making sure all bits and bobs are accounted for and no lug nuts roll off the mountain in the process.
I noped out of this trail last August after going up it a bit and saw how gnarly it was getting. Back then I was running the Goodyears on OEM 20" rims and not being able to air such low profile tires down, thought a flat was very likely. This time on KO2s I started at 18psi and subsequently went down to 16psi. Probably could have gone lower but it's something I'm still learning. My other pal on 35" tires was down to 12psi.
It's a beaut of a rig to behold. A tremendous build driven by a very capable bloke.
The following 4 users liked this post by GavinC:
curb-optional (11-01-2023),
DefenderSISU (11-01-2023),
dj200 (11-01-2023),
IBarelyKnowEr (12-20-2023)
#574
Ouch!! I would be cursing more about the rim damage than the avulsion of the tire. I was once in a bike race and a buddy of mine had a horrific crash. He answered: flesh heals, Shimano doesn't! He was more stressed about the damage to his bike that he was going to have to pay for than the trauma to his body. I'm thinking, that's gotta cost more than his entire bike back in the day!
#576
Ouch!! I would be cursing more about the rim damage than the avulsion of the tire. I was once in a bike race and a buddy of mine had a horrific crash. He answered: flesh heals, Shimano doesn't! He was more stressed about the damage to his bike that he was going to have to pay for than the trauma to his body. I'm thinking, that's gotta cost more than his entire bike back in the day!
He's been mulling over ditching the 19's for a good while now. This I suspect, was the final nail in the coffin for them. He's debating running Duratracs on 19's or dropping to 18's and getting some decently strong boots. No prizes for guessing what my advice was. No need for me to flog that dead horse anymore.
I know lots of folks run the Duratracs quite happily, but around here at least they don't really meet the demands of our terrain.
Last edited by GavinC; 11-01-2023 at 10:01 AM.
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curb-optional (11-01-2023)
#577
Didn't need to use them this time but Maxtrax and some dirt/gravel will make a fine platform for a jack in many off-road situations. I tested it out one day for proof of concept. I must redo it and snag a picture or two.
Probably won't be good enough for some but saves you having to rely on carrying a baseplate. A bottle jack is a safer option. No doubt about it. But with proper sequencing of things. the vehicle is only without a wheel/tire for about 30 seconds.
#578
Goodyear Duratracs
Rim got a bit dinged but I think it's still fine to use. These LR rims have enormous outer lips. The tire is toast of course.
He's been mulling over ditching the 19's for a good while now. This I suspect, was the final nail in the coffin for them. He's debating running Duratracs on 19's or dropping to 18's and getting some decently strong boots. No prizes for guessing what my advice was. No need for me to flog that dead horse anymore.
I know lots of folks run the Duratracs quite happily, but around here at least they don't really meet the demands of our terrain.
He's been mulling over ditching the 19's for a good while now. This I suspect, was the final nail in the coffin for them. He's debating running Duratracs on 19's or dropping to 18's and getting some decently strong boots. No prizes for guessing what my advice was. No need for me to flog that dead horse anymore.
I know lots of folks run the Duratracs quite happily, but around here at least they don't really meet the demands of our terrain.
The following users liked this post:
curb-optional (11-01-2023)
#579
The following users liked this post:
curb-optional (11-01-2023)
#580
Ouch!! I would be cursing more about the rim damage than the avulsion of the tire. I was once in a bike race and a buddy of mine had a horrific crash. He answered: flesh heals, Shimano doesn't! He was more stressed about the damage to his bike that he was going to have to pay for than the trauma to his body. I'm thinking, that's gotta cost more than his entire bike back in the day!
Fortunately I have *way* better insurance now than I did in my 20s and 30s
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GrouseK9 (11-06-2023)