Just out of curiosity, I was wondering what is the largest size tire that will fit in the spare tire location underneath the LR3?
For example, would a 265/65/R18, 275/65/R18 or even a 285/65/R18 fit underneath or are they all too big?

 

285 65 R18 would be out of the question. I am running a set of Nitto Trail Grapplers in that size (converts to 32.59 but advertised as 33in) and they are too big for the vehicle. I would concentrate on what fits in the wheel well first and then see if it fits in the spare location. Also, there are plastic "heat shield/beauty trim panels" that could be removed to aid in increasing available space. If the tire still does not fit, there is no real issue as the full size spare will decrease your departure angle and, if you are off roading, the best place for a spare is either the roof rack or the rear bumper.

you can see tire sizes converted to inch measure total diameter here:
LR3 Tire Size Chart

with that said now I am curious too. I am going to have a tire off in the near future, so I will try winching it up and update the thread with the result.

 

Thanks, I'd be interested in your results. I have a Disco 2 right now, but I may get an LR3 or 4 in the future, and although I would certainly get the spare out from underneath and put it on the back, it is not something that I would be able to do right away.

 

My view is what limits the wheel size on a 3 is not the spare tire wheel well but the wheel wells themselves.

Guys have found that with much more than 32" OD, when the air system fails and the 3 drops, the wheels freeze in the wheel wells. Then the fun begins.

As to the limiting tyre size, well that depends upon how much frozen mud is already in the wheel wheels. In other words, the stock 30" OD can be too large.

 

Well... my spare tire winch seems to be corroded or full of road grime, it would not come down more than about two inches and now won't go back up either. I have removed it to try to service it.

Yet another reason for relocating the spare; it won't do you much good if you can't use it. I am not even running with a spare, my oversize tires and a stock spare would likely blow a diff if I ever put it on. I have yet to buy a repair kit and a compressor. Perhaps another member of this fabulous forum would be able to measure the clearances on a mounted spare and do a bit of math for you?