Michelin Tyres (email reply) For anyone interested

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Got a reply email back today I sent Michelin Tyres in regards to why they dont make a 265/65/17 to suit 17 inch rims on 4wd's. They only do a 70 profile which puts us out of the legal limit of 15mm increase in rolling diameter. 70 profile increases the rolling diameter by 28mm 13mm more then allowed. This is the reply below......................

Steve

Unfortunately there is no easy solution at present for this problem.

As you have stated we currently do not offer a BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 in LT265/65R17 and at this stage are not looking to do so.

The one bit of good news is that currently under consideration by all state road authorities is the National Code of Practice (NCOP) for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification.

If the NCOP is adopted it will allow 4WD drive vehicles designed for off road use to increase the overall diameter by 50mm, which would allow the size change to LT265/70R17 on your vehicle.

It should also be noted that the BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO is very capable off road and shouldn't be dismissed as a possible alternative.

This should help a few people out with 4wd's that are running 17 inch rims. He said its only VIC and NSW that have this rule so will bring it in line with other states. He said they are hoping to have it passed some time this year......

Regards Steve M

[smakb Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close smakb]

Nice, but I wonder how long it will take before it comes in.

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

NCOP has been on the table for discussion for a long time now and I suspect it will be for a long time to come.
It appears to be too hard for our state governments to agree to a common set of rules Australia wide. Even if to most of us having one national set of rules for most things would be a no brainer.

Lee

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

I think it was a poor reply from Michelin, they make tyres for normal cars in different profiles from the same make or tyre, but they cant do that for off road tyres, they are leaving a market wide open for someone else to make a tyre in that size which is becoming the norm from car makers.
Spose they old saying will ring true.......... you snooze you loose!

[Peterpilot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Peterpilot]

Not just Michelin/BFG, nobody makes 17 inch 65 series mud terrain tyres in 265 or 275 sizes. You get plenty of all terrains in those sizes from most manufacturers.