U1300 expedition split rims or not?

frenchian

Just about to buy a U1300 to convert into an expedition vehicle for Africa - it's going to need new tyres before we leave (I've found some 1300 x 20 Michelin XZLs at a reasonable price). The question is : should I be looking for some split rims before fitting the tyres - what are the advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks,

Ian

Mr Tyre · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:57 pm Post subject:

13.00R20 (also marked 365/85R20) will need flat ledge split rim wheels due to the tyres construction.Advantages are that they can be repaired fairly easily with practice, disadvantages, some countries may not hold spare tubes etc. and if you run them at really low pressures there is more than a good chance that you will tear the valve out of the tube.One problem with that size is that Michelin don't make it any more and haven't for a while.Atkinson Vos have both tyres and split rims wheels for sale i noticed, for 13.00-20's you will need 10.00V20 rims.Atkinson Vos website is www.unimogs.co.uk

frenchian · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 8:59 am Post subject:

I've spent most of my time over the last year sorting out the bodywork for the truck - now that it's nearing completion I'm looking again at tyres.
I've found some 365/85R20 XZLs but before I commit want to sort out the rims.
From what I can see there are 2 options (?); source some 10.00v20 rims - although trawling through the web I haven't found any for sale currently, or I can get a set of rims modified.
As 110% of our money is going into our trip I need to keep control of spend on this, but don't want a solution that's going to create problems in the middle of the Sudan or worse!

So - has anyone any sources (beyond AV) for 10.00v20 mog rims or any ideas on modifying non-mog rims to suit?

Thanks,

Ian

Dreadnought · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 10:36 am Post subject:

Don,t know if it will help, but as a part of my search for wheels that my 'Russian' (Ural) type tyres would fit - appx 13.00x20.....I did look at the split rim wheels from 1950,s 60,s Army trucks....most were 20inch wheels, I didn,t get as far as checking PCD or width etc, but they were abundant, in classic military circles....well made, but heavy duty.

Let Luce · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 2:35 pm Post subject:

not sure how different the 365/85R20 are to the 10.2 r 20 10 ply (285/80R20 iirc) but we ran our 101 on 9" mog (404) rims when we drove down to cape Town from the UK. We ran with tubes which caused us no problems and fixed most of our own puntures using a pair of tyre levers and a high-lift jack to break the bead, it's dead easy once you've done a few.

I'm not suggesting you run on 9" rims, but you may be able to change tyres with just a set of levers.

Chris

frenchian · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 5:05 pm Post subject:

I've located a supply of new old stock 12.50-20 (335/80R20) XZLs today (fresh back from Iraq). These will solve the rim issue - and at £200 each it's affordable (just) to buy a complete set of 6.

Are there any known issues with these?

I'll have them fitted as tubeless, but I've got 4 tubes to take as back up - is there anything else that I should be taking tyre-wise (apart from levers etc)?

Thanks again,
Ian

normalbloke · Articulating Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Odometer: 633

Valve tool.
Hi-lift jack.
Bead soap.
Agri tyre repair kit( lacing kit)
Inflator line
Rear palm coupling to PCL connector as the Mog inflation point does not flow enough air to seat beads
Several 20" BMX pushbike inner tubes.
Rathet straps that will cover the circumference of the tyre.

Have a practice at changing them before you go, you may struggle to seat the beads of a narrow tyre like that on the Mog rims.