Insa Turbo Rangers - Gen.4

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at a couple of tyre choices for the Gen.4 - I was hoping to pick your brains on Re-treads..

I appreciate it's a little bit of a sore subject and some people are dead against them for their own reasons. But on the subject of Re-treads, in this case the INSA TURBO RANGERS - has anyone owned these that could recommend them? I've read a few old wives tales online that say they're made using the discontinued mould that was used to manufacture the old BFG KO.

Secondly, my concern with re-treads is that they provide no information on the number/type of plies. I guess this is because each tyre could theoretically come from a different donnor brand of different qualities? do they group them at the pre-manufacture stage using their load & ply ratings? that would mean the new tyres have a ply and load rating on the side? Theoretically you could end up with 4 totally different tyres (internally) all having different weights??

www.clevedontyresandservice.co.uk/TyreSe...o+Ranger+AT+19580R15

I have to ask, why would you even consider it when you can buy mid-range tyres for the same money? Even premium brands like Yokohama and Bridgestone A/Ts in 195/80 are only £14 more each fully fitted.

I really wouldn't. You're paying healthy money for an outdated tread pattern formed onto an unknown carcass that has already had a life, using a non premium rubber compound. Yes it could be argued that it is more environmentally conscious but a typical remanufactured tyre has a real world life expectancy of 2 or maybe 3 years before it is either worn or showing a defect. There are better options.

You’ve both made really fair points. I haven’t settled on them, they were just an option. I don’t feel I know enough about them to make a judgment! Main concern is the type of carcass being inconsistent from tyre to tyre

....and just to confuse the issue some more :evil:

Aircraft tyres are remoulded many times throughout their life and this practice has been going on for years, (food for thought when you're on your next flight to Ibiza with Queasy Jet budget airlines :lol: ).
In fact I'd say that most of the tyres I fit to our Airbus A330s are remoulds rather than new - these aircraft are landing at high speeds (sometimes heavily/badly in poor weather) but if the tyres show no sign of damage they remain on and can fly again until worn out or damaged. An A330 typically lands with full flap applied at about 135 knots - thats around 155mph.
However, there is a bit of a difference; aircraft regulatory standards are much stricter and more controlled and the other point worth noting is that land-based vehicles can only have the tyres remoulded once.


You'll find info on remoulds HERE

Now, having said all that, and with the Jimny being a potentially skittish short-wheelbased vehicle, I will never fit remoulds myself.
Having driven in Norway during the winter I fully understand the benefits of winter tyres, and how they markedly help - so my choice is always a new tyre.
We dont get Norwegian-like winters in the UK and if/when we do, it doesn't last too long, so I'm therefore a huge fan of the compromise of All-Season tyres.

Just my Ha'pence worth

I'm not a supporter of remoulds but as environmental pressures are applied they could well be the future. Never say never.
Chris