Thread: 235/85R16 vs 255/85R16

Bugger it - seeing as I have 4 new 255s sitting in the shed, I might as well use them, provided they won't cause mechanical grief.

I'll be carrying 2 spares, and will have 2 spares at home that can be posted if I can't find a near-enough replacement, should a worst case scenario eventuate.

That post was yesterday ranga have you changed you're mind again yet ?

I've run the 255/85's myself for many years on 300Tdi's and I agree they make a Defender look "right" and even with only 25mm extra under the diffs, they make a big difference.

Puma drivers, be very carefull on waranty issues though. 255/85 is not an approved LRA tyre size (not counting any legislative issues) and while your local dealer might turn a blind eye due to a good relationship, the next dealer won't if you're touring and need to pull in. All and any driveline issues will be blamed on the tyres and this has potential to put you significantly out of pocket, regardless of the deal you got on the tyres!

The only "approved" tyre sizes for Pumas (Defenders in warranty) fitted with alloys are 235/85/16 and 265/75/16 as they have the same rolling diameter (Steel wheels as per user manual). Please believe me that if you ask the question from LRA technical desk this will be the answer, regardless what your dealer says.

Originally Posted by VladTepes

That post was yesterday ranga have you changed you're mind again yet ?

Maybe - wanna swap?

Originally Posted by rockyroad

I just picked up (2 days ago) a set of BFG mud terrains in 235/85/16 for $290 each.

Just for comparison I just picked (today) up a set set of 235/85/16 Coopers ST Maxx for $324 per tyre. They are a 50% mud & Sand 50% road (all terrain) tyre.

I have been disappointed with the standard General Grabber tyres which came on my 2010 Defender. They have only done 16,000km, so the best idea I can come up with is to put them on a second set of rims down the track.

Beckford.

Originally Posted by Beckford

I have been disappointed with the standard General Grabber tyres which came on my 2010 Defender. T

I've done quite of a bit off highway, mud, rock etc with these.. and found them to be great. how did they disappoint?

I run 255 / 85s BFG muddies as road tyres on my Defender and have done tens of thousands of miles towing. Never had any issues.

I think they are the best size option for a Defender.

If I was towing around Oz I would run 235's,my Tdi has 255's but in hot weather on hills towing a van I would want the smaller tyre,also 255's are impossible to get out here,235's are in every town. Pat