Thread: 235/85R16 vs 255/85R16

Originally Posted by PAT303

Whats funny is my Puma came with Goodyear Wrangler mud terrains but I really want Conti Cross Contacts that the standard model comes with. Pat

Why would you want the Conti's? I would think the Muddies would be more durable.

Originally Posted by Babs

Why would you want the Conti's? I would think the Muddies would be more durable.

Contradict myself, the Contis would be a lot more comfortable.

Originally Posted by Babs

Contradict myself, the Contis would be a lot more comfortable.

A defender owner and NOW you consider comfort.... Lol

Originally Posted by Ranga

Well, true to my form, I've racked with indecision again.

I've got 6 brand new 235/85R16 BFG MT KM2s sitting here ready to go on the Defender with 2 spares for our upcoming trip.

However, I really like the look and feel of the 255/85R16 MTs that are currently on it, and am considering changing. This obviously means selling the 235s and ordering the 255s.

Apart from thinking I'm too bloody indecisive, what are your thoughts?

I would definitely go with the 235's, as your Defender's fuel economy would be much better, and in the same line of thought, I would go AT. MT's perform so badly on the road, especially when new. Braking and handling are compromised a lot with those big blocks of fresh rubber wobbling all over the road. You would want to be doing some serious off roading to justify using MT's on a big tour like that. I once ran some 185's on my D1 across Australia as I was desperate and could only find 2nd hand 185s and nothing else in the small tin pot town i was driving from, but the economy i got was superb. Just think of the air that is required to move around your vehicles tyres for hour after hour on the blacktop. I wouldn't buy them again - they're going on a trailer - but they did the job.
235's are fine for the bush too. anything wider just makes it harder to dodge potholes and rocks. Again, if you are going to do lots of serious sand and mud then maybe go 255, but 235 are plenty good enough on gravel.
Peter

Standard 235/85R16 Contis Cross on these vehicles and they perform beautifully: Land Rover Experience Tour - YouTube.

Cheers
KarlB

Loubrey,

Your quote "The only "approved" tyre sizes for Pumas (Defenders in warranty) fitted with alloys are 235/85/16 and 265/75/16".

Does the 265/75/16 fit without rubbing on the standard alloys?

noz,

The 255/85/16. I'll I want to know is did they fit your puma without rubbing anywhere, and are they fitted on the standard alloy rim?

Alan,

Did you end up putting 255/85s on your svx - like you post back in 2011.

Tell me - did they go on a standard rim, and not rub??

I want these tyres only if I dont have to get new wheels, and only if they dont rub.

I would also like to know about handling/turning circle etc with this size tyre.