what tyre size for defender?

**LoveB** · 5th August 2015, 10:16 AM

hey all, my ZU wheels have arrived and as such I'm now shopping for tyres. I know this gets asked time and time again but I thought I would make a thread for myself as I have a few other questions too

from what Ive found 255/85/16 is apparently the size to go for which is a 33' and the speedo reading will be correct?

what tyre do you suggest in that size>? was deciding between bfg km2 and wrangler MTR kevlar however Ive asked around and I dont think goodyear make them in 255/85/16.

was told they are easily available in 265/75/16 but thats too wide isnt it? and I think that comes to 32' in size? the wheels are only 16x7 so I cant go too wide ( dont really want to either as I previously put 33x12.5 and it was fun but so sluggish)

what sizes are people running on stock deefers and what brand? I'm not doing super hardcore rock crawling etc. probably a few bogholes here and there. I've read that the bfg have a tendency to get chunked etc but I've also read they are great which is expected. Just not sure which to get.

So far my local tyre place can get BFG for me but they wont arrive till a month (longest wait to put my wheels on ever)

I have the old style MTR and I really like them. good in mud,wet,road etc. 77tkm and still have 7mm on them. but cant get them anymore apparently :-(

**rick130** · 5th August 2015, 11:00 AM

The only tyres available in 255/85 in Australia are;

BFG KM2
Maxxis Big Horn 762
Cooper ST Maxx
Toyo Open Country MT (through a couple of specialist importer/dealers)

I've run the old BFG's (two sets) and Maxxis (on my second set)
If I can, I'll be going Toyo next.

**austastar** · 5th August 2015, 11:52 AM

Hi,
Very happy with my Toyo MTs.
Cheers

**The Cone of Silence** · 5th August 2015, 11:59 AM

I have 265/75/16 BFG ATs on 16x7 King Wheels with 0 offset on my Puma 110.

Not too wide at all. Not that it matters...the turning circle is hilarious even at full lock.

I've found the BFG ATs chunk too easily but I've heard very good things about the structure of their mud terrain tyres and a higher resistance to damage like this. I'm sure there are plenty of people on the forum who will be able to offer some sage advice from experience on this matter. The tyre discussion is one that's been debated many, many times.

**LoveB** · 5th August 2015, 12:48 PM

my tyre guy just emailed me and said after shopping around he seems to have found wranglers in 255/85...hmmm I thougoht they werent even made!!!

I'll wait for his confirmation before I order. otherwsie I'll go the bfg muddies.

bobby do you have a photo of how the tires look/sit on yours? I've had the steering lock on mine adjusted so on the 235s it works fine. When I put 33x12.5 last time it was turning fine too.

but just not sure if i should hold out for the 255 or get 265 but not as tall

********
edit:

sorry he just meant he could get me the BFG without the long wait!

**Summiitt** · 5th August 2015, 06:54 PM

I'm running 265/75/16 mickey Ts,ATZ p3 on blindo rims on my 130, for me, they are spot on size and a great all round tyre, I've had 235/85/16 BFG muddies on the other 130 with terrible results, now trying general grabbers, the other ute is running standard 750/16 michelins but they ain't ideal in soft country and heavy loads.

**deesse** · 5th August 2015, 07:41 PM

I've got 265/75 BFG All Terrains on ZU's, on my 130, were on when I bought it. They look quite ok to me. Make sure you let everybody know how you get on re balancing & lock. I've had four 130's now & this is the worst. Yep, I've adjusted the locks as far as poss.