Thread: 7.5x16 tyres on wolf rims vs 235/85

Originally Posted by Nigel B

hello all,

I have a 2006 defender 110 with original boost alloys and running 235/85 BFG K02 tyres, which have been great but will need replacing soon. I have a new set of tubeless wolf steel rims and am considering switching to 7.5x16 tyres (maybe Dunlop SP road gripper?) to be interchangeable with our trailer and Series 3 88”. I think the military used this size on Perenties so must be basically ok, but wondering if anyone has had any direct experience of a comparison between the two? I have read through various passionate threads on tyres – but would be very interested in knowing about specific differences in on and off-road handling in a defender.

many thanks

When I was looking for tyres I went with 235/85 as there weren’t many good options in 7.5. They aren’t as plentiful as they used to be, and unless you can get them for really cheap I think it’s a waste of money. You can get much better options in the metric equivalent now e.g. bfg, maxxis, Goodyear and many more. Dunlops are crap compared to all those other options in my opinion. Do a quick search, I can’t find anyone actually liking dunlops, and I’m pretty sure cruiser take offs are now 225/95?? So the 7.5r16 is even harder to get cheap now. Someone might know more about that than me though.

Wouldn’t get too hung up on it though - 235/85, 265/75, 7.5r16 are all going to be very similar.

I have GOODYEAR WRANGLER 7.50 x 16 on a 200 tdi. When you drive you are aware of the type of thread (block type) but I like them. They do not aquaplane in wet like a wider tyre. I have Michelin Latitude Cross 235/85/16 on two 2.4 Pumas and they are a wonderful tyre to drive on especially on long journeys. I have not tried the 7.50 Wranglers on the Puma but I do not think they would be as quiet and pleasant on a long journey. However the Wrangler would be my choice of tyre if I was going Aussie outback and not just cruising as the Puma does so well.
I had GENERAL SAG 7.50x16 on the tdi before the WRANGLERS but would not use them again. They were not good in the wet and not as good as the WRANGLERS off road.
Both the 7.50 x 16 tyres mentioned above are tubed.
There is the GOODYEAR 7.50 X 16 G90 which from what I have heard wears attrociously quickly on the road. A farmer bought a Puma 110 pick up that came shod with these and he was amazed how quickly the thread disappeared. Might not be a huge issue in the outback.

On and off-road handling in a defender will be determined by other more important factors than the very small difference in size between 235/85/16 and 7.50R16.

I generally say to customers with the Defender TDCi (puma, 2007 - 2016) that its the quietest nicest Defender to drive on the road so fitting a all terrain tyre over a mud terrain or any tyre that has a older or aggressive tread is a better option.

I have fitted to many a Defender model, both the:
Bridgestone 697 - 235/85R16
Yokohamma GEO15 - 235/85R16
or the above tyres in a 265/75R16

Originally Posted by DazzaTD5

I generally say to customers with the Defender TDCi (puma, 2007 - 2016) that its the quietest nicest Defender to drive on the road so fitting a all terrain tyre over a mud terrain or any tyre that has a older or aggressive tread is a better option.

I have fitted to many a Defender model, both the:
Bridgestone 697 - 235/85R16
Yokohamma GEO15 - 235/85R16
or the above tyres in a 265/75R16

I think muddies have really come a long way for NVH. As a very long time GoodYear MTR user, I'm am just so incredibly impressed with how good, quiet, smooth and comfortable the current BFGoodrich Mud Terrain is to drive!

Thanks very much for your replies!

I see BFG make M/T KM3 in 7.5x16... so I guess that's an option
but probably will stick with K02 235/85/R16 as they have been great!

N

Originally Posted by Nigel B

Thanks very much for your replies!

I see BFG make M/T KM3 in 7.5x16... so I guess that's an option
but probably will stick with K02 235/85/R16 as they have been great!

N

I've got the KM3 in 265/75-16 on 8"zu rims on the 130. For a mud tyre they are pretty quiet even worn down to about 40%.

Regards,
Tote

Originally Posted by Nigel B

hello all,

I have a 2006 defender 110 with original boost alloys and running 235/85 BFG K02 tyres, which have been great but will need replacing soon. I have a new set of tubeless wolf steel rims and am considering switching to 7.5x16 tyres (maybe Dunlop SP road gripper?) to be interchangeable with our trailer and Series 3 88”. I think the military used this size on Perenties so must be basically ok, but wondering if anyone has had any direct experience of a comparison between the two? I have read through various passionate threads on tyres – but would be very interested in knowing about specific differences in on and off-road handling in a defender.

many thanks

The Boost alloys have the safety beading inside, I have had to run my tyres down at less that 12psi to get out of soft sand a few times and have not had any problems.
Would never have done that (well twice ) with the rims I had on my hilux in the early 90's.

I run the Bridgestone D697 225/95R16. Noice on the road and great on the sand. Gives 10 - 15mm lift over the standard .

Cheers Glen