Tyre tips for current model Defender

[chops110]

Left the desert at the end of last year and have spent 6 months back in Tassie, on the west coast. I've learnt that I definitely need a set of muddies to replace the standard 235/85R16 General Grabbers!:D

Soooo...after some research I hope to fit 255/85R16 (ie 33in) BFG muddies (the new gen ones that seem to be reviewing well), either on the current factory alloys or maybe on some second hand disco rims (16" x 7" wide I think).

My question is, will they fit? I don't plan a lift any time soon and there doesn't seem to be much clearance from the standard tyre/rim to the inner guard. But 255 is only 20mm wider. And 33 is only an inch or so bigger...so I'm hopeful.

I'd love to hear from someone who's done this....

...and my apologies for starting yet another tyre thread!:wasntme:

[VladTepes]

Should fit fine.


there doesn't seem to be much clearance from the standard tyre/rim to the inner guard.

Really :confused:

[KarlB]

Legally, the tyres must not be more than 15 mm in diameter than the standard tyres. If they are greater, then technically your vehicle is unroadworthy. This would have significant implications for insurance (even if you have advised your insurance company that you have fitted the tyres) as you are required to keep your vehicle in a road worthy condition. It may also have significant implication if you are involved in an MVA.

Cheers
KarlB

[n plus one]

Left the desert at the end of last year and have spent 6 months back in Tassie, on the west coast. I've learnt that I definitely need a set of muddies to replace the standard 235/85R16 General Grabbers!:D

Soooo...after some research I hope to fit 255/85R16 (ie 33in) BFG muddies (the new gen ones that seem to be reviewing well), either on the current factory alloys or maybe on some second hand disco rims (16" x 7" wide I think).

My question is, will they fit? I don't plan a lift any time soon and there doesn't seem to be much clearance from the standard tyre/rim to the inner guard. But 255 is only 20mm wider. And 33 is only an inch or so bigger...so I'm hopeful.

I'd love to hear from someone who's done this....

...and my apologies for starting yet another tyre thread!:wasntme:

If you decide to go slightly smaller I can highly recommend the new Kevlar MTR Wranglers in a 265/75/16.

I thought about going the 33s but settled on 32.5s for legality reasons...

[chops110]

I wasn't aware of the 15mm rule. I guess that makes all the big trucks out there with their 35's technically unroadworthy...not a well known fact perhaps?:(

What size rim did you put the 265/75/16s on? Would the standard LR Boost alloys be wide enough for a 265 tyre and would it foul the inner guard on full lock (and as we know, we need every fraction of a turn of lock there is on a narrow track!):D

[spudboy]

The standard Defender alloys will fit 265/75s no worries. No fouling at full lock on my 90. Would expect same on 110.

[sashadidi]

I have 235.85.by 16 pirelli scorpion mud tyres on the standard alloys on my Puma 110
very lttle clearence at the back bwtween the tyres and the suspension tower
I put some heavy duty chains there and there was no gap as such maybe one mm gap, I could not fit any larger tyres on the back!!!. I think stnard wheels will give you better gap but not on the alloys
excellent tyres by the way

[scott oz]

Legally, the tyres must not be more than 15 mm in diameter than the standard tyres. If they are greater, then technically your vehicle is unroadworthy. This would have significant implications for insurance (even if you have advised your insurance company that you have fitted the tyres) as you are required to keep your vehicle in a road worthy condition. It may also have significant implication if you are involved in an MVA.

Cheers
KarlB

It's up to insurers to prove that a vehicle is un-roadworthy in given circumstances not the licensing rules. Consider towing weight rules between states and what LR say a defender is able to tow.

In any event you wouldn't wish to be arguing the point with an insurer but by disclosing you have a better chance.

Just my thoughts.

[frantic]

Each state has different rules , In nsw as far as i know it is legal to put 255/85 r16 as there are different rules for 4x4's, commercials and cars.

I have a set of 255/85 r16 maxi bighorns on my 02def td5 with the alloys and original (read a bit sagging) suspension+ a(landrover by arb) bullbar and they dont scub or touch and have enough clearance and the def drives very well still. Saying that am looking at doing a 2in lift new suspension for a bit more margin:)

[KarlB]

It's up to insurers to prove that a vehicle is un-roadworthy in given circumstances not the licensing rules.

I think you will find that it is the legal processes through the Courts which would determine if a vehicle is road-worthy or not. An insurance company would have little option other than to accept the view of the court. That said, however, the insurance company lawyers would certainly be involved in presenting argument for consideration by the court. Both sides would be trying to minimise costs to their businesses and if either or both can point to you and convince the court that you knowingly made your vehicle unroad-worthy, you are done like a dinner.

I know lots of people put over-size tyres on their vehicles, and get away with it, but they are braver than me.

Cheers
KarlB

[n plus one]

I wasn't aware of the 15mm rule. I guess that makes all the big trucks out there with their 35's technically unroadworthy...not a well known fact perhaps?:(

What size rim did you put the 265/75/16s on? Would the standard LR Boost alloys be wide enough for a 265 tyre and would it foul the inner guard on full lock (and as we know, we need every fraction of a turn of lock there is on a narrow track!):D

My 265s are fitted to the standard boost alloys on my 110. No scrubbing on standard suspension - haven't fitted mud/snow chains to them yet though.

[weeds]

i run 235/85/16 BFG MT and have two KM2 as spares

i would have 255/85/16 in a flash but worried how the tdi will go pushing them

[sashadidi]

I have 235.85.by 16 pirelli scorpion mud tyres on the standard alloys on my Puma 110
very lttle clearence at the back bwtween the tyres and the suspension tower
I put some heavy duty chains there and there was no gap as such maybe one mm gap, I could not fit any larger tyres on the back!!!. I think stnard wheels will give you better gap but not on the alloys
excellent tyres by the way
I can post a photo with the chains if you want

[KarlB]

Would be good to see the photos Sashadidi. As you have done, it is my intention to replace my General Grabbers with 'standard' size tyres but with a mud pattern tread. The Pirelli Scorpion Muds are one of several that I am considering.

Cheers
KarlB

[Naks]

Replaced the OEM stuff with 265/75 BFG AT's - IMHO the optimum tyre for the Defender. Also had them on my previous Td5 (110).

[chops110]

Thanks sashadidi, a pic would be good to see....

[sashadidi]

Thanks sashadidi, a pic would be good to see....

I will do tonight if I can

[sashadidi]

photos of Pirelli mud scorpion 235.85 r 16s with chains on rear of Puma 110 csw with LR alloy wheels