235/85R16 vs 255/85R16

[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?

[steveG]

Are the dollars you're going to lose on the 235's plus the extra you will pay for the 255's worth the 1.5" diameter? Would you actually notice the difference?

Depending on how close your trip is, just be careful about availability of the 255's. You could end up with NO new tyres if you've already sold the others.

Steve

[slug_burner]

on straight arithmetic terms it is about 17mm difference in clearance and 20mm extra width.

Stick with what you have just purchased if nothing else it will same you the stuffing around selling these and buying replacements. Lots of brands make that size so will be easier to replace in isolated places whereas 255x85 is not made by as manty manufacturers. After a trip around Aus you will have forgotten about the 255 difference.

[DeeJay]

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?


Your not alone, so I can't decide what to tell you...:(

But, once you use the 235's there goes the resale value..

[Benny_IIA]

Depends how deep your pockets are..


but 255s are the best size tyres for a defender i reckon.

[isuzu110]

I have a set of both and prefer the 255's for touring as they seem to lower the revs just that little bit and the speedo is correct.

[Nero]

You have MT's for touring? Interesting, as other have said 235's readily available just about everywhere.

[isuzu110]

You have MT's for touring? Interesting, as other have said 235's readily available just about everywhere.

Sorry, I'm referring to the size (have both 235 and 255) not the pattern

[land864]

Ranga

I think you should fit the 235 85's , run them for a month , then swap to 255 85's and then sell the 235 85's to someone in Melbourne for 1/2 what you paid :D
I could help you with that ;)

[weeds]

vlad will buy your 235/85/16 off you.............

doing the big lap, i would go 235/85/16's

out of interest how many kilometers to do the big lap, you will probably need a new set of tyres by the time your return esp. if you are doing a lot of k's on gibber rock all weather roads

[VladTepes]

vlad will buy your 235/85/16 off you.............


I would too.

[Camper]

Would you expect a noticable difference in the spedo reading? My spedo is out ~+10k/h.

[rick130]

Would you expect a noticable difference in the spedo reading? My spedo is out ~+10k/h.

255/85's pretty much correct your speedo.

Mine was 7-8km/h out @ 100km/h with 235/85-16's.
New 255/85's correct it so that the speedo would be damned near 100km/h @ 100km/h actual road speed according to the GPS I borrowed.

[Camper]

Could I also expect a reduction in the RPM at the same speed with the 255/85 oposed to the 235/85's?

[rick130]

Could I also expect a reduction in the RPM at the same speed with the 255/85 oposed to the 235/85's?

If it's corrected the speedo by 8% I'd reckon so ;)

A 255/85, depending on brand is around 33.3" in diameter, vs a 235/85 @ 31.8" or so.

On the open road the taller gearing is better IMO, but firsts a bugger, particularly when towing.

[Camper]

In what way is it a bugger? I have a clutch issue at present, going to be fixed very soon I hope!!!!!!!

[rick130]

Fitting a 255/85 is a larger diameter tyre so you've effectively raised your gearing by 8% or so.

With a Tdi when towing you either need to start in low range second gear and shift into high range when you need another gear (high second) or slip your clutch a hell of a lot more on starting.

[harro]

255/85's pretty much correct your speedo.

Mine was 7-8km/h out @ 100km/h with 235/85-16's.
New 255/85's correct it so that the speedo would be damned near 100km/h @ 100km/h actual road speed according to the GPS I borrowed.

Am I reading this right?
So on my td5 02 Xtreme, the factory fitted 235/85/16 tyres give me an incorrect
speedo reading but 255/85's will make it read correctly or is this only for TDi's?

Cheers,
Paul.

[weeds]

Am I reading this right?
So on my td5 02 Xtreme, the factory fitted 235/85/16 tyres give me an incorrect
speedo reading but 255/85's will make it read correctly or is this only for TDi's?

Cheers,
Paul.

all speedo's are inaccurate to some degree, i think its and ARD thing. Nearly all cars i have driven with a GPS the speedo can be out as much as 5kms @100km/h

i reckon your td5 will be much the same as the tdi and nearly every other car on the road

OH..........and GO THE CATS

[harlie]

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

you're not alone in this respect.

255/85s are not legal. (someone should at least acknowledge it)

The speedo being inaccurate with the standard tyres is pretty normal these days, the ADRs state that a speedometer can vary by up to 10% from the cars true speed BUT it cannot read slower than the true speed. New VWs have a the ability to show ECU data on the nav screen including speed as sceen by the ECU – it’s spot on, and the instrument panel speedo is high by 6-8%.

[land864]

Hey Rang

Did I already ask;

1. Did you get them out of Tire Rack in the US?
2. What did you pay , landed in Aus?

Pete

[Ranga]

255/85s are not legal. (someone should at least acknowledge it)
You're correct there, but I can live with the small amount they infringe by. At least they stay inside the guards, which makes them less noticeable.

[Ranga]

Hey Rang

Did I already ask;

1. Did you get them out of Tire Rack in the US?
2. What did you pay , landed in Aus?

Pete

Yep, tirerack. They were just on $1500 landed, including wire transfer. Fourbys at Moorooka's price was $345 each, but they're unavailable apparently.

[land864]

You got 6 yes?

So they were $ 250 ea ?

[harlie]

I recently purchased from Tirerack. Website prices were about half (figure but in US$) compared to local for everything I checked. Then add about US$75/tyre for freight. I had them 8 days after the money left my account.

[JohnF]

I have a set of 235/85 R16 MT I am going to sell soon, as I need to put in a 4.11 ratio diff to use these on my TDI. they give me 32.7 inches I think. I run other tyres--forget the size at 31.7 inches. So consider if the diff ratio suits your tyres--or be prepared to change the ratios of both diffs to suit your tyres, if you have not already done so.

[Ranga]

You got 6 yes?

So they were $ 250 ea ?

Yep

[land864]

Harlie

Kind of roughly.

For 235 85 R16 BFG KM2 MT I was quoted $ 310 f&b by a local tyre dealer.

T'Rack/ US worked out to be $ 242 ea landed at my door.

So for a total of 4 ;

AUS f & b $ 1240

US , supply only ( $ 968 ) +$25 ? x 4 (f&b) $ 1068

As I had posted before , for the $ 172 saving I would keep the $ in Aus and support my local bloke ( subject to what John F wants for his 235 85 R16 KM2 Muds which are 31.7 inch:) )

[VladTepes]

I have a set of 235/85 R16 MT I am going to sell soon, as I need to put in a 4.11 ratio diff to use these on my TDI. they give me 32.7 inches I think. I run other tyres--forget the size at 31.7 inches. So consider if the diff ratio suits your tyres--or be prepared to change the ratios of both diffs to suit your tyres, if you have not already done so.

John I'm not sure what you mean. 235/85r16 are as near as damn it the same size as a 7.50R16 (Defender Tdi standard tyre fitment) so gearing should be fine.

Of couse if you have a Disco that's a different story.

PM me the details of the tyres I may be in the market (but no selling etc in the actual thread is allowed so please PM me).

[land864]

Hey Vladdy

Didn't you just get 6 new 235 85 R16 BFG KM2 MT's :eek:

[VladTepes]

Hey Vladdy

Didn't you just get 6 new 235 85 R16 BFG KM2 MT's :eek:

No.

I might have done if my MATES had looked after me..... :lol:

[Iain_B]

Just fitted my "off road" tyres getting ready for my Cape York trip - BFG 255/85-16 MT's, and will see what the differences are over the Continental Crosstrack 235/85-16 ( the "on road" tyres). The speedo has gone from being around 3-4km under at 100kph, to around 3-4km over. I'll calibrate it properly tomorrow on the way.

First impressions are that they are noise than the Continentals, and the definatley give the impression of being higher off the ground, but in reality, they are only 25mm higher. ( by measuring the height to the top of the roof rack before and after ( 2.18m vs 2.155m)

I'd just swapped the tyres and was checking the air pressure at the garage when a highway patrol officer started chatting to me about the Defender, he even liked the black wheels and tyres - even though they may be a little bigger than they should :angel:

[Ranga]

The speedo has gone from being around 3-4km under at 100kph, to around 3-4km over. I'll calibrate it properly tomorrow on the way.



How do you do that?

[Iain_B]

I have a Scangauge II that give a digital readout- I can adjust the setting so that it matches the GPS.

[Ranga]

Well, after virtually deciding on 255/85R16, I'm now considering going back to 235/85R16. :bangin:

The only reason being that I will be carrying a bit of weight (probably up to 500kg), and towing a small van. It feels OK now on the 255, but thats with the van empty, and the canopy mostly empty. This weight will increase.

So, unless I can be convinced the 255s will be fine, particularly on gearing, I'll be going back to 235s, at least until I return from my big lap and won't be towing the van often. Even might go to ATs for better traction on the black stuff!

[tuffrangie]

Well, after virtually deciding on 255/85R16, I'm now considering going back to 235/85R16. :bangin:

The only reason being that I will be carrying a bit of weight (probably up to 500kg), and towing a small van. It feels OK now on the 255, but thats with the van empty, and the canopy mostly empty. This weight will increase.

So, unless I can be convinced the 255s will be fine, particularly on gearing, I'll be going back to 235s, at least until I return from my big lap and won't be towing the van often. Even might go to ATs for better traction on the black stuff!

265/75's seem to work well on my Puma. Although on the next set I will go for 255/85 to get the slight increase in ground clearance. Swaps? :)

[rockyroad]

I just picked up (2 days ago) a set of BFG mud terrains in 235/85/16 for $290 each. I just wanted to brag to somebody that knows what I am talking about and also how expensive these suckers are.

I went in wanting to go with Maxxis bighorns ($259) but they had none in stock and I only had one day off to get them. The Maxxis AT's to me looked more like HT's so whilst they were cheaper they just didnt interest me.

The catch to all this is that (a) I know the guy at the tyre shop and (b) they are the original MT design that was recently replaced by the new KM2 design. They may have been sitting in the shed for 12 months but that is not a bad thing and the new KM2's were selling for $360.

As for the argument about tyre size, for me it comes down to 235/85/16 are more readily available and come in more solid construction types. They also fit my standard steel defender rims better.

The fitting of these tyres now has my speedo matching the GPS for vehicle speed which was previously 10km/h difference at 100km/h.

[TonyC]

I just picked up (2 days ago) a set of BFG mud terrains in 235/85/16 for $290 each. I just wanted to brag to somebody that knows what I am talking about and also how expensive these suckers are.

I went in wanting to go with Maxxis bighorns ($259) but they had none in stock and I only had one day off to get them. The Maxxis AT's to me looked more like HT's so whilst they were cheaper they just didnt interest me.

The catch to all this is that (a) I know the guy at the tyre shop and (b) they are the original MT design that was recently replaced by the new KM2 design. They may have been sitting in the shed for 12 months but that is not a bad thing and the new KM2's were selling for $360.


I think they may be more than 12 months old, what is the date code on the tyre?


As for the argument about tyre size, for me it comes down to 235/85/16 are more readily available and come in more solid construction types. They also fit my standard steel defender rims better.


Yes the 235 is a much easier size to find, but how do you figure it's a more solid construction? And neither are a legal fit on a 110 5.5 inch rim and both are legal on a 6.5 inch 130 rim.


The fitting of these tyres now has my speedo matching the GPS for vehicle speed which was previously 10km/h difference at 100km/h.

[Blknight.aus]

stop panicing, your pumps got plenty left in it yet.

leave the bigger rubber on, drop by and we'll just compensate for the gearing loss.

:)

or

put the other rubber on and I can wrap and shelve the other tyres for you and you can keep them as play rubber if you can get a spare set of rims for them

if we do that you could also rack the play rubber onto the trailer take them with you and change them as you need to...

but that effects fuel economy, it might be cheaper to freight the tyres forwards to where you need them...

of course then they may not be there if you need them, what if you put the wider rubber on the trailer, the smaller rubber on the landy carry 2 spares set up and the alternate set of rubber as spare carcasses...

Im not so sure,,,

[rick130]

Mate, I've been running the 255/85's for years now.
My 130's a work truck, usually tares at around the 3000kg mark and gearing isn't an issue, even with a 300Tdi (which need low second when starting off towing, even with 235/85's)

[flagg]

I've towed many tonnes around with 255km/2s without any problems.

[Ranga]

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.

[VladTepes]

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

[Loubrey]

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.

[Ranga]

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

Maybe - wanna swap? :p

[Beckford]

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.

[flagg]

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?

[Psimpson7]

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.

[PAT303]

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

[uninformed]

you guys running 255's and towing either #1 have some serious grunt under the bonnet, #2 dont tow much weight at all, or #3 never drive on anything but level ground and hwy stuff.....

IMO of course

[Loubrey]

I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I have to agree with flagg. My Puma now has 16,000 km on it and the General Grabbers look like new! The only reason I’ve not changed them for my preferred 265/75/16 KM2’s is that I’m struggling to justify the expense! I’ve been around in the Pilbara on the red rock and the dunes at Lancelin and almost everything in between (except deep mud, I must admit) and they’ve not let me down once. Not a mark on them and just about all the tread left!
Still looking to buy the muddies, but I honestly can’t badmouth the original Grabbers for what they are!

[Tombie]

you guys running 255's and towing either #1 have some serious grunt under the bonnet, #2 dont tow much weight at all, or #3 never drive on anything but level ground and hwy stuff.....

IMO of course

Please explain.... :)

How can a tyre size increase of 3.8% kill that much power? :)

Running a 265-75-16 places more rolling resistance on the driveline.

If a defender is struggling to tow etc on 255s it's in need of a mechanical check up.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Beckford]

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

Sorry, I should have been more specific. The General Grabbers cake up with mud / clay and become slicks. The tread has no gaps in it around the perimeter. Why is this?

They will probably last 80,000km, so my plan is to put them on a second set of rims as they are great for highway driving and towing.

Beckford.

[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

[DEFENDERZOOK]

general grabbers.......i threw out my first set at 80,000kms......only because i scored a new set.......
they would have done another 20,000kms.....and thats without rotating the spare in......and pretty much driving like on a racetrack.........
the traction control would even kick in on corners and roundabouts.......so that means lots of abuse and minimal wear......

they got me through all sorts of terrain where others went with muddies and all terrains.....they did struggle in mud......and had to be aired down to 12psi.....but they still got me through.......



as for sizes......i was told that the correct tyre size for a defender is 255 85 R16.....
BUT.....they come out from the factory with 235 85 R16.......which makes the speedo read more than you are actually doing.....so you can blame land rover if you get done for speeding i guess......

i am currently running 33 12.5 R15 on my 03 fender.......and havent had any problems.....it has corrected my speedo.....so i know what speed im doing......
and its the difference in take off is not noticeable........
i do have a mild chip though......but even chipped.....the defenders struggle on take off with the factory tyres..........
i think first gear should be slightly lower......ive always had to slip the clutch more than i like taking off up hill.....especially when towing......
but once moving......theres no stopping......it drives just fine......

[flagg]

you guys running 255's and towing either #1 have some serious grunt under the bonnet, #2 dont tow much weight at all, or #3 never drive on anything but level ground and hwy stuff.....

IMO of course

Isuzu* :cool:


Sorry, I should have been more specific. The General Grabbers cake up with mud / clay and become slicks. The tread has no gaps in it around the perimeter. Why is this?

They will probably last 80,000km, so my plan is to put them on a second set of rims as they are great for highway driving and towing.

Beckford.

Ah fair enough - that is their only weakness really.


* and I'm not afraid to drop it to low range on the big hills.

[NOZ]

you guys running 255's and towing either #1 have some serious grunt under the bonnet, #2 dont tow much weight at all, or #3 never drive on anything but level ground and hwy stuff.....

IMO of course

I have 255/85 on my Puma, we tow a Jayco Swan outback loaded to service 4 children, whilst the Defender carries the 5 of us and a Waeco, I reckon thats a fair load to haul.


Power/torque has not been an issue for me....

[uninformed]

Please explain.... :)

How can a tyre size increase of 3.8% kill that much power? :)

Running a 265-75-16 places more rolling resistance on the driveline.

If a defender is struggling to tow etc on 255s it's in need of a mechanical check up.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

3.8% of nothing is still nothing...10 years of towing a 1.8tonne dual axle behind a very light 110 C/C with a stock 300tdi, then modded and now a 2.8tgv tells me better. Yes it will do it but if you consider safety as being being able to move with taffic, merge, climb rises, let alone hills all within reason of todays speeds and ontop of that consider egts and engine temps in summer..............

[uninformed]

I have 255/85 on my Puma, we tow a Jayco Swan outback loaded to service 4 children, whilst the Defender carries the 5 of us and a Waeco, I reckon thats a fair load to haul.


Power/torque has not been an issue for me....

I have no experince with a puma engine. Im guessing the low first gear and electronic engine management play a part in this. The other things is 2 different people have 2 different ideas of doing a filling a job requirement.

[popemobile]

you guys running 255's and towing either #1 have some serious grunt under the bonnet, #2 dont tow much weight at all, or #3 never drive on anything but level ground and hwy stuff.....

IMO of course


??? I ran 255/85 KM2s for a while and towed quite a bit. Im running a stock 300tdi with a pyro and the High fuel cranked to achieve a max turbo temp of 650 C and Im no rocket ship but I dont have probems achieving any legal speed in a reasonable time/distance and Ive surprised a few people maintaining 100km hr on hills they couldnt.

Im now on 255/100 16s (36inch) but with custom diffs so thats a DIFFerent story :)

[Allan]

Just ordered 255/85 for the SVX, told this is the way to go. not cheap at $395 each but what to do. Hope all is well or the other half will probably put out a contract on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allan

[Ranga]

Just ordered 255/85 for the SVX, told this is the way to go. not cheap at $395 each but what to do. Hope all is well or the other half will probably put out a contract on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allan

ouch!

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp'tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Mud-Terrain+T%2FA+KM2&partnum=585QR6KM2RWLV2&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes)

[Benz]

ouch!

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp'tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Mud-Terrain+T%2FA+KM2&partnum=585QR6KM2RWLV2&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes)

+ freight from usa? + have to pay someone to fit them?

[Allan]

So what is a good price in Australia fitted and balanced. I paid far more for Toyo's 2 years ago I doubt BFG's would be much cheaper.

Allan

[lebanon]

Hi,

here are the differences according to the tire calculator.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/09/1087.jpg

regards

[Loubrey]

The red numbers punched out with the calculator comes with a warning to contact your manufacturer as it may void your waranty... Like I said before, I contacted LRA on their technical e-mail service and the reply was clear. Fit 255's and you automatically void any waranty on the drive line.:mad:

Believe me, I would prefer to fit them to my Puma as well, but with a year and a half of waranty left I just can't justify the risk.

[Allan]

The red numbers punched out with the calculator comes with a warning to contact your manufacturer as it may void your waranty... Like I said before, I contacted LRA on their technical e-mail service and the reply was clear. Fit 255's and you automatically void any waranty on the drive line.:mad:

Believe me, I would prefer to fit them to my Puma as well, but with a year and a half of waranty left I just can't justify the risk.

Thanks for the heads up re Land Rover's position but next month its warranty over, the time to play has come. Exhaust next then performance upgrade, no more EGR, and Ashcroft upgrade.

Allan

[ScottW]

So what is a good price in Australia fitted and balanced. I paid far more for Toyo's 2 years ago I doubt BFG's would be much cheaper.

Allan
12 Months ago, I rang EVERYONE on the coast and the best price I got was $325 fitted and balanced for KM2's.

I ended up getting bighorns for $285 each and they are at around 80% tread after a year and 20 thousand k's.

Not too sure how much the prices would have changed in a year though. Our $$ was a fair bit lower back then.

[Ranga]

+ freight from usa? + have to pay someone to fit them?

freight was $412 for 4 tyres, fitting is $10 each.

All up, ~$1300 including wire transfer payment, shipping and fitting for 4 255/85R16 BFG MTs

Best quote I could find here was $380 each, and was told I'd be waiting a while for supply.

[Allan]

freight was $412 for 4 tyres, fitting is $10 each.

All up, ~$1300 including wire transfer payment, shipping and fitting for 4 255/85R16 BFG MTs

Best quote I could find here was $380 each, and was told I'd be waiting a while for supply.

I have to wait till the end of the month for mine. I just can't be botherered at the moment with importing, fraight ect. Far to much else going on in my life. I know its a big saving and your advice is very welcome but for me re tyres its all to hard. What I do look forward to is the change it will make to my vehicle. At times cost is not the main concern . Again thanks. Hay Ranga is Redcliffe still as good to fish as it was 30 years ago when I lived there.

Allan

[Ranga]

Hay Ranga is Redcliffe still as good to fish as it was 30 years ago when I lived there.

Allan

Unfortunately not :( Hard to even bring home a feed these days.

[VladTepes]

Good place to catch some 255's though. Thanks Ranga they look pretty good on the car eh !

[Ranga]

Good place to catch some 255's though. Thanks Ranga they look pretty good on the car eh !

Certainly do - I'll be swapping back to them after I've finished with the 235s for my big lap ;)

[ant_schomacker]

Hi guys, I'm currently looking at replacing the tyres on my Puma and am looking at the 255/85s. How do these fit without any lift etc, do they rub anywhere? Also does anyone have any opinions on the KM2s??

Thanks Ant

[Loubrey]

Ant,

KM2's are beyond doubt the quietest and hardest wearing mud tyre on the market. They handle road and gravel like AT’s and mud and rock is sorted with ease.

This is an often discussed topic and there are many, many threads that will get linked during the discussion!

Bottom line is that the 255/85/16 is a great tyre for looks, handling and extra diff clearance. My first choice if my car was out of warranty.

Which brings me to the problem with them; LRA will not honour warranty on the drive line if you have them fitted. If your Puma is in warranty the 265/75/16 or 235/85/16 would be a much better option as they are both (the only) LRA approved sizes.

I have the 265/75/16's fitted and you can see my Stornoway Grey 90 on the "Show us you Deefers" section to see what they look like.

[jimb]

The fitting of these tyres now has my speedo matching the GPS for vehicle speed which was previously 10km/h difference at 100km/h.[/QUOTE]

So it is always showing( 10kph ) faster on the dial than reality. It is not allowed to show slower.

So the GPS says 90-95kph and the dial is saying EG: 100-105kph.

Correct?

[rick130]

The fitting of these tyres now has my speedo matching the GPS for vehicle speed which was previously 10km/h difference at 100km/h.

So it is always showing( 10kph ) faster on the dial than reality. It is not allowed to show slower.

So the GPS says 90-95kph and the dial is saying EG: 100-105kph.

Correct?[/QUOTE]

Pretty much it for a Defender from a 200Tdi on when going from 7.50/16's or 235/85's to 255/85's.

[Babs]

285/75/16 have a 32.8" Diameter which is only an inch higher over standard but slightly wider at 11.2 (not sure if that fits on the standard rim).
Either way something to think about. :)

[rick130]

285/75/16 have a 32.8" Diameter which is only an inch higher over standard but slightly wider at 11.2 (not sure if that fits on the standard rim).
Either way something to think about. :)

Yep, but with the extra width they may rub, depending on the wheel offset and you need an 8" rim (legally, although I know of a few people that have squeezed them onto 7" rims)

255/85 is slightly taller than a 285/75 (most around 33.3"/new) and can legally be mounted on a 6.5" rim, so LR HD (Wolf) rims can be used.

[2stroke]

When I bought mine the tyre dealer wouldn't fit them on my 6.5" rims as the Maxxix cattledog said 7.5 to 8.5 of something and I had to buy 8s. I think a 7 would have been better though.

[rick130]

When I bought mine the tyre dealer wouldn't fit them on my 6.5" rims as the Maxxix cattledog said 7.5 to 8.5 of something and I had to buy 8s. I think a 7 would have been better though.

It's a typo, there's no way a 255 would be 100% safe on an 8" rim and you'd have the devil of a job blowing it out and getting it seated onto the bead.

Everyone else's 255/85 fitting charts use 6.5-7.5" rims with 7" being the measuring rim. I ran two sets of BFG's in that size before the 762's.

I think I mentioned it to my tyre bloke who told TyreMax but they were too dumb to do anything in their new catalogues.

[uninformed]

I once saw a 235/40 fitted to a 254mm rim.....the owner said they handle better this way :eek: something tells me he was probably running 20 degrees of camber

[2stroke]

It's a typo, there's no way a 255 would be 100% safe on an 8" rim and you'd have the devil of a job blowing it out and getting it seated onto the bead.

Everyone else's 255/85 fitting charts use 6.5-7.5" rims with 7" being the measuring rim. I ran two sets of BFG's in that size before the 762's.

I think I mentioned it to my tyre bloke who told TyreMax but they were too dumb to do anything in their new catalogues.
That sounds about right, have gotten mud in the bead causing a slow leak as well. I'm tempted to put them on my 6.5s but I only have 5 rims for 6 tyres. Also the 6.5s are tube type (never caused me any problems before till I actually used them with tubes).https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/10/231.jpg

[rick130]

That sounds about right, have gotten mud in the bead causing a slow leak as well. I'm tempted to put them on my 6.5s but I only have 5 rims for 6 tyres. Also the 6.5s are tube type (never caused me any problems before till I actually used them with tubes).https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/10/231.jpg

Hahaha, what's a tube ? :D

Dare I or anyone ever mention again running tubeless on a rim without the safety bead.....:angel:

[Benny_IIA]

It's a typo, there's no way a 255 would be 100% safe on an 8" rim and you'd have the devil of a job blowing it out and getting it seated onto the bead.

Everyone else's 255/85 fitting charts use 6.5-7.5" rims with 7" being the measuring rim. I ran two sets of BFG's in that size before the 762's.

I think I mentioned it to my tyre bloke who told TyreMax but they were too dumb to do anything in their new catalogues.


I ran 255 85 on 16x8 with out a problem. Did lots of off road road some times aired to 12-15 psi with out a problem.

I agree 7 would be better how ever I wanted the track increase from -25 offset which is not avaible in 7s unless you mod disco rims.

[quaddrive]

Tire Rack just advised they can no longer ship BF Goodrich to Australia!

[steveG]

Tire Rack just advised they can no longer ship BF Goodrich to Australia!

Thats a bugger.
Will have to buy 255/85's well in advance of needing them now I guess, or risk the usual "no stock and we cant tell you exactly when they'll be available" from local suppliers.

Steve

[schuy1]

Hahaha, what's a tube ? :D

Dare I or anyone ever mention again running tubeless on a rim without the safety bead.....:angel:

Tube? What Tube?:twisted: Did the cape/Gulf trip twice in the 11A SWB Softtop in the '90s with 7.50 16 BFG AT's on the standard rims and not not a tube in sight!!
Never 1 bit of problem . not even a flat in the whole trip of 5000+ MILES!!!:p

[rick130]

Tube? What Tube?:twisted: Did the cape/Gulf trip twice in the 11A SWB Softtop in the '90s with 7.50 16 BFG AT's on the standard rims and not not a tube in sight!!
Never 1 bit of problem . not even a flat in the whole trip of 5000+ MILES!!!:p

Haven't run them for 8 years or so on non safety beaded rims ;)

Plenty of us do it without issue, but you'll always get someone screaming we're all potential killers and our tyres will roll off the rim when we have a puncture.
Which funnily enough happens when you have a sudden deflation with a tube.

Rolled a tyre and tube off the rim @ 100km/h once on a corner. Luckily it was the unloaded front tyre tyre.
When i went to get it repaired my old tyre service bloke asked why on earth I was running tubes anyway, the bead is that bloody wide on the 6.5" rim and I'd been welding tubes to tyres and it was all just silly, so haven't run any since.

[schuy1]

yes, totally agree there and yes had same problems with tubed tyres over the years, but must say the deefer now has safety beaded rims so all is good :D

[Benz]

have asked a few tyre places about running tubeless on my tubed rims and they all seem a bit reluctant to do it for me so have never pushed it.

still undecided on which way to go

[Babs]

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.:confused:

[Babs]

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


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

[Tombie]

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

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

[grounded]

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

[KarlB]

Standard 235/85R16 Contis Cross on these vehicles and they perform beautifully: Land Rover Experience Tour - YouTube (http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=d956089f98483bc3ea1792a6d3f357bc&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defender2.net%2Fforum%2Ftopic 16717.html&v=1&libid=1354435460647&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Ffeature %3Dendscreen%26NR%3D1%26v%3DjOVavoh_KU8&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defender2.net%2Fforum%2Fgener al-vf1.html&title=Defender2%20-%20View%20topic%20-%20sorry%20if%20you've%20all%20seen%20this%20befor e...&txt=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Ffeature %3Dendscreen%26amp%3BNR%3D1%26amp%3Bv%3DjOVavoh_KU 8&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13544356907683).

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[browndogrider1]

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?

[browndogrider1]

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?

[browndogrider1]

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.

[Allan]

I did fit them, but these were on SVX rims, 7inch if I remember correctly. Jaco44 has some pictures up on members rides under the thread "this is our S.V.X." that will give you an idea, you could always contact him to see how they are going re wear. I did have to adjust the lock stops to negate rubbing but mainly on the SVX bash plate. I must admit it had a steering lock like a very large truck, but I soon got used to it.

Allan

[MTB]

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

I can confirm 265/75/16 fit without rubbing. I did move the 45L aux tank back a couple of mm - all good now, even at full articulation.
255 will rub if you run the 45L aux fuel tank, unless you do a lift.

Frank

[Loubrey]

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?

Yes, I can also confirm that they won't rub anywhere.

All 90's on sale in Africa from the dealers between 1990 and 1998 came standard with 265/75/16 BFG A/T. Possibly partly due to the BMW 328i engined versions for sale there needing a bit more rubber on the road!:D In 1999 the Td5 signaled a bit of a culture change and the 235/85/16 became the standard radial on all new Defenders.

My Puma has a set of 265/75/16 BFG KM2's on ZU alloys for play and the original 235/85/16 General Grabbers on the OEM alloys for touring.

The rolling diameter is within a couple of millimeters on a new set, hence LRA, LRSA,LRME, LRUK etc won't balk at the fact that you have them fitted.

Having said all that my last 90 in the UK (1998 300Tdi HT) had a set of the 255/85/16 BFG M/S on (with a 1.5 inch lift on HD springs) and it was absolutely unstoppable!

Cheers,

Lou

[camo29]

Hi all can i put 255/85/16 on wolf 6.5x16 rims with no lift on my 08 130 with out them rubbing on anything or should I stay with the 235/85/16. Camo

[TonyC]

Hi all can i put 255/85/16 on wolf 6.5x16 rims with no lift on my 08 130 with out them rubbing on anything or should I stay with the 235/85/16. Camo

Hi Camo,
I run 255s on the old 130 rims, which are the same dimensions as the Wolfs, on a 95 130 with no lift.

The only thing they rub on are the front radius arms at full lock.

You need to adjust the steering stops out to stop this. This makes the already poor turning circle even worse.

Tony

[landybehr]

just browsed through this old thread. I think the circumference figures that led to speedometer readings in Lebanon´s posting a few pages back are not the figures that count. They are too high.
The 255/85 BFG MT has had 2.576m of circumference (dynamic; which is with vehicle´s weight on the tyre - i.e. a realistic szenario).
For a 235/85 I remember 2.476m (but my memory has seen better days).

[camo29]

Hi Tony
Thanks, I'm thinking of putting BFG 255/85 on.

[whynot]

I too used to be indecisive, but now I just can't make up my mind...

Having previously had a problem(93 Defender) with not so readily available tyre sizes in basic remote locations, I would go with the most common size available (pardon my ignorance on sizes, it's a bit like the kids names - can't remember them either).
I would like to go wider & taller than the current 235/85 r16,but don't believe they will fit the current ORE rims, plus doubt the all round / remote availability.

will be watching post with interest...

cheers
Andrew

[landybehr]

I highly rate the "Toyo Open Country M/T" in 255/85-16 size.

Cannot compare against the BFG MT. On continent. Europe these two seem to be the only type of reasonable tyres you get in this size.
The Toyos are noisier than ATs for sure, but wife doesn´t complain. So it can´t be that bad. They perform very well on snow and ice (unless they are several years old and have hardend, but that is true for every else tyre, too). They loose about 1mm of rubber over 10000, if not less. We use them for the daily "runabout" aka 110" and my RRC.
The speedo is absolutely spot on. ´Might confess that it shows even 1km/h less than actual speed with the new Toyos and good air pressure.
I think the extra 1.5cm ground clearance gained is quite useful because it lifts the differentials over obstacles that were "ground to size" by Defenders with 235/85 driving in front of you .. :)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/01/766.jpg

[rick130]

I highly rate the "Toyo Open Country M/T" in 255/85-16 size.

Cannot compare against the BFG MT. On continent. Europe these two seem to be the only type of reasonable tyres you get in this size.
The Toyos are noisier than ATs for sure, but wife doesn´t complain. So it can´t be that bad. They perform very well on snow and ice (unless they are several years old and have hardend, but that is true for every else tyre, too). They loose about 1mm of rubber over 10000, if not less. We use them for the daily "runabout" aka 110" and my RRC.
The speedo is absolutely spot on. ´Might confess that it shows even 1km/h less than actual speed with the new Toyos and good air pressure.
I think the extra 1.5cm ground clearance gained is quite useful because it lifts the differentials over obstacles that were "ground to size" by Defenders with 235/85 driving in front of you .. :)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/01/766.jpg


Unfortunately we can't buy those here, unless via private import :(

[n plus one]

Unfortunately we can't buy those here, unless via private import :(

The Toyo MTs are probably the toughest radial MT around, shame they won't import them in 255/85r16.

I'm currently running the km2 in this size, which are working out well - went through the whole rarity issue then realised that the Internet makes you over think everything. Two spares plus a plug kit, plus radial patches plus two per tubes should keep me running!

But I might have to go to 35s just so I can run those Toyos!