110 tyre choice!

[tyne]

im not long in my (new) 94 defender and am looking at a new set of tyres probably a 50/50. i'd like to hear a few tips and recommendations.

[bcj]

what size?
myself I only use 7.50r16,
Michelin xzl's work best for me - not best choice for 'round town but

Brett

110 300tdi

[I Love My Landy!]

G'day Tyne,

I have been very happy with the 'Maxxis 751 Bravo Radial' tyres that I am using on my 110 V8. They have done almost 60,000km and have 7mm of tread left (started with 12 or 13mm from memory). The best bit is they only cost $152 fitted and balanced (in 31 x 10.5 R15 size). My father also uses them on his old Land Cruiser Troop Carrier, and they took him up to Cape York and back with no punctures or problems with lack of traction.

Edward :)

[flagg]

I can see in to the future.

There will be lost of conflicting views, an argument about fat Vs skinny, someone will say that non-standard sizes will void the warrantee of a PUMA - someone else will remind them that you don't have one so it doesn't matter. Someone will say that they have Coppers and think they are good, 10 000 other people will step in with horror stories. BFG's will get a good wrap. You will complain that you want AT's in 255/85.

tl'dr - Get BFG MT KM/2 in 255/85 if you like off road. Get some of the old OEM General Grabbers in 235/85 if you don't.

[cewilson]

I personally stick with the standard size - either a 7.50R16 or 235/85R16.


My suggestions are:


Normal AT - Bridgeston 604V in 7.50R16
Aggressive AT - Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
MT - BFG KM2

They go up in price respectively, but all of them are bloody good tyres for what they are designed to do.


Cheers
Chris

[Sue]

I've got Good Year Wrangler Muddy's on mine.. and have found them great.. road noise is a tiny bit high but not enough to bug me..

I have been stopped a couple of times by other Defender drivers asking what tyres they are as they liked the look..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/434.jpg

[Xtreme]

I've got Good Year Wrangler Muddy's on mine.. and have found them great.. road noise is a tiny bit high but not enough to bug me..

I have been stopped a couple of times by other Defender drivers asking what tyres they are as they liked the look..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/434.jpg

Not just the tyres ............................I really like the look of the whole car. Without a doubt, the best looking Landy I've seen...........and that's in over fifty years of being associated with Landys ;)

[Sue]

Not just the tyres ............................I really like the look of the whole car. Without a doubt, the best looking Landy I've seen...........and that's in over fifty years of being associated with Landys ;)

Wow.. thank you! :)

[ugu80]

Nice Sue. Very nice. :BigThumb:

Back to tyres, the only problem with 255/85s' is general availability e.g. from what I can find on websites, the BFG KM2 is the only 10 ply available in that size and the only other easily available tyre are Maxxis in 8 ply. However, if your planning a lot of touring it would be very difficult to source a 255/85 outside of capital cities should you need a replacement. Just something else to consider.

[weeds]

i will always stick with 235/85/16's

first set were BFG AT's
current set is BFG MT's

next set probably AT's

i have had a reasonable run out of the BFG's, will probably order the next set from the states;)

[tyne]

thanks everyone, looks like i have a few decisions to make.

[The Cone of Silence]

G'day Tyne,

I recently did a fair bit of research on this as I was replacing wheels too. After much discussion and some really helpful input from many of the members here, I decided on a set of 265/75/16 BFG ATs, which I'm extremely happy with in terms of both looks and performance.

Thread here http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/138845-wheels-tyres-puma.html

I hope it's useful!

Bobby

[Loubrey]

I can see in to the future.

There will be lost of conflicting views, an argument about fat Vs skinny, someone will say that non-standard sizes will void the warrantee of a PUMA - someone else will remind them that you don't have one so it doesn't matter. Someone will say that they have Coppers and think they are good, 10 000 other people will step in with horror stories. BFG's will get a good wrap. You will complain that you want AT's in 255/85.

tl'dr - Get BFG MT KM/2 in 255/85 if you like off road. Get some of the old OEM General Grabbers in 235/85 if you don't.

Touché! :D:D

If you’re prepared to spend the money – BFG in any size and pattern you like will give you the performance, traction and mileage to make it worth the spend...

[vnx205]

I spoke to several people that I saw had Maxxis 751 Bravos fitted before I bought mine. One of those people had bought them while working in the Kimberley and like everyone else he was more than satisfied with them.

I try to read most of the posts about tyres and I don't believe that I have seen one yet that had a bad word to say about the Maxxis.

I'm sure someone will direct my attention to it if there is one that I have missed. :D

I still think they are good value. I bought the normal 235/85x16 size.

[rar110]

I have good year silent armors in 235/85. Very happy with them. Qld Rail like them on their Toyotas for load bearing and puncture resistance qualities. They performed well for me on a trip which included dirt highways. They particularly impressed me in an emergent breaking situation. I do a bit of beach driving so would probably consider 265/75 if I could choose again.

[Sith]

I have 7.50x16 Michelin XZL x5 ... they pop up cheap as most want to update [ phallic symbol ] their ride ... I find them brilliant in most applications

[dromader driver]

mostly road, not much mud, some sand

750r16 Michelin XZA. Keep the bushes and alignment tight and they should do 90 000km plus

NO road noise.

[flagg]

My BFG Km2's are 255/85. Performed well on the highway, sand, mud, hard dirt, soft dirt, rivers and shopping centre car parks.

They were quiet pricy at $340ea - but for a quiet, 10 ply mud tyre that behaves really well on the road (10 000x better than my previous Cooper ATs - especially in the wet) I have done 20 000km on them and they look maybe 20% worn.. so I'll easily get 80k out of them before I choose to replace them early as I dont like wearing a tire all the way down to the legal marks.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/members-rides/27785d1281875675-hercules-isuzu-110-isuzu110_1.jpg

This is what they look like..

[FLINTSTONE]

Hi Tyne,

Availability was my main concern with selecting the right size after setting my sights on BFG MT's.

I originally wanted 255/85's BFG KM2's. Well this was about mid Nov last year when I went to order them and I tried a few locations in Sydney, all contacted said 4-6 weeks. (none in stock)
Well if I couldn't gett'em here in Sydney easy, what chance some where remote.

I went with 265/75's BFG KM2's knowing that they are readily available. It's piece of mind for me with the family in tow. It's just my thoughts.

When you do make a choice, call a couple of remote locations for yourself.
Hope this helps. (Remember Murphy's Law)

Flinty

[justinc]

I have just fitted some of these M55 (http://www.toyotires.com.au/_webapp_1176230/M55) in 235/85/16 and have a few customers with them, wearing very well and have had no chipping and other issues even on Gibb river rd and Tanami road etc . I expect 70 to 80K from them I was running 255/85/16 BFG MT, BUT started doing more heavy touring and towing the camper trailer and found them too high geared in hilly country with the CT attached. (4 spd box) I DID have a supply problem in 255 too, as I am running a Detroit locker in the rear it is important not to run different diameter tyres so that also helped me to drop back to a 235/85/16.

My BFG's got 70K and were still well legal, so IMO they are a great tyre. The Toyo although costly for a 235/85/16 is a good, quiet, 10 ply commercial strength tyre, so hopefully they stack up.

JC

[rick130]

I have just fitted some of these M55 (http://www.toyotires.com.au/_webapp_1176230/M55) in 235/85/16 and have a few customers with them, wearing very well and have had no chipping and other issues even on Gibb river rd and Tanami road etc .
[snip]

JC

The tyre of choice of a number of tour operators too, so I've been informed.

[isuzurover]

I have >80k km from a set of 5 255/85-16 Maxxis Bighorns. Very happy, they still stick to the road well. Have done the CSR, Gibb, 4x coast-coast, eetc etc...

2 punctures and one minor staking in that time but all repairable.

[rick130]

I have >80k km from a set of 5 255/85-16 Maxxis Bighorns. Very happy, they still stick to the road well. Have done the CSR, Gibb, 4x coast-coast, eetc etc...

2 punctures and one minor staking in that time but all repairable.

At this stage I'll go with Big Horns again when I need to replace mine in the next few months, they've performed as well as the old BFG MT's they replaced and part of the reason is that I like to support my local tyre bloke as he really looks after me.

[newhue]

XZL 7.5x16 on my puma will be lucky to give me 60K, and that's 6 of them. Rotated every 10K, balanced and 3 alignments over the past 40K. Pretty noisy I reckon. Happy with their capability wet and dry, but for $400 per tyre there is better value for money I think.

Maxxis for me next time.

[tonic]

You would proabably only go with my Kumho 265x75MT for fun as I have done but for good all round, my mates 130 has always had the Bridgstone 235/75MT. He gets 100+K's out of them and we have been all over with them. We work in quarries over rocks all day, great on the highway and our many shooting trips have put us in all manor of conditions. For my money a great all rounder. I dont use mine for work so went for a big fun tyre, they are very capable if you need them to be.

[dromader driver]

anyone got a recent price on the toyo m55 in 235 size??;)

[Nero]

anyone got a recent price on the toyo m55 in 235 size??;)
370 each I was told last when i was looking for me, we run them on heavily laden troopies in the Pilbra and they are the go IMO the same size BFG KM2 M/T's in the same situation simply fell apart in a very short time in comparison.

My 120 still has a fair bit more work needed before I need to really worry about tyres although this was simply over the counter at the local Toyo dealer in regional western australia. May be able to twist a few arms and get a better deal somewhere else.

Here's a link for an Australian supplier not association etc,

http://www.thewheeldeal.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=279_200_218&products_id=1828&osCsid=58c6d6ae66228f13cf175feb307ec0ba

[Out of Africa]

Interesting thread. Here's a question that I've been pondering - how noisy are Muds on the road? Have heard some people having spare Muds for off roading and ATs for road - expensive obviously. But is it necessary?

Being in Sydney its a long way to some of the better off road places so appreciate peoples thoughts

Rob

[chook73]

Interesting thread. Here's a question that I've been pondering - how noisy are Muds on the road? Have heard some people having spare Muds for off roading and ATs for road - expensive obviously. But is it necessary?

Being in Sydney its a long way to some of the better off road places so appreciate peoples thoughts

Rob

The noise Depends on what you are comparing them to, compaired to at's they are a bit noisy, compaired to the general noise of the defender they made no difference. I run MUDs in Sydney and also have a set of at's but I never have time to change them over so the at's are for sale as the MUDs have been great on road.

I wouldn't by the km2 again, they were an inch under quoted size and need at least 150g to balance which makes them more oval than round. I will be trying mtz next time.

[Josh_WA]

Two of my khumo road venture MT's wore out on the front due to a steering issue ( don't ask lol) anyway I replaced them with maxis bighorns. The bighorns are far better for me and cheaper :)

They are 33's on 15 inch rim.

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[Sue]

Interesting thread. Here's a question that I've been pondering - how noisy are Muds on the road? Have heard some people having spare Muds for off roading and ATs for road - expensive obviously. But is it necessary?

Being in Sydney its a long way to some of the better off road places so appreciate peoples thoughts

Rob

I leave the muds on all the time and I travel a fair distance to work (70 kms each way on tar) five days a week.. it's a little noisier than some other tyres but it's not noticeably noisy.. if that makes sense.. ??.. :)

[PAT303]

Sue,drop the pressures to 34psi and they will be quieter. Pat

[tyne]

I ended up going with the BFGoodrich km2 muds, the noise isnt really a problem as once im travelling faster than 80 i cant hear my passangers anyway, even before the purchase... (sometimes a good thing because i cant hear them complain about not having my a/c working in north QLD). But done over 2000k's on the new tyres on and off road and had water well over the bonnet and they got me home every time. Recommended:D

[Nero]

370 each

Been quoted more recently 330 each.

[Draco Australis]

Thought I'd add my 2 bob to this.

The tyres on my 110 are goodyear silent armors 235/85 r16, they have done just over 100,000 km and in that time have gone across aus through the middle about 4 times, done the cape once and numerous other offroad trips in there time. I'm only in the market for new tyres because these are getting old now and one has sprung a tiny leak somewhere. The side walls seem very strong. I'll look at getting either duratracs or mt/r based on the reliability of these tyres and as I'd like something with a bit more bite.

Definitely recommend them.

James.

[ugu80]

I'm in love. Near 10 000 kms now on Hankook MT 03's ($225 each, fitted and balanced 235/85/16 AAA tyres Guildford). Can't fault them. Tracks that left my old Maxxis MT with chunks missing everywhere leave the Hankooks with barely a mark. I keep getting home and inspecting for damage and there is none. I rate them - amazing. Can't beat them for the price.

[rick130]

That's an excellent price on the Hankooks.

FWIW the Maxxis 762's in 255/85 I had fitted in January cost $340 each from my local tyre bloke.

A bit more than you pay in the city but he's only 3km away and backs it all up, he never charges for rotations and balances down the track, although we always try and look after him somehow.

[PAT303]

I paid $320 each for BFG A/T's in Alice Springs two months ago,if your going bush stay with common sizes. Pat

[roverrescue]

If you are concerned about chipping/ shredding of tread blocks on fast gravel (think Peninsula Development Road)

In direct comparison, similar loads and speeds.
Bridgestone Dueler 673 out last BFG KM2 which both outlast the Toyo M55

But the most important way to limit rear tyre shredding is to have both front wheel mud flaps essentially to ground and also some flaps leading the edge of the rear tyres.

It is my opinion the rubble type shredding that then leads to tread block falling apart and accelerated wear is not just load over the rear axle and sliding, but is also stone blasting from the front tyres.

Anyways, the Bridgestones are tough, long lasting and less blingy than KM2 which I like ;)

Steve

[rick130]

If you are concerned about chipping/ shredding of tread blocks on fast gravel (think Peninsula Development Road)

In direct comparison, similar loads and speeds.
Bridgestone Dueler 673 out last BFG KM2 which both outlast the Toyo M55


Steve


Some of the Railway Sparkies 79 Series run them around here.

They must be running a lot softer compound and maybe carcass since I last ran them some eight or nine years ago.
I found them diabolical in the wet and chipped a bit on the crushed shale we use here for roads.
They seem to be popular on the 'cruisers.

[Draco Australis]

I'm in love. Near 10 000 kms now on Hankook MT 03's ($225 each, fitted and balanced 235/85/16 AAA tyres Guildford). Can't fault them. Tracks that left my old Maxxis MT with chunks missing everywhere leave the Hankooks with barely a mark. I keep getting home and inspecting for damage and there is none. I rate them - amazing. Can't beat them for the price.

Those Hankooks look quite good, I'll definitely look into those. Cheers mate.

James

[ugu80]

Just my opinion, but where I've found the Hankooks really shine is good old outback dirt. The sides of the tyre seem to dig into the dirt nicely and give far better steering and braking than my old Maxxis. They don't have huge gaps between the tread blocks like really serious mud oriented muddies which gives them a good all terrain ability.

[dick180641]

In 2006 I put 6x 7.50 x 16 BANDAG RETREADS (BDLT's) on the 1958 S11 88". Ive done over 100 thousand K on them and they still have 5mm of tread left...SO...I just got 6 more Bandags (ex Bridgestone/Bandag Townsville) (7.50 x 16 LT BDLT's) to put on the 1985 110 County Wagon @ $150 each, delivered to Cairns. I'm off from Cooktown, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, Alice, Longreach, Brisbane, Cairns, to Cooky in 3 weeks....I'll see if Bandag are still up to scratch, after all those 40 tonne B Doubles use 'em at 110 kph and they seem to last the distance!

[dromader driver]

i agree on the bandags. My old series 3 tray back had M+S on crossply cases which went for years. Speed wasn't a problem as it was limited to 53mph by the governor.

In PNG on the highlands highway ( highway in name only ) a lot of truck companies ran retreads and they were made in Lae. Good cases, inspected and looked after. There were about 3 different tread types in use with each company having a preference for drive patterns.


Don't know if Bandag still do the M+S in Oz.

[460cixy]

750x16 Dunlop road gripers I'm stoked with them so far just for on road use. 33x1.5 bfg muddys for play

[schuy1]

Just dont get TerraTrac Radial A/W's unless you spend all the time in the bush going slow! On road they are the roughest tyres I have ever had! :o 25psi and they are still standing with no sidewall sag! But Im yet to put a rock or stump thropugh 1 :) Wear seems ok. $245

Cheers Scott

[Judo]

I don't have a whole lot of previous experience to compare to, but I've got Maxxis Big Horn's (M/T) on my Disco and I've found them great. Very little road noise and wearing well so far. They were also the cheapest of all similar M/T tyres I priced. I'm considering them for my new 110 now as well.