Defender tyres for WA conditions

[Samblers]

Our 2010 Puma 110 has 65,000kms on the original General Grabbers and still meat left on them. No complaints...

We're coming up to a few trips away though that will involve a bit more extensive unsealed road driving and also up and down the beach - Hence i'm considering a tyre upgrade - thinking something with a more aggressive pattern, some side tread, something that will collapse more when pressures lowered (the GG seem quite stiff).

WA conditions so sand, loose pea gravel, forest tracks, not a lot of mud... and of course the inevitable long drives on the bitumen between destinations.

Interested in recommendations both good and bad, and also sizes I should be sticking to.

Cheers, Sam

[isuzurover]

255/85-16 Maxxis Bighorn (or MTRs). Good allround tyres for WA conditions IME. Mine have done heaps of pea gravel, beach and inland sand, west-east coasts 4 times, CSR, Gibb, etc, etc...

No good on lake dissapointment though...
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1500.jpg

[Cliffy]

BFG mud terrains!
Love mine and handle sand to rock and everything in between.

[2stroke]

255/85-16 Maxxis Bighorn (or MTRs). Good allround tyres for WA conditions IME. Mine have done heaps of pea gravel, beach and inland sand, west-east coasts 4 times, CSR, Gibb, etc, etc...

No good on lake dissapointment though...

Great to know and timely too, leaving for the CSR day after tomorrow and that's what's on mine. Was a choice of the Bighorns or the Roadgrippers that I got stuck in Lake Poeppel with in 2010.
I find them a little noisy though (the only reason I considered the Roadgrippers for the trip). I did have concerns about rocks in the large tread voids. .

[Samblers]

Excuse my ignorance, but isn't a "mud terrain" tyre for.... well, for mud?

I see my GG's are 235/85/R16 - should i stick to this size? I’d like to go a little wider if possible but it looks to me like the standard defender alloys are quite a narrow wheel?

[Samblers]

[edit - double post]

[Distortion]

I've used bighorns on the Disco and now on the 110 very happy with them as an all rounder both on the beach and in the mud. Bit noisey on the road but in a isuzu 110 noise is just part of life.

It all depends on how aggressive the tyre tread is not really what the label they put on it says. Bighorns and BFGs are pretty mild compare to serious mud tyres that would be much use anywhere but a swamp such as simex Jungle Trekkers etc

It's more about setting the correct tyre pressure for the terrain than anything else ie an MT on the beach will likely need to be a lower pressure than an AT to prevent it digging holes but will still perform well in 99% of situations.

Sizing wise I have 235/85/r16 as I bought them for my Series with no powersteering next set will likely be the size that Isuzurover mentioned

[isuzurover]

Excuse my ignorance, but isn't a "mud terrain" tyre for.... well, for mud?



Not really. Tyres with a more open tread and side lugs can work better in a range of conditions (rock/gravel/etc), not just mud.

In fact MTR stands for "Maximum Traction Reinforced" - the specifically don't market them as a mud tyre and in fact they have mediocre performance in mud. Maxxis Bighorns are (almost) a copy of MTRs, but seem to be slightly better at mud.

Apart from the noise, both tyres perform well on wet and dry bitumen, and both are great in sand too at appropriate pressures.

When my MTRs were new they were much better on bitumen than the Falken AT/HT tyres they replaced.

for a "true" mud tyre you would need to look at something like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1468.jpg
But even boggers are good for rock crawling!

[justinc]

Sorry to bang on again about these, but VERY happy with them in all conditions, and everyone I have recommended them to has been, too.

M55 (http://www.toyotires.com.au/suv-tyre/m55)

JC

[Samblers]

Good info ... thanks for the education

I can get 255/85's on my alloy rims OK?

[isuzurover]

Good info ... thanks for the education

I can get 255/85's on my alloy rims OK?

The rims should be at least 7" wide??? I am running 255/85s and 285/75s on 7" rims with no problems. 255/85s would also be fine on 6.5" rims.

[Loubrey]

Hi Sam,

Yes the 255/8516 will fit fine on your alloys, they might just touch the radius arms on full lock as the alloys' off-set is pretty modest. I ran them in the older BFG Mud pattern on my last 90 in the UK (OME alloys) and I absolutely loved them. I must however warn that the larger diameter does put more strain on the wheel bearings and they might have contributed to needing to change my bearings quicker than expected. There are however chaps on here who've run them for years without hassle.

Personally I would, for the application you plan, stick to a good all-terrain tyre. You can either stay with the 235/85/16 or go to 265/75/16 as they are exactly the same rolling diameter. The 265/75/16 was in fact a dealer option in the past.

As you know my 90 has the BFG KM2 muddies on ZU alloys which are great for playing, but it is pure bliss in blacktop road noise reduction and handling when I put my OME alloys and GG's back on for long road trips.

So standard size (235 or 265) in BFG A/T or the Toyo M55 as Justin suggested (more economical option) would be my honest advice. Both will meet all the requirement you listed in your OP without the "negatives" on the muddies.

Cheers,

Lou

[The Cone of Silence]

Hi Samblers

When I ditched the GGs after 85,000kms, I replaced them with a wider tyre - the BFG AT 265/75/16. I also replaced the alloys with steel wheels (King Wheels Terra) - a 7" wide wheel with 0 offset. I'm not sure what the size of the stock alloy is - suspect a 6" so it's worth checking what size tyre you can get away with.

The fit (265/85 on a 7" wheel) is splendid, the wheels have performed admirably off-road in all manner of conditions and surfaces, including gravel, rocks and that sand-gravel mix that you get in sandstone areas.
Sure, in the thick clay mud I want more grip but everyone does unless they're in a tractor.

When I let the pressure down, it makes a noticeable difference in grip and footprint so I'm happy with this too.

On-road they are quieter than I expected for an AT tyre and they seem to grip wonderfully in the wet.

I'm not sure if they're perfect for WA conditions as I've not driven over there. Yet!

Worth asking around if anyone in your area has a set.....as it is with all different tyre types. What you will find is that almost everyone will say theirs are the best....so proceed with caution.

Best of luck mate.

Bobby

[Samblers]

Thanks Lou/ Bobby – great info… learning all the time.

Lou I take your point on the second set of wheels – there’s meat left on the GG’s as I said. However I don’t do a huge amount of km’s in the defender anyway so I think I could get away with one set of tyres for everything.

I’ve seen that LR also fit the Goodyear Wrangler MTR onto other sets of optional defender rims – these look good up to the job too. Has anyone got any experiences of these?

Sam

[Loubrey]

Hi Sam,

The second set of tyres is not an option for the vast majority of people and spending money on a set of tyres is very much a long term option and choice.

The reason I mentioned it though is the very apparent HUGE difference in road noise and vibration when I do switch back to the GG's, something very few people actually do.

IMO muddies or MTR's are really only a permanent option when you properly utilize their ability. If you don't use the car much and its only for play and travel (hence proportionally increasing the utilization) they might be a feasible option.

I've in the past used Goodyear and I wasn't overly impressed by the mileage life. The guys on here have also reported that they are pretty noisy (but it might just be the new Defender :D)

You are welcome to take my 90 for a run on the black top in a couple weeks time at the W4 Challenge (the BFG KM2's will be fitted) if you want a comparison to your GG's (M/T vs A/T).

Cheers,

Lou

[Samblers]

Thanks Lou - not sure whether i'll make the W4 event as a spectator yet ...

In terms of on-road suitability of BFG KM2's - my intent is not necessarily to get a 'mud' tyre (or MTR)... just something more aggressive than the GG's that i can use for touring and off-road and that wont be too tortuous on-road. So if there is an in-between option this would be a ....? (what?)

I consider the GG's to be pretty much a road tyre



The reason I mentioned it though is the very apparent HUGE difference in road noise and vibration when I do switch back to the GG's, something very few people actually do.

IMO muddies or MTR's are really only a permanent option when you properly utilize their ability. If you don't use the car much and its only for play and travel (hence proportionally increasing the utilization) they might be a feasible option.

[isuzurover]

Thanks Lou - not sure whether i'll make the W4 event as a spectator yet ...

In terms of on-road suitability of BFG KM2's - my intent is not necessarily to get a 'mud' tyre (or MTR)... just something more aggressive than the GG's that i can use for touring and off-road and that wont be too tortuous on-road. So if there is an in-between option this would be a ....? (what?)

I consider the GG's to be pretty much a road tyre

There are some in-between options - such as Cooper STs if they are still made:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1465.jpg

But seriously, I as many kms from a set of MTRs/Bighorns as from a set of AT or HT tyres, no worse traction on road or in the wet... It seems the only downside is the increase in noise.

[Westie]

So standard size (235 or 265) in BFG A/T or the Toyo M55 as Justin suggested (more economical option) would be my honest advice. Both will meet all the requirement you listed in your OP without the "negatives" on the muddies.

Cheers,

Lou

Any views on the longevity of BFG A/Ts? They may have changed the compound but a few years back they were a bit soft and definitely didn't wear well on dirt e.g. the Gibb River Road.

[Carlos]

For the life of me, I can't work out what Land Rover have in mind persisting with the alloy rims. The're not a soccer mum car and easily damaged, have you blokes tried breaking the bead on them in the bush? I would swap mine in a heart beat. If I hadn't been so hasty when I drove past the local dealer and saw one in the yard I would have ordered one with steel rims.

[Loubrey]

just something more aggressive than the GG's that i can use for touring and off-road and that wont be too tortuous on-road. So if there is an in-between option this would be a ....? (what?)

I consider the GG's to be pretty much a road tyre

Hi Sam,

I agree 100% with you on the GG's. At best I would rate them as a 70/30 A/T tyre biased towards road use. Really not bad on sand, gravel and graded dirt, but that's about its limits.

A true 50/50 like the BFG A/T or Toyo M55 will do pretty much all you would want to do. They still get around 70,000km on average and their wear is very much "right foot" dependent.

We compared them between work utes and the guys who had "allocated" cars got double the mileage the "pool" vehicles got out of their BFG A/T's

Cheers,

Lou

[Samblers]

OK got it

and maybe i'll take you up on that offer to have a quick go in your 90 to check out the BFG KM2's, in terms of noise/ ride

[dero]

I have done 75,000 km on my current set of Dick Cepek FC 2's
Lots of gravel and Hwy and plenty of off road , I regularly tow 2T on & off road . Never had a puncture & never been disappointed with their all round performance . I will have to replace them soon & wont hesitate to get them again . Shame Bob Jane put the price up when they got exclusive agency for them ,aprox $100 ea more compared to what I paid for them aprox 18 months ago . So far they are the best tyres I have ever owned .

[Samblers]

I measured the width of my alloys and they look to be 8" (between outside faces), so presume means wider tyres should be no drama at all

[isuzurover]

I measured the width of my alloys and they look to be 8" (between outside faces), so presume means wider tyres should be no drama at all

You can run 285/75-16" (about the same diameter as a 255/85) or even slightly wider...

[Loubrey]

I measured the width of my alloys and they look to be 8" (between outside faces), so presume means wider tyres should be no drama at all

Very much within limits... There are rules and regulations that limit the width and as far as I know 285's are the absolute max for OME alloys, but I'm not sure if its strictly legal either.

265 as in the earlier posts remain the most sensible option as there is more loss than gain in going wider. (Very heated discussion a couple of months ago on the topic :D)

Cheers,

Lou

PS: Only saw Isizurover's post after I sent mine!

[Samblers]

Will i get a slap if i enquire what the arguments for/against taller/narrower tyres are vs wider/shorter? :)

i wont be going wider/taller because i'm not a bogan :wasntme:

[isuzurover]

Will i get a slap if i enquire what the arguments for/against taller/narrower tyres are vs wider/shorter? :)

i wont be going wider/taller because i'm not a bogan :wasntme:

Not sure what you are asking??? 235s are too narrow for 8" rims IMHO. That limits you to 255s, 265s, 285s.

255/85s and 285/75s are both just over 33"
The largest 265 is too small in diameter - smaller than most OEM defender tyres.

IME the 255s are better in mud, the 285s better in sand.

[scarry]

Any views on the longevity of BFG A/Ts? They may have changed the compound but a few years back they were a bit soft and definitely didn't wear well on dirt e.g. the Gibb River Road.

There was a thread on here recently about them chipping badly,on a defender.

I have just done around 4k(in the D4) on very rocky dirt roads,some high speed and my rears are badly chipped.They have only done 20k and are around 18months old.
Fronts are not to bad,but rears copped it badly.

On smoother dirt they seem to be OK,i have had a few sets and never had bad chipping until this last trip.

[goingbush]

yes BFG AT used to be good, but I will not buy another set, it was mine that the thread was about chipping badly, mine rears are stuffed after 20k in outback QLD! Got 60k from my prev set. they also dont hold balance well.
Next set will be Toyo M 55

[2stroke]

I've seen the M55 listed on their pamphlets in 255 but dealers I've spoken to over here just give a blank look if I ask. Uncommon size in Australia to say the least and Toyo just don't come cheap.
Reckon I'll just head over to the state where the sun sets with my Maxxis Bighorns and see for myself...gotta be better than lining up at some polling booth and deciding who I dislike least.
Hope to be on the road by 6.30. :D Cheers.

[SpammyG]

If you are looking for something a bit less aggressive than the Maxxiss Bighorns, you could try a set of Maxxis Bravo 753s or 751s. Got a set of 751s for my 300tdi 130 about 2500km ago. Been very happy with them, and havent heard them yet (over the engine noise and wind noise from the roof rack :D).

They are definately more agressive than they look in the photos on the website, I wasnt sure at first but got my dealer to bring in a set of each so I could have a look before I ordered.

Small amount of off roading so far, some sandy river crossings, gravel roads and tracks and a bit of mud. Not amazing in the mud, but definately better than my old ones.

Very sure footed on the road. Low noise and very stable, even under heavy breaking in a torrential downpour. I can look out the back when its pouring down and see the dry strips on the road out the back of my tyres for a good distance which says to me that they clear water from under the tread pretty well.

Obviously value for money is good with Maxxis also.

My old tyres were 750R16s and went with the slightly wider 235x85xR16s and very happy overall.

Sam

[justinc]

I've seen the M55 listed on their pamphlets in 255 but dealers I've spoken to over here just give a blank look if I ask. Uncommon size in Australia to say the least and Toyo just don't come cheap.
Reckon I'll just head over to the state where the sun sets with my Maxxis Bighorns and see for myself...gotta be better than lining up at some polling booth and deciding who I dislike least.
Hope to be on the road by 6.30. :D Cheers.


yes the M55 in 255 are only available overseas, you can order them in especially IIRC, but why buy a tyre in a size that you can't replace easily????:confused:

i am very happy with mine in 235/85. Gearing is just right when towing in 4th, too. The 255/85 BFG Muds I had were a slight overgeared.


JC

[nugge t]

Very much a Ford V Holden argument but I am a huge wrap for Mickey Thompson MTZ's which I have run on my last 2 trucks. The 285/75 R16 I am running on the 110 have been great and I don't notice a lot of noise....so muich in a Defender it is hard to tell if they are nosier!

I find then excellent on and off road and particularly good in soft sand. I trouble as I found on the last trip was that Mickey T MTZ's can be hard to find in the bush where ATZ's tend to be stocked, especially in Alice Springs.

[PAT303]

We run GT radials,I've never heard of them up here and they drive on iron ore 24/7 and are lasting better than most name brands. Pat

[Samblers]

no votes for Coopers yet i notice ...

[Samblers]

its funny also to read the comment that yes, so and so tyres are noisy but then there are so many other noises going on in a defender etc etc

Seriously, i dont consider my 110 to be noisy at all (apart from the odd gear change)???

So then of course, now i'm thinking about the potential whineing from the passenger seat if i stick a set of noisy tyres on ... [bighmmm]

[Samblers]

If you are looking for something a bit less aggressive than the Maxxiss Bighorns, you could try a set of Maxxis Bravo 753s or 751s.

These look pretty similar to the GG's ...

[dromader driver]

Pat,
what type of GT are you using.

[malsgoing130]

I had a set of big horns on my 130- look good but the noise :o, yes even noiser than the 300Tdi.The constant droning on bitumen was like wearing tight shoes- very irritating. I also has tread block starting to crack, this was at around 20000km. I think they may have sorted this out in the last 18 months though.

Ive now got a 110 with Contis on-stock tyres and love them. Most of my driving is on bitumen though and so far on the few off road trips they have been more than adequate. They seem pretty good sand due to the road biased tread pattern.

I had coopers on my prado-----never, never, never again. They were absolute rubbish. I had cracking on the side wall tread meeting point. After a bit of wear their wet weather performance was shocking. Worst of all cooper wanted nothing to do with them with regards to the cracking. That vehicle now has Perilli Scorpions on and they are good, almost the best tyre I have ever owned.

That's my 10c worth.

Cheers
Mal

[PAT303]

Pat,
what type of GT are you using.

Dunno,I'll get back to you tomorrow.I've had a busy two days. Pat

[Samblers]

Looks to me like the choice is between the BFG A/T and the Mud Terrain (KM2)... i've trawled through some photos of previous LR trips and i'd say both look more aggressive when fitted than they do on the BFG website.

Is the noise difference really that much different between the two? Has anyone had both?

The only time i really do any freeway miles is when i'm on a weekend trip... for which i usually need some suitable boots at the destination :rolleyes:

[Samblers]

Slight side-track...

Idley googling the G4 defenders (as you do) i notice that a lot of them are fitted with the BFG A/T's...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1035.jpg

Good enough for G4, good enough for me!

[goingbush]

the Army run them on the new gwagon fleet too, but my last lot let me down

[isuzurover]

the Army run them on the new gwagon fleet too, but my last lot let me down

I have never been impressed with the performance of BFG ATs...

[Loubrey]

Sam,

As your question related to WA conditions and we very seldom have the opportunity for serious mud plugging, I would suggest those BFG AT's are the number for you. They are every bit as tame as the GG's on road, but many many times better off road.

The noise difference is definitely noticeable (I've owned multiple sets of both over the years) but the KM2 has been rated as one of the quietest muddies by one of the mainstream Aussie off road magazines.

They are however pretty susceptible to balance issues if the left right (same axle) pressures aren't spot on and when pumped hard you do sometimes feel the individual "knobs" at slow speeds.

Offer still stands if you can make it to the W4.

Cheers,

Lou

[Samblers]

Yep, currently hoping to make it up on the Sunday for a spectate. Still dont know (exactly) where it is?

Done too much reading now... read both good and bad about every tyre out there - just need to act!

... mmm, but i havent procrastinated enough about suitable sizes i feel ... :rolleyes:

[Samblers]

Anyone care to guess a size for these...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1035.jpg

they look larger than stock

[kelvo]

Slight side-track...

Idley googling the G4 defenders (as you do) i notice that a lot of them are fitted with the BFG A/T's...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/1035.jpg

Good enough for G4, good enough for me!

Trouble is the original G4 Event 110's used 235/85R16 Goodyear MT/R's.

As a slight sideline I have the MT/R's fitted to my D2a, they were already on it when i bought it, and noise wise for me is no problem, wet & dry handling is good, deflated to 16psi on sand they are good. Would I get them again, you bet :D

[isuzurover]

Good enough for G4, good enough for me!

:D I am sure the G4 vehicles use whichever tyre manufacturer that will pay the most in sponsorship fees.

e.g.

MTRs
http://images-2.drive.com.au/2010/08/03/1732525/2g41M_m.jpg

? cooper? (almost nobody who has used coopers once would reccommend them)
http://cdn.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/g4-def-air.jpg

[Dougal]

I have never been impressed with the performance of BFG ATs...

But I have been impressed with their toughness.

[isuzurover]

But I have been impressed with their toughness.

Funny - I have probably seen more staked BFG ATs than any other tyre...

[Blade74]

Funny - I have probably seen more staked BFG ATs than any other tyre...

That wouldn't be because they are so common and so many people use them??

[SpammyG]

These look pretty similar to the GG's ...

Dont really know much about the GGs but the 751s which i have are definitely more aggressive in real life than they look on the website and for the price, compared with the BFGs i couldnt go past them.

I got the tyre guy to get a set from his warehouse so i could have a look at them before i bought. He brought a set of 753s to compare with also. 753s are more similar to the Bighorns but slightly less aggressive and apparently a harder compound so better life.

Sam

[lurcho]

Just got back from trip 17 000 k on Cooper St Maxx, Gibb River Rd, Kulumburu Rd to Mitchell Plateau, Cape Leveque, Tanami Desert Rd and Plenty/Donahue Hwy (the roughest). 6 tyres all round on the camper trailer as well, we took 2 spares and puncture repair kit and not 1 puncture. Tyres performed well on road and are quiet.

[spudfan]

Our 2008 Puma 110 is fitted with General Graabber TR tyres.Our 2011 Puma is fitted with these General Grabber AT tyres.
General Tire Grabber AT (http://www.4site4x4.co.uk/tyre-details.aspx?id=123)
They are more aggressive than they look in the photo.I can post some photos of the actual thread on them if anyone wants
It gets very good reviews in this artice including sand. I'm very pleased with them.
4x4 Downloads (http://www.4site4x4.co.uk/downloads.aspx)
Here are some comments from people who bought them.
http://www.4site4x4.co.uk/feedback.aspx

[Loubrey]

Hi Spudfan,


That new pattern looks the business, but I've not seen either of the AT patterns here in Oz. Cars fitted with GGs here still have the TR type fitted. ( unless one of the new owners can comment that it has now changed?)

Cheers,

Lou

[spudfan]

The General Grabber AT is not a Land Rover fitment. I had mine fitted by the indendent who supplied my 2011 Puma. The thread is a lot deeper than it seems in the photo.
If you look at the tyre review for the General Grabber AT by Land Rover Monthly on this link
http://www.4site4x4.co.uk/downloads.aspx
there is a very good view of the thread on the tyre fitted to a Discovery.You can up the size of the photo for a better idea.
The Land Rover Owner review has a large photo of a single tyre. If you increase the page size to 100% you get a really good view of the thread.

[Samblers]

Thanks Spudfan - predominantly deep soft sand, pea gravel (little round gravel) on hard compacted dirt, and corrugated dirt roads here. Occassional mud... but not the British type.

What sort of terrain have you used them on?

[PAT303]

We run GT Adventuro tyres on our work vehicles and they do the job,if they are cheaper than the normal name brands they are the best buy. Pat

[spudfan]

Thanks Spudfan - predominantly deep soft sand, pea gravel (little round gravel) on hard compacted dirt, and corrugated dirt roads here. Occassional mud... but not the British type.

What sort of terrain have you used them on?
Very similar to the above apart from sand as we are a little short on deserts over here..
Regarding the mud thing. Over here there's the usual "mud" type mud then there's the soft peat moss type stuff. Driven rim deep in both and all O.K.
Have'nt tried any Camel Trophy style heroics but as an all around tyre it is pretty good. You can always get a better specialist tyre but they all fall short somewhere.
And as an aside they are pretty good in the rain, of which we get a lot of over here. Did good service in snow both soft and the compact type stuff.
When the General Grabber TR type tyres on the 2008 Puma need changing I'll be fitting a set of these General Grabber AT tyres, so enough said. Then again the TR's have over 80,000 kms on them and there is still buckets of thread left on them. Talk about value for money!

[dero]

A lot of guys in town run GT adventuro's , reasonable tyre at a reasonable price .I ran two sets of them and only got 55,000 out of them , otherwise not a bad all rounder . when I got the FC2's , they were the same price , around $200 each , they will have done 80,000 when I change them soon, and have been faultless. All mileages stated are 4 tyres , not 5 rotated . I bought a new set of tyres at tax time ,to be fitted when required ,but Bob Jane had no stock of FC2's so I got BFG AT's . Even at Bob Jane's exclusive price of $300 I would have gone for the FC2's again .Will see how the BFG's compare .

[Samblers]

Even at Bob Jane's exclusive price of $300 I would have gone for the FC2's again .

$300 for the BFG's or the FC2?

[Samblers]

Then again the TR's have over 80,000 kms on them and there is still buckets of thread left on them. Talk about value for money!

Mine have 65,000km on them and the same - lots of life left. It feels a shame to swop them off, i wonder if they are worth selling as a second set to someone ...

[dero]

FC2's were $310 when I asked , BFG AT's cost $265

[PAT303]

I bought BFG AT's in Alice for $250 after my Tallawana track debarcle. Pat

[2stroke]

yes the M55 in 255 are only available overseas, you can order them in especially IIRC, but why buy a tyre in a size that you can't replace easily????:confused:

i am very happy with mine in 235/85. Gearing is just right when towing in 4th, too. The 255/85 BFG Muds I had were a slight overgeared.


JC
I agree about the gearing thing, first too tall and 5th sometimes is wrong. Having the odometer agree with the GPS (2 km out in 1000 km) is nice though. We just got in last night after our Canning trip of 10500 km. The Maxxis 752s on the rear wore hard (weight and pressure issue) but no other problems. The other vehicles were a 1984 Tojo HJ47, on Dunlop Roadgrippers and a 2004 100 series on MTRs. The Roadgrippers seemed to wear the least but was the only vehicle to experience a flat tyre, that's what happens when you run over the base of a mulga bush, and would be no different on the other tyres. It was easily replaced in Leonora with a secondhand on a Saturday morning.
Vehicle problems though, well that was mostly my Landy playing up, Alternator seized after well 48, rear disc dust cover broke off and jammed in the wheel, front swaybar link fell off, constantly battling rear diff coverplate leak. In fact I ended up pulling the rear axles and propshaft out at Tjukayirrila and drove the last 5000 km on the front diff.
The others almost had me talked into buying a Toyota.:o

[Samblers]

Still haven’t made a final decision on this :rolleyes: , but I did just get back from an African trip with plenty of rough driving/roads and this has me convinced on the popularity/capability of the BFG A/T’s – a lot of cars have them fitted.

It seems that this tyre isn’t made in 255/85 though, which would have provided slightly more ground clearance and width than my 235/85’s.

I might go 265/75, gives me more width at least. Bob Jane here in WA want $355ea…

[dero]

Yeah , I went with 33 10.5 15 AT's they work well & $100 cheaper .
Don't know why the 16's are dearer , they make 1000's of them & can't see how they would have any more material in them .

[dero]

Edit that should read 31 10.5 15

[BilboBoggles]

I must admit I am disappointed in my recent bfg mt's. In the past, I always used bfg, but found that i had many many issues with them going out of round, or the carcass cracking around the tread. That was 10 - 15 years ago. I the started buying new defenders which came with gg, and those were excellent. They just wore out, no cracking or any other diseases. At the end of their very long life, I went Cooper stt. I recently changed back to a recent set of bfg mt, thinking perhaps the newer model would be better now. But no, the new ones after 40kk have cracked sidewalls, and the tread blocks are being chewed up by the gravel on my driveways...

[Samblers]

OK so i bought the 265/75/16 BFG Mud Terrains. I should've bought the All-Terrains of course but i *wanted* the M/T's so thats different ;)

Put 700kms on them this w/e, all on the tarmac. Definite hum over 70kph but not too bad at freeway speeds... the Mrs didnt ask any questions :)

Cant say i feel any difference in terms of comfort versus the GG's

Looking forward to going off road!

Cheers

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/850.jpg

[Dougal]

OK so i bought the 265/75/16 BFG Mud Terrains. I should've bought the All-Terrains of course but i *wanted* the M/T's so thats different ;)

Put 700kms on them this w/e, all on the tarmac. Definite hum over 70kph but not too bad at freeway speeds... the Mrs didnt ask any questions :)

Cant say i feel any difference in terms of comfort versus the GG's

Looking forward to going off road!

Cheers

You've got the important bits covered.:cool:

[dcale]

Hi Samblers, do the tyres rub at all on the spring supports?

[n plus one]

Hi Samblers, do the tyres rub at all on the spring supports?

I'll answer that for him - yes the side lugs do (will).

Unless the wheels have been re spaced?

[Samblers]

Mine dont actually

They rubbed on the control arms so i just had to wind the steering stops out a little

[Samblers]

NB according to Loubrey, 265/75 was a factory tyre size on African Defenders

[n plus one]

Mine dont actually

They rubbed on the control arms so i just had to wind the steering stops out a little

Interesting - every set I've seen on Boost rims has rubbed the paint off the coil mounts under articulation - have you used yours off road yet?

[Samblers]

Nope.

You're talking front not rear yes? Theres a sizeable gap at the front.

[n plus one]

Nope.

You're talking front not rear yes? Theres a sizeable gap at the front.

It'll be the coil towers at the rear and the radius arms at the front - you need some articulation to cam the wheels over at the rear to pick up this issue.

It's not a big deal - ie it just lightly rubs a bit of paint of (assuming that it happens at all).