Tire Size Defender 130 TD5

[OZ Landy]

What do you experts suggest is the best tire size for a TD5 Defender 130.
Mine currently has 235/85-16. The Dunlop tires need to be replaced soon as they are pretty worn and rough. What brand and size do you suggest for the rims and tires. I probably do only 30% off road. Is it worth to go for bigger ones?
Thanks for your expertise guys

[aew849]

G'day,

Have recently re-rubbered the corners and had great advice from JC in Hobart. Vehicle had 265/75 R16's Wrangler's, but the vehicle felt undergeared and the speedo was also 5% over reading. I had a real slow drive Perth to Karratha!

JC suggested 255/85R16's BFG Mud Terrains and despite being in Karratha and a cost increase (internation currency bollox apparently) I managed to get them fairly cost effective. There is a new tread pattern which apparently cuts down the road noise (I could only get the older style).....but usually I don't hear it over the wind noise, engine noise and the radio trying to cover it all up!

I felt that there's no difference between them for road noise, but the different rolling diameter now means the speedo is spot on +/- 1 kmh at 110kmh. The slightly taller wheels means the standard TD5 is slower off the mark, but I have since given the ECU a stage 1 upgrade (Tombie2), fitted a snorkel, K+N filter and cleaned out the hyclone in the airbox. She fairly rips along now!!

aew849
2004 130 DCPU "Bev"

[VladTepes]

I run 235/85's and BFG Mud Terrains - love the BFG's and have had no dramas with the tyre size. I have yet to be convinced of ANY reason I would need to go bigger (wider). Taller would be handy except that:

It would make the 300Tdi even more gutless.
It would be illegal in Qld.

[long stroke]

We have just put 33/10.5/15'' BFG mt's on the county and so far they are great!!!
We have found ONE mane reason to go bigger tyres, to get the SALISBURY diff off the ground a little more:cool:

CHEERS TIM.

[def-90]

either the 235/85's or for a bit more height 255/85's - although you are limited to manufacturers in this size. if your not a mad keen 'wheeler' don't go any wider on a fender, keep with the 16's and go tall and skinny!! a 255/85 is taller then a 33, and a 285/75.


Personally i'd opt for a 255/85 (better clearence) which will almost limit you to a coopers or BFG, maybe one or two others. however if you hit the scrub abit, go 235/85's as they would be potentially easier to source in the middle of no where....

[vnx205]

A couple of reasons to stick with the 235/85/16s.

The vehicle was designed to have that size fitted so it doesn't affect the gearing or steering.

They fit on the standard rims.

They seem to work pretty well on my Defender.

Unless the 30% offroad you do is pretty adventurous, you might find AT tyres represent the best compromise.

I reckon the Maxxis 751 Bravo AT is pretty good value. I like mine and have not seen any serious criticism of them from anyone else.

If you want something more aggressive, the Maxxis Bighorns seem pretty popular down this way.

[rick130]

There is no 'right' or 'best', never has been, never will be.

235/85's are a good compromise between choice of tread patterns and constructions (different ply ratings) and you can buy them everywhere.

255/85's give you more rubber on the road (slightly wide and longer footprint), more clearance under the diff, (important with a Sals ) more traction while still maintaining a stock look. They don't have quite as high a load rating as an 8ply 235/85, but it isn't far off. (usually within 20kg)
They can really bugger up the turning circle on a 130 (which is bad to start with) unless the rims are offset a bit. I've just lived with the turning circle, but I'm a masochist.

285/75's have quite a bit more width than 235/85's, are only fractionally smaller in diameter than 255/85's and have a good load rating.
Wider rims will be needed with a greater offset to get back some turning circle. Scrub radius will then be affected and the extra track width may or may not be legal.
I think they look good :)

I'd like more people to buy 255/85's as an increase in demand would guarantee continued supply. It's a bit of an orphan size that most people, including tyre places aren't aware of.
ATM I'm only aware of BFG MT's, Cooper ST's and Maxxis Bighorn 762's available in 255/85/16.
As Def-90 said, the 33"+ tyres correct the speedo and odo on Defenders, not a biggy but it's nice. :D