Thread: 285 tyre's

never really understood why so many defender/110 owners choose to fit wider wheels/tyres when the stock standard 235/85 do the job fine both on/off road with better fuel mileage.

Originally Posted by Landy Red

Someone said that they thought the 285s can run on lower pressures than a 255.. I'm interested in this idea why would that be the case? Due to the taller side walls? I've actually felt more comfortable running lower pressures in thinner tyres thinking that due to their 'thinness' they would be less likely to come off! Maybe I have just been lucky.

All things considered, yes, the 285/75 should be able to run lower pressures.
BTW, sidewall height is damned near identical in both sizes.
A tyre is just a big air spring, the greater the volume (in theory) the lower the pressure needed for a given load.

This doesn't take into account case construction which can require quite different pressures even in the same size.
e.g. I needed to raise pressures by about 5psi on road when going from BFG MT's to Maxxis 762's in 255/85.
The Maxxis was more compliant in the sidewall and so needed more pressure to 'stand up' in highway use.