235/85 R16 versus 265/75 R16. Another tyre thread !

[VladTepes]

I am currently running 235/85 R 16 BFG MT’s on my Defender 130.
I like these tyres a lot.

Now I am considering what to replace them with when the time comes, and my question is:

Are wider tyres better ?

My choice then is 235/85 R16 OR 265/75 R 16.

These are almost exactly the same rolling diameter, but with a 3 cm wider tread in the latter case.

What would be the pros / cons of each option ?


The following tools allow a direct comparison of various tyre sizes.

Side by side - Metric
http://www.kouki.co.uk/utilities/visual-tyre-size-calculator

Overlay – Metric / Imperial
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html


Of course, I’d rather have taller tyres (285’s – 33”) but as they wouldn’t be legal, and it’s a big investment, I want to stick with legal; tyre size.

I am not interested in any debate on brands etc – I’ll be sticking with the BFG’s but I am interested in the pros / cons of a wider tyre.

and yes I am aware of these threads.
265/75 or 235/85 Wrangler MTR's

What is better for 109: 235/85 or 265/75 ?


Thanks.

[Outlaw]

Search is your friend Vlad... fairly sure wide vs skinny debate has been done a good couple thousand times

[weeds]

Vlad.........do we really need another tyre thread

have you clicked on the good oil lately

[Utemad]

If you fit wider tyres on existing rims you would increase your turning circle. A big consideration in a 130 I'd think.

[spudboy]

Pity you are not in Adelaide, 'cause I could lend you a set of 265/75s to try. I don't like them and have gone back to 235/85 for my Defender.

The wider tyres made the steering heavier and "deader". The whole car felt less lively and slower to respond with the wider tyres. Maybe the extra weight gave it that feeling - don't know - but the standard General Grabbers (on alloys) and the Michelin XZYs (on Wolf steelies) both feel better than the 265/75s.

Don't reckon I got any further in sand with the wide tyres than the standard ones.

That's my 2 cents worth
David

[VladTepes]

If you fit wider tyres on existing rims you would increase your turning circle. A big consideration in a 130 I'd think.

new rims are on the cards anyway so I'd get the offset done appropriately.

[Sleepy]

FWIW - Stick with the 235/85. I just bought some BFG MT KM2's and very happy with them.

[VladTepes]

Those are the ones I'll be gettng to replace my old pattern MT's - how much did you have to pay for them.

[ozscott]

Mate - personally the higher profile the better for all off road including sand. I know what you are saying able wanting to stay legal, but why dont you make some equiries about when Qld is signing up to the National Code that will allow you (should anyway from memory) the taller sizes that you are after...if it just round the corner (and they have been saying for ages it is but who knows) you might be able to hold off...

Cheers

[Sleepy]

Those are the ones I'll be gettng to replace my old pattern MT's - how much did you have to pay for them.

$300 ea fitted & balanced (Bob Jane)