Best mud tyres for Defender

[Gav110]

OK this one ought to get some comments flying. I need a set of proper traction tyres - sufficient to cope with mud, clay, wet grass etc. Sand is less of a concern - happy to air down.

Most MTs cope well with mud, but anyone who has tackled sticky clay knows that even 'serious' tyres like Cooper STTs (which I have now - 265/75) will fill the voids up and hold it unless spun hard - which is downright dangerous on steep slopes.

In a recent 4WD Action review, the overall winner was the BFG Mud Terrain KM2, however the judges were surprised how well the Mickey Thompson Baja Claw faired on road - and it scored very highly overall.

The Silverstone M117 also scored extremely well offroad, but was penalised on road - but I know it is highly regarded in the group.

Given Defender drivers are (generally) realistic about the nature of their vehicles and set them up for more offroad bias (why else would you really buy one?) I am not considering 'softer' options.

I am leaning towards the Baja Claw, or possibly the NEW BFG MT KM2, but would possibly consider something more extreme if the onroad aspects are at least safe.

Keen to hear experiences and views of these 3, and any others. I should add that I need at least some road safety as this is a kiddie transporter and tourer when not hitting trails.

I am also interested in any views on the best after market alloy wheel (prefer over the look of steel) which can increase track without needing a new set of guard extensions, while fitting up ideally 285/75 or 265/75.

Have seen offerings from Zu/Landrover Tuning which look impressive but pricey (Landrover Tuning :: Defender Alloy Rim 7"x16" offset 25mm, Light Strong - Exterior Defender - << Defender >> - Default Store View) - will they fit these tyres on a standard Puma without rubbing?

Also impressive looking is the Outlaw from LRA: Alloy Rims

I want the max. track I can get, without modifying the guards, to run ideally 285/75 or fallback 265/75

Again, any views appreciated.

[long stroke]

For mud and clay simex and silverstone extremes seem to be right up there
The 3 tyres i'd be looking at are the simex Jungle trekkers, the simex extreme trekkers and silverstone extreme's.

Not sure how they handle on road, but i know they are good in the mud

Here are some pics...

On the left is the jungle trekker and on the right the extreme trekker.


And the silverstone..



P.s i'm not sure if any of these tyres will come in the size you require though

CHEERS TIM.

[Fraz]

Ill be watching this thread closely, I am about to purchase 5 of the KM2s and a big consideration was the 4WD Action review already mentioned. For 255/85s theyre not cheap - best I can find is $340 ea

Interested to see different opinions

[dobbo]

Simex's will clog up but they take a lot to do it.

It's pretty cool watching 1kg chunks of mud fly past the windows whilst doing a muddy hill climb.

You will break standard axles on Simex's.

[Psimpson7]

With some road use needed, I'd buy the KM2's. Not a fan personally of the Mickeys (sidewall strength).

With regard to the MT117 sports I personally dont rate them atall in mud, but they do seem to go ok on rock.

Avoid Simex, Silverstone Extremes etc. they are awful on the road and not available in the sizes you require I dont think.

If all you wanted was max traction, Super Swamper Boggers would probably be the best option, but again size would be an issue I think.

[953]

Sorry I cant add much but, Id be keen to hear ppl,s opinions on old vs new bfg,s. The old pattern looked so much more open, you would think it would clear mud at a far better rate? I too will be in the market for a new set of muds soon.
Cheers Dean.

[MacFamily]

I wont say these are the best but its what Iam running at the moment and from the different types of terrain including alot of mud they have performed really well.

Federal Couragia M/T Federal Tyres Australia - Couragia M/T you will also find this tyre in there 4wd action tyre test.Ive got 285/75 16 on our defender with sunny rims 16x8 with zero offset and they only just just stick out past the flares.I have noticed a little rubbing on front radius arms but thats it, I put 130 springs in the front when I got the old girl and have no winch so have not sagged so plenty of clearence.With the zero offset do not rub on rear springs/mount.But may have to do something about the flares as the car gets sprayed with mud when out playing and cannot see out passenger windows

There a little noisey now on the highway but all M/T are, so far they have worn well only 8k old but have/will rotate every 5k when I do a service including spare.But I will be happy if i get 50k out of the set ,but for $250 a tyre who cares.

Maxxis also do a couple of good M/T, I had bighorns on my old cruiser and they were great in the mud also great value.
Heres a pic of how far they stick out

[PAT303]

I have maxxis bighorns and to me they are the most impressive mud tyres there is.The grip on mud,rock etc is very good but the road grip is outstanding,better than some road tyres I've had.They come in 255/85/16 as well and mine are on 8x16 rims and were $270 each.I wouldn't buy silverstones,they don't drone but HOWL over 40 and they grip on hard surfaces like a dog on wet lino. Pat

[Allan]

Ive got Toyo's on mine, horrid on the road,seem ok off road. Not much mud around this time of year here (100 odd days without rain) will try in the winter and report.

Allan

[SVX37]

I peeled off the General Grabbers (wallowy ride on road) after driving out of the showroom and headed straight to a tyre dealer for the BFG KM2's x 5. I knew the original ones were good and had previously won the title a year ago on the 4wd Action tyre test. So I purchased these prior to this latest test. I have only been stuck in mud once ........but that was due to lack of clearance! They clear the mud well and for me, are quite good on the bitumen because there is alot of that on the way to the fun places!

Tyre size 265/75 16's.
16,000k's and showing minimal wear. They are much quieter on bitumen than most Muddies too.