Thread: Tire Size Defender 130 TD5

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"

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.

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

CHEERS TIM.

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....

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.