Tire Sizes

[StuartL]

I am going to buy some new tires for my 109" and am would like to know what tire size I should use. I what to put mud terrains on defender rims and I want to be practical not silly... From what I can see the recommendation is 265/75R16's but that seems large. I need to order them so I don't what to make a mistake.

Thank to all that respond.
Stuart

[John]

I would never go larger than 235/85 which is as close as you can come to a 7.50x16. Some go larger but in my opinion it is too much rubber (friction) on the ground for the manual steering box, expecially at low speeds and in off-road conditions. Taller might have it's advantages in certain situations but I am not a proponent of a particularily wide tire on a Series Rover.

[tuko]

I have 265's on my series 3 and I like them alot. They are about 1" wider than the 235's and are the same heigth ( give or take a few mm's )

Sure there are plus and minus's with the wider tires, but the trade off is in favor of them.
The steering might get a little heavier, but hey, it's arm strong steering anyways. The extra width will provide a better stance on the road, wider track, more stability, greater payload, depending on the air pressure, better traction or floating abilities and finally, they'll look good!

If you can combine the 265's with RR ali. rims, the steering will be lighter and it'll look even better. :wink:

Cheers,
Todd.

[DaveB]

I like skinny like John, and tall like Todd, - in tires, that is. So my choice was the 255/85-16 BFG Mud terrain. About 1.5 inches taller than the 235, but just as narrow. If I were to do it again, I'd buy the 235, though as it is a bit heavy to steer, and the big tires use every ounce of the petrol engines power, especially as you go up in elevation.

You wouldn't have that problem with your 2.5TD, cuz you've got lots of power, and with the longer wheelbase, it should be easier to steer.

Can you get a 245/85? That might be a nice compromise...

Dave

[derek n]

I understand that you wish to put on mud terrains but have you looked at other options? I am running Dunlop Radial Rover RT's and I'm very pleased with the performance. They are very good in mud, 10 ply, flex very well when you air down, a lot quieter on the highway and possibly cheaper. There is an assortment of sizes, I'm running 235/85R/16's with tubes. I do not regret this purchase and wouldn't hesitate to put them on future Land Rovers.
Cheers
Derek Norman
'82 Airportable 8)

[shawn doherty]

I run 255/85R16 BFG MT like Dave does. I'm very happy with the performance on and off the road. They give me the extra height I need for the overhang on the rear and I have no problems with the steering. I was running tubes but switched to new rims and would not run tubes again as I had several flats with them. I also like the fact that the extra height gives a slower RPM on the highway allowing the extreme torque of the 2.25 engine to really show it's stuff.

[Bill E.]

Stuart, The tire debate is endless, John is quite right in trying to stay narrow but unfortunately the BFG MT sizes are not quite as skinny as they used to be. If you want the height, and in a 109 you do, 255/85R16 is the way to go. I pushed these around with my enemic 2.5 natural diesel for over 90,000 km's and never regreted a minute of it. Like Shawn says free overdrive comes with the torque of either the gas or diesel. The steering only really becomes an issue in deep snow when your trying to change direction on a ten foot wide trail:-) If your using defender rims your looking at a wider stance anyway that will effect steering weight. Tuko is right when he says they'll look good, it gets rid of that knock-kneed appearance that series trucks have. Derek's tires performed better than expected in the mud and I know that Dunlop has changed their rubber compound, early sets tended to prematurely wear. A friend of mine wore a set out in 40,000 km. Certainly the price may affect your decision, not sure on the Dunlops but 4 BFG MT 255/85R16's mounted balanced taxes and fees will drop just about bang on a grand. Speaking from recent purchasing experience.
Bill