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foxhound

Member Since: 02 Mar 2013
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 357

1995 Defender 110 300 Tdi SW Alpine White

Mud Tyre Size?

Hi

My 110 has BF Goodrich 235/85 All terrains on wolf rims which I am very happy with. I'd like to get some mud tyres, as come winter proper, I'll be spending more time on greasy grass and mud.

I'm looking at BFG's mud tyres but am wondering what size to go for to improve off road driving but not reduce MPG too much on road as I'll likely leave the tyres on for the winter.

Advice please!

thanks in advance. 110 Defender 300tdi & Penman trailer with ally exped top and roof tent

17th Sep 2019 12:28pm

JOW240725

Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7873

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey

Well there's a question that will divide opinion!

I'd stick with 235/85R16

James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers

17th Sep 2019 2:20pm

Bluest

Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 3997

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black

The BFG KM2 is one of the few tyres available in 255/85 r16, which will give you a bit of extra ground clearance and looks very cool on a Defender in my opinion. 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS

17th Sep 2019 2:39pm

JOW240725

Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7873

It seems the KM2 in 255 is becoming more difficult to get hold of, I guess in favour of the newer KM3.

Could go Toyo Open Country 255/85R16

17th Sep 2019 2:58pm

Bluest

Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 3997

I meant KM3, don't know why i said KM2 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS

17th Sep 2019 3:07pm

shropshiredefender

Member Since: 05 Jun 2017
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 832

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black

Old Land Rover wisdom states that narrower tyres cut through mud and find grip. Wider tyres float over mud.
So 600/16

Just because you're offended doesn't mean you're right.

17th Sep 2019 3:26pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7687

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey

To keep gearing the same stick with 235.85r16.

If you want more diff clearance then 255.85r16 Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop

17th Sep 2019 5:06pm

JOW240725

Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7873

I can't find the km3 in 255/85r16 in the UK?

17th Sep 2019 7:57pm

Bluest

Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 3997

I just had a quick look and can’t see it either. Plenty of KM2s 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS

17th Sep 2019 8:09pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 16879

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

jst wrote:
To keep gearing the same stick with 235.85r16.

If you want more diff clearance then 255.85r16

Be aware that the extra clearance is not spectacular however, as it is only 85% of 255 mm minus 235 mm, i.e., a massive 17 mm!

A worn 255/85 is probably smaller than a new 235/85.

17th Sep 2019 9:16pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 19577

I'm happy with 255/85 as per Blackwolfs suggestion to me a couple of years ago.
Future supply is a bit of a concern with size though, I'm a huge fan of muds personally for many reasons.

I would suggest asking Devon 4x4 about this, they've been very good to me regarding such things and know a lot of good sources for these things. Diesel$ Live$ Matter. ⛽️🛢️👨‍🔧🧰⚙️ RED, WHITE & BOOST! 🇬🇧

17th Sep 2019 9:26pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7687

blackwolf wrote:
jst wrote:
To keep gearing the same stick with 235.85r16.

If you want more diff clearance then 255.85r16

Be aware that the extra clearance is not spectacular however, as it is only 85% of 255 mm minus 235 mm, i.e., a massive 17 mm!

A worn 255/85 is probably smaller than a new 235/85.

Off road wise that's a good gain Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop

17th Sep 2019 10:45pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 16879

True, but you'll gain more by making your passengers get out and walk!

17th Sep 2019 11:04pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7687

i think 99% of the people who do my driving days would beg to differ on that front. 255.85 is a good compromise in side wall height vs width footprint and has proved its worth many a time off roading the added height over a 31" being a great advantage! Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop

18th Sep 2019 10:31pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 19577

The trouble is with 235 is they can dig in. If that’s a soft substrate that could get you in too deep. The 255 is ideal between being too wide and too narrow.
Mind you I’ve never got stuck with the KM2.
Their only downfall is snow and ice but they weren’t designed for that and I’m not a fan of risking driving in it anyway.

The gearing side seems just right to me, and as has been discussed before more or less brings the speedometer bang on when compared to GPS with rolling radius.

The 235’s also look a bit skinny, especially with mud tread block design. Diesel$ Live$ Matter. ⛽️🛢️👨‍🔧🧰⚙️ RED, WHITE & BOOST! 🇬🇧

18th Sep 2019 11:41pm

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