Defender TD5 90 - tyre options

[tomw2000]

I've googled all over and can't quite find the answer I am after.

I have a '53 plate TD5 Defender 90. I think the wheels are the 'boost alloys'.
It's currently on BF Goodrich AT 265/75/16

They all need replacing (they're old and starting to perish).
Should I go for the same ones?
What other's could I consider?
I rarely do anything like 'off roading'. But don't mind how the current ones sound/perform on the road.

Also - who are good retailers price-wise?

Many thanks in advance

[hashtag]

If you are happy with what you have stick with them

there are other options available from General, GoodYear etc....

[tomw2000]

Thanks for response/

I've a contact at Goodyear and might be able to wangle some discount

IF I can, can you suggest which Goodyear tyre/s might be good options?

[anonymous-user]

I've got General Grabbers AT2 on mine, same size as your BFGs.
Tread-wise they're identical but the Generals have lasted waaaaaaaaay longer than the BFGs they replaced.
Think I paid around £100 a corner at Micheldever Tyres.

[camel_landy]

Have a look at 235/85R16.

That's a more 'standard' size for the Defender, which might give you more choice too.

M

[abbotsmike]

When my BFG AT's finally give up I'll be going straight for a set of AT KO2's. Just the more modern (and reportedly better) version.

I'll also be sticking with 265/75/16!!

[100SRV]

I'd recommend you talk to Andy at AJS tyres, Land Rovers and tyres are in his blood.

I've got General Grabber TR in 235/85 R 16 on my 110 Station Wagon - acceptable for occasional green laning and the longer trips to Scotland. They appear to last very well, grip nicely and are quiet on the road.

[tomw2000]

Thanks for all the advice and pointers guys.

I'll be sorting them out over the next month or so, so will let you know how I get on.

[tomw2000]

As is often the way with such things, there's been some 'feature creep' here...

My 90 is off to Nene this weekend - with a fairly large list of things to tackle.

I'll update when the work is done

[HarryM64]

Insa Turbos could be another option. They do a BFG pattern on the 235/85R16 Insa Turbo Ranger 116 remould.

[Hard-Drive]

I'm having some Copper Discoverer STT Pros in 265/75/16 fitted to my 110 at the weekend. I will report back...I've heard very good things about them, low noise and great road manners, in a full-on off road tyre.

I "feature crept" too...I was after a fairly tame AT tyre, but decided I wanted the truck to look mean and get out the gloop when it mattered. Some users reckon the STTs are actually quieter than BFG ATs...now that will be nice if true!

[julesGB]

Mine's a 54 plate 90 and came fitted from new with General Grabber TRs. The fronts lasted 70,000 miles and the rears 100,000

I replaced them with same!

[tomw2000]

Thanks again all.

I've gone for the latest incarnation of BFG AT2s all round.

And re feature creep - the car has been at Nene Overland all week...I'll update over the weekend, when I've collected 'her' and regained consciousness from the shock of the cost

[there was a lot needed doing in the end and haven't even started on my wish list of fun/nice-to-haves - that's for later in the year....]

[Andy_mr2sc]

Hi all.

I'm currently running 12.5 35 15s on my 90 with 10" rims. Not my choice they were on it when I got it. Apart from being hard work to drive they constantly throw mud up the side of the body where they are so wide. I am looking at fitting 16" x 7j alloys (probably sawtooths) instead.
Could anyone tell me if I fit 265/75s will I get the same problem or do I need to go to the standard 235/85 to stop this?

Cheers.

[Hard-Drive]

Andy_mr2sc said:

Hi all.

I'm currently running 12.5 35 15s on my 90 with 10" rims. Not my choice they were on it when I got it. Apart from being hard work to drive they constantly throw mud up the side of the body where they are so wide. I am looking at fitting 16" x 7j alloys (probably sawtooths) instead.
Could anyone tell me if I fit 265/75s will I get the same problem or do I need to go to the standard 235/85 to stop this?

Cheers.

You should be OK with 265s as they do fit "under" the arches, especially if you don't use spacers. There is also a neat little mud shield you can buy which fills the gap between the bottom of the arches and the sills (although I've not used these). Obviously if you are off roading in lots of mud it's going to get mucky anyway but for normal use my 265s are OK.

[Andy_mr2sc]

Funnily enough I was just looking at those arch inserts. I won't be going for spacers. I don't off road as such but we have horses so I drive a lot in mucky country lanes and through the odd field. Thanks for the info.

[300bhp/ton]

Andy_mr2sc said:

Hi all.

I'm currently running 12.5 35 15s on my 90 with 10" rims. Not my choice they were on it when I got it. Apart from being hard work to drive they constantly throw mud up the side of the body where they are so wide. I am looking at fitting 16" x 7j alloys (probably sawtooths) instead.
Could anyone tell me if I fit 265/75s will I get the same problem or do I need to go to the standard 235/85 to stop this?

Cheers.

265's will fit under the arches, but are wider. So will throw more mud up. I'd opt for a 235/85 unless you have a specific reason not too. Or you might even want to consider a 7.50 x 16, about the same height, but not as wide. Although you'd want more of a 5.5-6.5j rim for 7.50's.

[Andy_mr2sc]

Just aesthetic preference really. The 235s border on looking a little skinny although I guess they drive a bit nicer?

[300bhp/ton]

Not sure I've ever thought 235's look too skinny tbh.


All of these are 235/85R16's.






(green on in this pic is 7.50's)






Middle one has 265/75R16, the other two are 235/85R16

[Andy_mr2sc]

Haha ok I see your point!