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JackNorris



Member Since: 16 Mar 2020
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 70

United Kingdom 
Help a tyre novice with sizes
Hi all,

Looking at changing my failing tyres out but struggling with sizes.

I current run 265/75 16


Click image to enlarge


Now I am looking at Toyo Open Country and see these 3 sizes various people recommend.

Click image to enlarge


Now can I put any of these on? When I do a comparison the tyres external measurements seem the same. (left on both is current size)

Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge


Any issues?
Post #1047347 30th Sep 2024 9:40pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20441

United Kingdom 
I could recommend 255/85/R16, you have another option which is BFG KM3 as well.
(There is a cost difference with those two).

You won’t need spacers, just a little adjustment in steering lock stops which isn’t difficult.
Mine are on Boosts, are those allows the same width? $W33T $0U7H3RN $UG4R
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Post #1047348 30th Sep 2024 9:47pm
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Bluest



Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 4216

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
235/85 and 265/75 are both standard Defender sizes that were fitted by LR themselves at various points. For all intents and purposes the are same height, rolling diameter/radius. Just difference in width. No problem fitting either.

255/85 is appreciably taller as shown in the table. So this will slightly raise the ride height and gearing. I've never tried that size, so I can't comment on the effect, but there quite a few on the forum who have. 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS
Post #1047350 30th Sep 2024 10:04pm
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falkster



Member Since: 12 Nov 2023
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Posts: 64

Germany 1988 Defender 110 V8 Petrol CSW Trident Green
I am currently running the same size as you and my next tyres will be 235/85R16. As has been said before diameter is pretty much the same, so my speedo will still read the same.
Most importantly though, there have been many tests by off-road enthusiasts that apparently showed the narrower tyre is the better option.
If it is for looks, the 255/85R16 is certainly an option as it looks a bit beefier in many peoples opinion.

In the end a question of preference.

and just in case your question went in this direction: the first number is the tyre width in mm, the second number is the sidewall height in % of the tyre width, which explains why the 255/85 tyre is larger in diameter than the 235/85, despite both listing 85 as height.  1988 Land Rover OneTen County SW, 3.9l Petrol V8 (serpentine), original "Santana" LT85 gearbox
Post #1047363 1st Oct 2024 7:22am
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MarkBrown



Member Since: 03 Oct 2022
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 475

Wales 1983 Defender 110 Other HT Auto Keswick Green
Depends on what look you want. If it’s a 90 I’d go with the same size that’s on already with those wheels. Have a look at the different tyre and wheel combinations on here, I think it depends on the colour of the vehicle and the overall style of it also.
Post #1047371 1st Oct 2024 8:35am
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rustandoil



Member Since: 08 Sep 2012
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 745

England 2005 Defender 110 Td5 XS DCPU Bonatti Grey
I have 265/75 16 Coopers on my 110, looks and performs well in my opinion.

Those Toyo's look a good price Thumbs Up
Post #1047373 1st Oct 2024 9:52am
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AJC



Member Since: 30 Nov 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 1364

United Kingdom 
i have had every 16 inch tyre size i think on my 110

235/85
285/75
255/85

i am now on 265/75

for me, the 285's and 255's benefit from a 2 inch lift where as the 235 and 265 are fine on stock suspension
Post #1047380 1st Oct 2024 11:14am
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 751

United Kingdom 
Re: Help a tyre novice with sizes
JackNorris wrote:
Hi all,

Looking at changing my failing tyres out but struggling with sizes.

I current run 265/75 16


Click image to enlarge


Now I am looking at Toyo Open Country and see these 3 sizes various people recommend.

Click image to enlarge


Now can I put any of these on? When I do a comparison the tyres external measurements seem the same. (left on both is current size)


Any issues?

Standard fitment is 235/85R16, which is actually a really nice size and will work well for everything.

265/75R16 was also standard fitment I believe. They work out to be about the same height as the 235, but fatter. So offer a different look. But off road in the UK they will likely be slightly less good on most terrains. This only matters if you are off roading though.

Arguably you should get better mpg and better steering with the narrower tyres, but most probably won't notice this.

The 255/85 is a nice size, it is tall and relatively narrow for its height. Ideally if you switch to this size you'll want 5, so as to have a matching spare due to the height difference to the other sizes.

The only downside is choice, in the UK currently there is not many options in 255, really being the Toyo and the KM3.

The 255 will slightly change your gearing, making it taller. So bear this in mind. I'm not sure what engine or power your vehicle has.

And there is a chance they will rub. Most likely the rear wheel spats under suspension flex. But it depends on what rim and offset and if your spats sag or not.
Post #1047384 1st Oct 2024 11:30am
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17443

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
If you think you may want to use tyre chains and you have standard suspension, stick with the 235s.
Post #1047389 1st Oct 2024 3:33pm
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JackNorris



Member Since: 16 Mar 2020
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 70

United Kingdom 
Thanks for all the replies, invaluable as always

So currently running the 265/75 16 but just as it came with those

It isn’t a daily driver and does do a fair bit of off roading

Sounds like the 235/85 16 could be a solid option, slightly cheaper too
Ability to use tyre chains a bonus too

I’m not worried about looks really. Handy being same overall size for Speedo too although defender speedo so accuracies could be debated anyway Rolling with laughter

It’s a 90 300tdi 👍
Standard suspension
Has got spacers from previous owner
Post #1047422 1st Oct 2024 9:20pm
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 751

United Kingdom 
What sort of off roading do you do?

The Toyo is an "ok" tyre, but despite its looks, ranks more in the AT category off road.

Where you off road can also depend on what would work better.

235/85 is a nice size and lots of choice. 7.50 x 16 is also a great size to consider, same height still but even more narrow and for most UK terrain types will outperform fatter tyres.

As for using chains, I guess a nice bonus. but I've never need to or even have any. It really would be specialist use in the UK.

Sadly not as much choice in 7.50 size and your rims are I think 7" wide, they will fit, but maybe a little stretched. A 6-6.5" is ideal for a 7.50.

However, I would say this is about the Best Mud Terrain you can buy right now. And still acceptable on the road. It is very aggressive and in narrow 7.50 guise will work better than many of the extreme MT patterns you get with some remould tyres.

https://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/products/7-50r...-x-mt-g005


If you want a tough tyre for touring or laning, I still quite like the XZL's:
https://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/products/7-50r...taxon_id=8

A tad pricey and a little old school. And not the best on some terrains, but surprisingly capable. But a very strong tyre, hence why it was the preferred tyre by the military.

In 235's I would pick either of these over the Toyo:
https://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/products/235-8...taxon_id=8
https://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/products/235-8...taxon_id=8

Neither as good as the X-MT's in 7.50 I posted above off road, but bother better than the Toyo's IMO and no worse on road either.

In fact, I'd go for the Nankangs over the Toyo's as well:
https://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/products/235-8...taxon_id=8
https://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/products/235-8...taxon_id=8

The BFG KM3 is good too, but very expensive IMO. You've really got to "want" them.

If you just fancy a very capable AT, then these are brilliant, I have them on 2 vehicles currently:
https://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/products/235-8...taxon_id=8
Post #1047468 2nd Oct 2024 12:31pm
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JackNorris



Member Since: 16 Mar 2020
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 70

United Kingdom 
Hi CD

You must be local to me near MK!

Off roading is mostly green laning, nothing heavy in pay and play etc.

Will have a look over those other options now, thanks Bow down
Post #1048133 9th Oct 2024 1:24pm
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 751

United Kingdom 
Hi Jack, hadn't noticed you are MK too, although I did clock you posted TyresDirect links.

I'm just a little way south of MK. I'm a member of https://www.cvlrc.co.uk/

If you fancy trying your hand at a Tyro or RTV event. Laning is cool too, I'm off to Salisbury next week for a few days, although taking the Jimny this time rather than the Ninety.
Post #1048144 9th Oct 2024 3:52pm
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