RED-DOT wrote:

Same vehicle, same weight, same approach, same power, same speed, same pressures? I use mine for hunting and find the 265's OK but have been assured by a guy with a £2,000,000 annual budget from L.R. that 235's are the best all round for grip and handling... space hopper on each corner seems to be overkill?

They were both on idle in low first using TC and anti-stall. I was there with them

I tried the same in my 90 truck cab, so lighter with shorter wheelbase (no TC) on 235s and could only do it with a moderate amount of approach speed. I know TC makes a huge difference ,but I also know that the right tyre makes a massive difference too, from experience with Defenders, Discoveries and assorted non LR stuff over the years.

That said, too wide can be a problem if not used appropriately, as witnessed when I've waltzed up stuff using 235 TRs where the Simex brigade on lift kits have been floundering and failing the climb...... 

54 Freelander modded for mud
2008 D3 SE
2010 90 XS SW
1978 88 Series 3 undergoing surgery with a new owner
2007 90 County Truck Cab - gone
2006 D3 SE - gone
2004 Freelander Sport - gay
1999 Disco V8 ES rotted to bits

fekete wrote:

Sonic, Thinking of putting some 285 MT / BFG on mine, have you had any issues with this tyre on the standard
rims ?
Before you all tell me i no you should not put this size tyre on 7j rims

Thanks in advance
KARL

Hi Karl
I`ve had no problems with the 285`s on the boosts , they will rub the radius arms unless you adjust the stops or fit some spacers. Below is a pic of my old 90 with 285`s on it

Click image to enlarge

RED-DOT wrote:

I think that picture proves my point.. all show and no go. It looks like a spacehopper on each corner?

Time out guys. Each to their own.

Clearly tyre size does have an impact otherwise all challenge eventers would run on 235s.

Given that the reason we drop our tyre pressures in sand, snow and bog is to increase the footprint in contact with the ground, a wider tyre must make a difference. That doesn't mean it is better in all circumstances, though, and it's possible that the LRE instructors are gauging the 235 to be the better tyre in most situations encountered in the UK.

We can have the same debate about tyre tread patterns - AT vs MT etc. Again, it depends on what you're doing.

As for show, it's a personal thing and plenty of folks like the look of wider, more aggressive tyres. Lord knows I've added a snorkel and steering guard to mine and it'll only see greenlanes and the occasional deep puddle. Quite fancy some wider ATs as well  One that started out as a 2.4 TDCi 110 XS
+ New Defender 110 First Edition

RED-DOT wrote:

I think that picture proves my point.. all show and no go. It looks like a spacehopper on each corner?

What ever