What size and type of tyre should I use?

OK, on my V8 I currently have 265/75x16 BFG MT's that are down to the last 5mm of tread so contemplating some new tyres.

BFG's are a bit pricey so had a look at the Greenway Macho's. Now the same size as my current tyres are only M rated, but 235/85 tyres are Q rated and more suitable for a V8. Question is, will the narrower tyres be OK for taking the power? Also, will the narrower tyres be better or worse when off-roading?

Any suggestions would be grateful - even other tyre types to look at, but they have to be standard road tyres, the Macho's are about the wildest tread pattern that are allowed.

TIA

narrower tires are worse for off roading because they dont give you the same traction that a wider tire would, but if you changed width, you would have to get new rims as well...i would just go for the same size tires. i have some 31 inch BFG ATs that i just got and so far so good. i used to have the MTs and now the street ride is much smoother and they still work fine off road. you could go for a bigger tire if you want, just dont go more than 2-3 inches bigger or you may need to lift your rover, and last i checked, it was more expensive than the tires...

Take5 said:

will the narrower tyres be better or worse when off-roading?

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Hmmm, all depends really. If you drive through mud then taller tyres are more likely to dig deep and find traction. Then again, if you're driving over dry ground then a wider tyre might grip more. Horses for courses etc. Military Rovers usually have 7.50 x 16s on 'em - but are you going to be driving over the sort of terrain the Army plays on? The same applies for tread pattern: a chunkier tread will give more grip off road but less grip on tarmac, and vice versa.

You have to be honest with yourself what you are going to ask the tyres to do and how long you want them to last.


My 265/75x16 BFG AT's stick to the road like glue, have excelent road manners and look set to last for over 60K miles (37K miles so far and still not half-worn). Ok they are useless in the mud but if I wanted mud tyres again I would buy a second set and swap them over.
I have heard from owners that the remould AT lookalikes while being about half the price, don't grip anything like as well and last only a fraction of the mileage (someone has quoted less than 15K miles). Not such a good buy after all?

If you want mud tyres then once again I would recomend BFG's, a friend is looking at getting over 40K miles out of his MT's and they also have good road manners. That really costs in when you compare prices with cheaper tyres.

Thanks guys.

Already have the Landy lifted 2" with deCarbon shocks so overall diameter is not a problem. Will be probably get a set of wheels with tyres fitted so I can swap between them - the BFG's as road tyres and some serious off-road tyres on separate rims.

Now, do I get another set of grey Compomtive modulars or go for the white 8 spokes...

White 8-spokes are just like white XR3i convertibles and big hair, sooooooooooooo 1980's!
I fitted a set (the wheels, not an XR3i or the hair) to my S111 back then and I thought it looked really good but looking at photos I now see that plain FC rims would have been a better bet (I also fitted chequer-plate and I find that a bit naff now).

For my money Modulars are the better option out of the two however I like the black ones (must get mine powder-coated black sometime).

If you're looking for a set of mud tyres to put on separate rims then either go for Anacondas from Greenway/Colway or Maxicross from Simonnites.

Unless you want to spend stupid money of course and then you might as well go for Simex