BFG M/T or Cooper STT ??

[rick130]

the Defender is up for new tyres soon, currently using Bridgestone MT's.

Of the above two, (Bridgestone don't make the size I'm after, 255/85/16) which is your preference for a daily driver (dirt roads, highway, farm use), and why ?

Thanks,

Rick.

[TuffRR]

I read somewhere that BFG have discontinued making thr 255/85. I'm not 100% sure if this is true though.
In my experience between the STT and BFG, the BFG has been slightly better in the mud down here in Vic. I have been running that size in the BFG's for a couple of years now and have no complaints. They seem to be wearing well and i haven't had a puncture yet.

[mav]

i have been running coopers stt for about three years and have found them better in the mud than mates bfg muds (diesel compared to diesel) and when up the high country i have had no problems with staking tyres while the same mate has with his bfgs.

[Slunnie]

I've run the Cooper STT in STT pattern and 255/85-16 size. I thought that they were a pretty good all round tyre to be honest, except the wear rates I got were not all that great. Might be the way they were used though.

I have a pair of unused 255/85-16 BFG MT non KM's lying around if you need them also.

[modman]

i run the bf's on a defender in a 255/85/16 pattern.(non-ko)
back then i would have got the coopermuds in that size but they weren't available i was told??
is the stt the mud pattern? or the at?
i do like the new bf ko pattern though, nicer side wall.
the only problem i have with this size is you put a large sidewall in damage danger whenever you let them down.
personally, i can clain tyres on tax so i'm getting simex et's
i'm sick of damaged sidewalls.

[Aquarangie]

I think Coopper do the STT (mud pattern) as well as the ST in that size (255/85R16).

I still think that BFG make this size. It's a shame that Goodyeaar don't make the MT/R in that size.

Good luck,

Trav

[Slunnie]

Yep, I've had the STT and ST in 255/85-16.

[red90]

Goodyear Wrangler MT/R or Interco TrXus MT. Both much, much better. From my experience, the BFG MT are not very goof in most conditions.

[Slunnie]

AFAIK you cant get either MTR or Trxus in 255/85

[rick130]

Thanks fella's,
I would jump at some MT/R's, but alas, only BFG and Cooper S/T (aggressive all terrain) and STT (mud tyre) are available AFAIK in 255/85/16.

Why this size? 'cause they fit my stock rims !!

Rick

[red90]

What rims?? If stock 5.5", 255 is technically too wide. Of course if reality, it is OK. If you have 7", then think about 285/75/16. Depending on offset, they fit without mods.

TrXus come in 255/85/16, see link below. I run them currently. I had BFG MT for 5 years and they are light years ahead in traction in all conditions. They may wear quicker though.

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/assets/pdf/mud_terrain_ta_km.pdf
http://www.intercotire.com/html/trxus_mt___sts.htm
http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyeartireselector/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Wrangler+MT%2FR&mrktarea=Light+Truck

[rick130]

I've got 6.5" 130 HD rims (wolf ?).
Ideally I'd get them re-rimmed to 8" and mount 285/75, but then they look obviously wider, and once that is done the vehicle is (visibly) changed from stock and needs an engineers certificate ($) to say the vehicle is safe for registration and insurance purposes and I'll have a stack of other outgoings in the next few months (like buying a new property and moving) and......

hence the desire to fit a taller, slightly wider tyre on the stock rims to 'sneak' through without being noticed.

Hell, technically the 235/85's I've got fitted now are illegal as the vehicle comes stock with 7.50/16's and no other tyre size is on the tyre placard or the Road Vehicle Descriptor Form.

Fuggin bureaucrats.

Rick.

[Aquarangie]

I'm fitting 235/85R16 MT/Rs WHEN I get my Rangie back from the smash repairs (before Christmas I bloody hope!!!!). These would have to be illegal in Qld, but nobody checks.

The Burecrats can go and kiss my arse for all I care, because there going on and that's that!!!!

Regards,

Trav

[red90]

My understanding of the QLD regs are 15mm more allowed on diameter but 50% more allowed on width. If my memory is working right then 235/85 is OK as would be 265/75. Of course, I know lots of guys running 35" tyres and have never been bothered.

OK, here it is from the horses a$$

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/driver.nsf/files/images/$file/Vehicle-Modifications.pdf

"The rim diameter may be varied from the standard size
but the overall diameter of the tyre must not vary by more
than +15 mm or -26 mm.

Tyres
The maximum tyre width must not be more than 1.3 times wider
than the vehicle manufacturer’s widest optional tyre. However, in
the case of off-road passenger vehicles fitted with front and rear
beam axles, the maximum tyre width must not be more than
1.5 times larger than the manufacturer’s widest optional tyre.
The nominal width of the narrowest tyre fitted to a vehicle must
not be less than 70 percent of the nominal width of the largest
tyre fitted and never less than the vehicle manufacturer’s
narrowest optional tyre as indicated on the manufacturer’s
tyre placard.
17
Speed and Load Ratings
The speed rating of all tyres must be:
(a) a speed of at least:
(i) for an off-road passenger vehicle - 140km/h; or
(ii) for another car (sedan, station wagon etc.) up to 9 adult
seating positions or a car derivative - 180km/h; or
(iii) for another motor vehicle - 120km/h; or
(b) the vehicle’s top speed, if lower.
Load ratings of tyres must be at least equal to those specified
by the manufacturer on the tyre placard fitted to vehicles made
after 1972. For other vehicles, the load rating of a tyre must
be capable of carrying the part of the vehicle’s gross mass
carried by the tyre.

[Aquarangie]

Good to know.

If they cracked down on all registerd 4WD's in Qld, that would be the end of the modified off-roadeers as we know it!!

Well, at least my new tyres are legal after all.

Regards,

Trav