255/85/16 BFG MT anyone?

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I bought mine at a discount tire store and payd about 150 a tire. But then I spent another 80 on the replacement warranty. Good idea if you do any wheeling.
 
Kristian used to run 33x9.50 BFG MTR's on this truck. IIRC he liked them, and ran them as they would get through the top few inches of goo, down to solid ground more efficiently that wider tires. I don't recall why he went with 33x12.50's. Maybe he will see this post and provide input.
 
Because of Scott's detailed research, I choose the same tires and have not been dissapointed with traction on or off highway. I did however get a slice in the sidewall due to a sharp piece of Basalt rock. ( just lucky I guess) The sidewalls have no extra protection. I usually air down to 15 - I have had no issues with the set since then - 20K miles later ...Been though Moab, Death Valley, and many trails in AZ. Here you can see them on my 04 Tacoma.
 
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I ran 34 9.5 15 BFG AT's on a 60 and really liked the ride, performance and look. Basically about the same tire you are talking about other than tread.
 
Interco also makes a few good tall/narrow sizes. I like the newer LTB @ 34x10.5 R16

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They really are not appropriate for a highway driven vehicle though.

I also really like the Michelin XZL in the 8.5 size
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But the tire I really wish was available in the US is the Simex Extreme Jungle Trekker :cool: It is available in 33, 34 and 35 X 10.5

extremetreker.gif
 
you guys not struggling in sand with the narrower tires?
 
Gonna find out for sure just how good they are at Surf 'n Turf :D But so far I have always had traction. + the Tacoma = lighter

Scott has an excellent Tech Doc on tires here

"tall and narrow " a new religion
 
Great question!

If two tires are the same height, but one is wider (like a 10.5 compared to a 12.5), the wider tire will always perform better (given the same tread design) than the narrow on in sand.

But, you can make the assumption that a taller but narrower tire can be installed on the vehicle with the same lift.

For example, on my Tacoma, I cannot fit a 33x12.5 with the 1.5" lift I have, but I can fit a 33.3x10.5 (255/85 R16).

Because I can fit a taller tire, I am able to gain great flotation in sand due to the tall section height. When aired down to 12 psi or so, I have a very long contact patch. So compared to a 32x11.5, my 33x10.5 has equivalent flotation.

It is also important to remember that when you air down, only 20% of the flotation gained comes from the section width. 80% comes from the patch getting longer.

The width of a tire should really be decided based upon the vehicle weight (just like gearing should be selected because of engine torque, not tire diameter)

So in summary, I always recommend that if given the choice, you should select a tire based on how tall you can fit, not how wide. Just my opinion, for what its worth (.02) :)
 
spartan said:
I ran 34 9.5 15 BFG AT's on a 60 and really liked the ride, performance and look. Basically about the same tire you are talking about other than tread.

Probably 33x9.50s They didn't make 34x9.5. Swamper does though.
 
I had an f350 that had 235-85-16's on it stock and I upgraded to the 255 BFG MT's great tire and a good size. I personally hate wide tires as the on road characteristics suck! Plus our wheelin up here in the PNW favor a skinny tire.
 
Pretty sure they were 34 9.5's. Actually I think they are still in production. Specter used to have a photo of a red 60 series just like mine with 34's in one of their catalogs circa late 80's. Used to air them down to 10 psi for sand.
 
spartan said:
Pretty sure they were 34 9.5's. Actually I think they are still in production. Specter used to have a photo of a red 60 series just like mine with 34's in one of their catalogs circa late 80's. Used to air them down to 10 psi for sand.

NOT BFGS in a 34"! http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/assets/pdf/all_terrain_ta_kd.pdf

They have always been 33x9.5 as long as I can remember. I ran several sets until about 1999. They came out with the 33x10.50 when they released the AT KO. They are actually a fairly short 33 in typical BFG measurements.
 
Grouseman said:
Scott,

Nice site. Can you give us some closeups on the wheel, tire combo? Are there any 80 guys here with this tire?

SS

Hope you don't mind these two pictures, as while they are not 80 series, they are both 255/85R16.

Just saw some 255/85/R16 BFG mud tires on factory 16x6 wheels, on a BJ42 yesterday. They looked very good. Tad too narrow a rim for my liking, but they did not looked rounded at the tread.

I like that tire selection Scott. I think there are a few of us who wish the Simex EJT and the II were available in North America.

I've got some 35x10.5R16 SSR's on 7" rims as well. One day they will make it on the BJ60.

8.25R16 Michelin seem to have gone the way of the dodo bird for public consumption, as the military are sucking them all up.

BJ74 has Cooper ST and the HJ61 the Toyo M-55
IcyBJ74a.webp
HJ61a.webp
 
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Greg,

That 74 looks great. What an awesome machine!

Good point on the 8.25's. I was wondering why everyone I looked into was not available... Northern 4x4 in Alaska used to bring in the Simex brand for a short period of time. I have not found a US importer of the Trekker's at all. Maybe one of the fine sponsors of this forum should consider it (hint, hint)
 

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