What's the issue with using a slightly smaller sidewall, speed and load index?

Don't go over 100mph, no towing. I want something with better snow handling as opposed to the OEM GY Wranglers.

Offroading is not that often any more, now that I cracked my back.

Yes, I am losing 1/2" of sidewall - top & bottom.

The tire is 31.2" tall and 10.3" wide. I am fairly certain the OEM is 31.8" tall x 10" wide?

Wranglers sound like they are chewing ice on snow. Weird sensation. At least I won't fly off the road if I find a patch of ice, like I did this morning - fortunately was only going about 15-20 and just if sideways. Yep, I know: there's.no "ice" mode, but I was in 2nd gear and mud/snow/grass traction control.
​​​​​​
I mean, I was out before the plows got to the 4-5" last night, fahting around the mountain pass where I live.

 

Since you've 19" wheels, the sidewall on a 255/60 is going to be bigger than just about any on a 22" wheel which seems to be the popular size. Overall drop in diameter will affect the speedo in the safe direction - you'll go slightly slower than indicated speed. I think what's key is if the Wildpeak is XL rated. I certainly wouldn't want a SL rated tire.

 

This tire is SL although there is a /55 with XL rating. 109H weight/speed eating - don't think I missed any other details.

Oddly enough, both are max 51psi and same load rating. Kind of makes you scratch your head since those two ratings are most of the potential benefits of the higher load rating. Of course you get better puncture resistance, but frankly the Wranglers are soft anyway.

I have my OEM GY Wrangler tires setup at 34# and lighter load. I am typically the only "contents".

Sorry if I did t point out these are the original AT tires, not the AT3.

 

Yeah - those SL / XL / LT ratings are all over the place. I was running an SL tire that exceeded the load rating of an XL. I should have been clear - I think the key feature for the use you describe is being able to air up to about 50 psi for those times you are not running empty. I suggest the max psi rating for your new tires should be 50. The Defender is heavy and once you add 3 passengers and luggage, I believe it would be wise to run at a higher psi than the typical SL tier is typically rated.

 

Wellllll...

I am pretty much solo unless the wife and I are out. Normally the max weight is fuel + me (175#) and maybe my cat when we're going out on bear patrol. We live in the Black Mountains near Mount Mitchell.

I tried the OG 51psi and found it was far to subject to bumps and harsh? Set up for light load which suggests 34-38. I keep 34 front and 38 rear. Seems prefect for my tastes and needs.

 

Based on this, sounds like a good fit. I too run at low-mid 30s unless I'm towing. I hear very good things about the Wildpeaks.

 

I have a 110 p300 with 18” steelies and OEM Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain. I have 36,000 km / 22,000 miles on them. I have never liked their snow and slush performance but I’m also comparing to previous AWD cars etc. - I have no other tires or experience with another defender to compare. I’m not looking to increase size, nor do I want to have seasonal tires due to my climate, but looking to hear from anyone who has moved to the Falken Wildpeak A/T from the factory Wranglers, in any size.

 

I have 110 P400 with 20" wheels and the OEM Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain as well. Funny, I just purchased my Defender and drove it in the snow for the first time this week and also wasn't impressed with the snow and slush performance of the Goodyear AT tires as compared to our Macan GTS with 20" Hakka snows on it. Maybe it's not a fair comparison of Hakka snows to Goodyear AT tires?

 

Not invincible but solid for sure, 275/55/20s, AT3W, terrain control on Auto

 

Oh there's a AT4W now, but not in 19s https://www.falkentire.com/wildpeak/at4w whoever at JLR decided on 19s must of got a big *** kickback from Goodyear..