tyres for split rim

235x85x16 are ideal for splitties and are a good size for bush work. wider tyres on different rims may be better for sand work but could you justify the xtra expense. Change the tubes for good luck and keep the old ones as spares for the bush. Lower profile tyres would be a benifit for higher speed highway cruising - something you would only dream of in a troopie. My advice is stick with the combo you have

I have run 235's as an alternative to 7.50X16 on my 80 series for years. They are an excellent choice.

Now you've found a blindspot , I'll admit to my ignorance of wheel sizes. The 235's were put on 7.50X16 instead of the skinnies. The beauty of this arrangement is that in an emergency you can use a standard tyrewhich is availiable everywhere. Well that was my rationale. :))

I had an FJ45 with splits and when the tyres wore out I put 235/85/16 on, but I went with BFG A/T's.

Silly really, cos standard 235's come in 6 or 8 ply ratings which offer a much tougher tyre.

My only concern may be the rust band can wear a hole in the tube if you run low tyre pressures all the time for beach driving. I never had this problem but a good mate had it happen all the time. He chucked em and went for fatties, but I would do it again if I had a bus with splits.

6 or 6.5 inch rims would be better, but lots of guys run 235's on 5.5

Most tyre manufacturers recommend 6"-7" rims for the 235/85. The splits are 5.5". But the tyres fit up beautifully on the splits so nobody bothers about the small discrepancy.

Tubes are a major issue. If you replace them with some of those thin aftermarket tubes, you may have the occasional drama with split seams and pinhole leaks. Need quality tubes - a good tyre dealer will have good second hand Japanese made tubes that have been pulled out of original Toyotas and Nissans.

And make sure they check for stickers on the inside of the tyre and remove them - another cause of holes in tubes.

Cheers
Phil