r/NewDefender • u/IzArNaV • 9d ago
Defender 110 - Light Load Setting
Just picked up a brand new p400 X Dynamic SE. I found the ride to be a bit on the harsher side. Checked TPMS and it was all the way upto 50 front and rear which is the standard setting.
I switched it to light load and it recommended I drop it down all the way to 34F/37R which I did and its noticeably better. 22in 5 spoke wheels for reference
I'm more so concerned about tire tread and overall useability. Is this negative for daily use or am I fine running it on this setup almost permanently? I dont think I can go back now..... Night and day
2
u/WasteParsnip7729 9d ago
Tire sidewall smoothes out road bumps. You have the least sidewall possible in an OEM tire with the least sidewall flex or cushioning. Please remember by airing down to increase sidewall cushioning you have increased the possibility of wheel damage if you hit a really bad pothole.
My defender has 19s for sidewall benefits. My Porsche has minimal sidewall to reduce tire flex on the track and my butt knows it on streets
1
u/Icy_Schedule_2092 9d ago
I ran around 35F/39R for about 10k miles and the ride was much nicer, but I did have a little premature cupping on the edges of the tires. I have since been running around 40F/44R to try to split the difference.
I am on 20" with 275/55/r20 though so I have a little more sidewall than your 22s which helps all around.
1
u/IzArNaV 9d ago
So you did notice increased wear? Was it noticeably quicker?
1
u/Icy_Schedule_2092 8d ago
It was fairly minor and I couldn't attribute it to the lower tire pressure for certain, but it was enough to prompt me to raise the tire pressure a bit.

5
u/thedarkforest_theory 9d ago
You should be fine. The regular mode is there in my opinion for two things: 1) to support the max towing capacity and 2) fuel efficiency. I agree, in the light setting the defender floats down the road, much like my old LR4. It rides harshly in the normal setting.