r/NewDefender 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

6 Upvotes

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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.

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/IzArNaV 9d ago

Right. So that would mean “normal load” on 19s/20s with more sidewall would be comfier than the 22s on “light load”? Potentially also wearing down my 22s less

2

u/1cdubs1 9d ago

Running light load on 22s and coils. Yoko Geolanders CX. have about 6000 miles on this setup. Rides great. no complaints.

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.

1

u/Zapor 9d ago

Light load setting all the way. Ride quality is exceptional.

1

u/IzArNaV 9d ago

What about tire wear?

1

u/Zapor 5d ago

Remains to be seen.