I have a 1985 F250 6.9 diesel Manual 4x4 truck to drive on the dirt road to my Nevada Property. I have stock rims and 235/85-16 tires.
Once at the property some of the trails are very soft, sand and silt. Would like to get tires and/or tires and wheels for a larger foot print for extra traction.
Any recommendations as to what might Help? I am almost 70 and don't really want to rebuild my $400.00 truck, so new gears or lifts are not an option.
Thanks
Craig

 

265/70x16s would be wider with the same diameter. That and a more aggressive tread will get you deep enough into the back country so that you won't be tempted to try to walk out if you get stuck.

Not sure this will come up, but if not, it's the Cooper Discovery AT3 LT:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec....omCompare1=yes

 

that cooper tire is a very good choice.
but one thing you have to remember. that diesel engine is one heavy sob, and that truck will get stuck in soft stuff very easy if the front end sinks

 

Craig, regardless of the tires you fit you'll likely still get stuck, depending on what the terrain is like. If you go out alone and it's a long walk back, my first choice would be spending the money on a winch.
Obviously this is based on no knowledge of your particular situation other than "very soft, sand and silt."
Something to think about.

To put it in perspective, my sig on 4WD specific forums for the last 27 years has been, "Four wheel drive allows you to get stuck in places even more inaccessible."

 

Our experiences in sand (sugar size granular river sand In Louisiana and soft talcum powder fluff sand with sandstone hardpan underneath In Sw Texas/SE New Mexico) provided decades of stuck truck scenarios to reach the following conclusions:

1. Widest tread with tall side walls work best. Lowering air pressure allows us to “cheat” and gain even more footprint width.
2. Aggressive mud grips are worse than street tires. The tread digs down too fast especially when attempting take off and almost guarantees stuck truck.
3. A mild All-Terrain such as a BFG AT KO has become our go to tire. Ample traction without digging down too fast.
4. Heavy diesel front ended trucks like yours have the hardest time. We’ve had several over the years like yours and eventually gave up on trying to use them.
5. Have 4x4 engaged before getting into the sand. Trying to get moving after rear tires have spun down is difficult at best.
6. If possible, don’t stop in the sand. Find a spot of hard pan or ground with any sort of vegetation to rest tires on. Initial forward (not spin down) motion is crucial.
7. Winches with deadman anchor and ****** blocks (we carried in every truck), worked to help unstick a truck if alone or another vehicle was not around to assist.
8. Means of communication are a must. Whether it’s cell, CB or walk-in talkie, anything is better than nothing.
9. Emergency kit with food, water, fuel, sunscreen, portable shade, traction boards (we used short lengths of 2x8 with metal grating affixed) all come in very handy.
10. Let someone else know when you will be there and when you should return. Narrows down search area and rescue time should you become immobilized.

Every situation/terrain is different. Hopefully this information helps and I’m confident with a little preplanning, you’ll have no issue getting around your property.