Tony replied:

Donald, I replaced my Dunlop Road Grippers (7.50 x 16) with Cooper ST 235/85. Price was a tad more but the Coopers have lasted a lot nore, give far better grip on both bitumen and off road, wet bitumen grip is amazing after having the Dunlops. The Coopers are better at self cleaning and are rated at 10 ply, at least thats what it says on the side wall. The Coopers were a bit quieter at first but when they wore the first 15 - 20% I noticed they are a bit more noisy now. I'm sold on the Coopers over the Dunlops. These are on 5.5 x 16 split rims on an 80 Series. I think I paid $220 per tyre where as the Dunlops were $195 (quoted). They are available in all major cities/towns. I bought mine in Coffs Harbour NSW. I don't know about availability outback as mine have never let me down (other than a perished tube) so I've never tried to buy one at places like Marree or Oodnadatta (hope I spelled them correctly). I don't sell tyres, this is not an add, just my two bobs worth.

Tim replied:

Suggest you get 8 ply Road Grippers, they are much tougher than the 6 ply standard OE ones, and IMHO i don't see the need to get wider tyres which will probably create more drag, use more fuel, and not have the tough characteristics of an 8 ply tyre.

Deano replied:

I dont know what these are like, Dunlop do a 12ply super gripper.

alex replied:

G'day, for pure puncture resistance get Michelin XZT's - they have steel ply's in the sidewall as well as under the tread - if you can stand the cost at around $320 each in 750x16
Cheers, Alex.

Donald Dasher replied:

Thanx for the feedback FYI i've picked up some 8 ply roadgippers. cheers donalddasher