Yokahama Geolander A/T or BFG mud terrain for onaddatta track

I would suggest the standard tyres will be more than adequate with the additions you have, and if you drive to the conditions.

That's how I did it.

IMO light truck construction is important on those roads where you're dropping your pressure. Look for a load rating of 100+. Not sure what your Yokis are; mine aren't LT.

You won't need the maxtrax, winch or airlockers.
A LT construction AT tyre would be the most commonly used out there but you have neither. I'd have more faith in the BFG muddies than the Yokohamas for this reason.

Mick

I think the important factors in order are:

luck (the more experienced you are the luckier you get)

driving technique (picking the right line to avoid sharp stones and stakes, accelerate gently, don't drift around corners)

speed

load

pressure

brand of tyre

To keep load down I'd lose the winch. Travel at a sensible speed when off the bitumen. There is a massive difference between 80 kph and a 100 for tyre damage (thermal and puncture). As stated above, drop pressures to around 25, except on the back if you are heavily loaded, where they may bag too much. In which case, slow down some more.

Traction on your proposed trip is not a big concern. I'd favour the AT tyre.

Bob

I'd confidently take the yokos. They are 115 rated. If you feel the need the muddies could go on, but the yokos are going to be the better tyre on road, and I'd say for most of that track they are going to be better as well. The stone throwers will be better if it rains, but then you shouldn't be there at all.
Current assumptions I think about fuel usage etc.
I rated my geolanders very highly on my last vehicle. Note they don't come out with lt stamped on them, but their rating and construction notes says they are the same as any other lt out there.

We did the same trip with an Elite 17' offroad van 2 years ago. We had Cooper ATR's and let pressure down to about 28 PSI and travelled between 60 - 80 kms ( to road conditions ). Don't think that you need muddies, if it gets wet just stop and wait for the road to dry out. Very expensive to drive on muddy roads if the road closed signs go up. Wouldn't waste my time with a winch, it just adds weight and on that trip there isn't much to winch to if you get stuck. just use common sense and take time to smell the roses.
At the time you are travelling there will be plenty of travellers on the road, and keep an eye on the weather patterns at the time.
have fun, Hugh

I would use the more strongly constructed tyre. ie the km2. They are fine on bitumen, sand and everything else.

Cheers

Mick,
If you drive to the conditions as suggested most good quality tyres will be ok.

As said above drop pressures and speed. Check your tyre pressures when cold at the start and after an hours drive. If they have risen by more than 4 psi then they are either too soft or you are driving too fast for the pressure. Old rule of thumb that works well.

cheers

Hello,

Sorry for the late reply. Thank you to those who have responded.

I have experience in outback roads. I have done the Simpson desert a few years ago. I always lower tyre pressure accordingly to road conditions. I have always had bf Goodrich mud terrains on all my cars. This car came with the near new geolanders.

I would normally say bfg MUDs. But this trip we have planned up the onadatta to Alice is the only dirt section of the trip. As kings canyon and Alice to melb is on the black top. Just though it may be a waste to burn up the muddys on the highway for most of the trip.

I was interested to see what other guys run. We are towing and traveling on our own. I hear after mt dare to chambers to Alice is the most remote. I have a sat phone. A spare for car am trailer. All tyres interchangeable. A third carcass on the roof.

The down falls with the geolanders are strength. Ground clearance as they are 275/65/17. At tread if weather turns. Then again roads close down anyhow. The smaller tyre would be better for gearing/towing.

Bfg muddy. 285/70/17. No negatives except using a muddy on the highway is a shame. Maybe the size is a advantage as the car is higher.

ATM I am thinking of bfg muddys.

Thank again guys for the feed back

Geeeee.............did most of those tracks back in the early 60's with my Dad in a Peugeot 403, two wheel drive with skinny little Michelin tyres. 155 x 15 if I recall. Never even looked like getting stuck.