Tyres to use for Simpson Crossing?
Submitted: Thursday, Mar 16, 2017 at 23:18
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Kate J2
Hi there.
Interested in getting peoples opinions or recommendations about tyres. We are crossing the
Simpson Desert in June, travelling from Gippsland in Vic, Over to
Adelaide and up through the centre, so lots of HWY km's involved as
well and I need something suitable. Im thinking something in between an All Terrain and a Muddy. If you have other suggestions go for it ??.
I currently have Dick Cepek Trail Country's on a general All Terrain (had them for 3 years and close to 80,000km) - Which now need replacing, Im wondering if a new set of those would be sufficient to get us over those red dunes?
I am restricted to 255/65R17 's unfortunately (7" rim). Ive got the stock standard Nissan Rims on my vehicle and dont plan on changing the rims to open up my tyre options due to budget restrictions.
Any suggestions, help, recommendations would be appreciated.
Cheers!
Reply By: Les - PK Ranger - Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 06:58
Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 06:58
As mentioned, AT tyres are the go, probably for most 4WDn people do.
Important with ATs you are going to be deflating for sand and other driving, get good LT (light truck) grade, they usuallly have stronger side walls and elongate more when down to 12psi or so for desert sand, and don't bag out as bad sideways, which is more prone to having sidewalk stakings.
I say usually because the Federal Couragia ATs I have now bag too much even at 15, and I'm slightly worried about
airing down lower for some regions if needed.
Even though
mine are only 50% worn, I'm seriously thinks Ng of new ones for June Simpson Geo Centre / Geo
Hill trip and keeping the Feds for spares.
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Follow Up By: Kate J2 - Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 15:15
Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 15:15
Hi Les,
Thanks for your reply. ??
Seems Ill be right with AT's on and also seems the go is that I should look for an LT - AT at that.
Whats your thoughts in just travelling with a basic AT like my current Dick Cepeks Trail Country compared to say a "heavier duty" AT like BFGoodrich's TA KO2's?
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 16:28
Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 16:28
Maybe deflate to 12psi and see what they look like Kate.
They'll probably be fine for normal Simpson crossings on French, WAA lines, or Rig Rd are generally no problems as there are not many risks of stakings . . . just be careful pulling off the tracks into corridors to
camp, look for stakes.
It's more the rough stuff in the NT where there is a lot of off track driving, stakes can be a real issue.
Stakes are generally old vegetation that has been burned in fires, leaves short sharp stakes sticking out of the ground, bagging sideways can be damaged quite badly, whereas regular tread stakings are easily plugged (but still need later attention to fix properly).
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Follow Up By: Kate J2 - Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 18:14
Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 18:14
Thanks Les!
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Reply By: Sigmund - Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 19:50
Friday, Mar 17, 2017 at 19:50
With a bit of care - over the pressure and how you drive - passenger construction is fine. In the Centre HT is fine outside of mud, too.
Everyone says go for LT but it isn't necessary.
I've done the Simpson twice plus gravel and corro roads plus some gibber and embedded
rock* with PC tyres that were labelled ATs but were more HT.
------------
*
Oodnadatta, Perdika,
Birdsville, Mt Dare-Finke-Chambers-Alice, Finke
Gorge NP etc.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Baz - The Landy - Saturday, Mar 18, 2017 at 10:28
Saturday, Mar 18, 2017 at 10:28
Kate
"I currently have Dick Cepek Trail Country's on a general All Terrain (had them for 3 years and close to 80,000km)..."
My thoughts - stick with them if you are happy with them!
If you have got 80K out of them they are serving you
well. And think of the overall use the tyre will be put to throughout its useful life, rather than focussing on one particular trip...
My experience with tyres suggests it is about as much as good luck as anything else, there are no
puncture proof tyres, some might be better at the margin, but once you lower pressures and expose sidewalls you are at the mercy of the next stick or sharp protruding
rock in your path, regardless of tyre choice...
Sand driving is all about technique and pressure management rather than tyre choice.
As for traction, for the type of driving you are outlining, AT's will be the most suitable.
Tyre management via correct pressures will be more important than actual choice of tyre and importantly, a good set of tyre pressure monitors to ensure you can identify a
puncture prior to causing any damage to the tyre.
Apart from that, enjoy your trip.
Cheers, Baz - The Landy
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