Factory tyres on Prado GXL
Submitted: Saturday, Oct 16, 2004 at 20:18
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GoCats
Hi all,
I take delivery of a new Prado GXL in 3 weeks and am looking at changing the tyres from the Dunlop Grandtrek A/T 20 to something better - less puncture prone. I have not heard one good word about these tyres. I was keen on BFG but they don't do a 265/65/17, only a 265/70/17 and the speed rating is 160km/h as opposed to the Prado compliance plate minimum 180km/h. I know there are many 17 inch Prado's out there with the lower speed rated BFG's, what do people do about insurance & voiding warranty, if that's an issue?
ALso I have heard good things about the Bridgestone Dueler D694 that is rated at 180km/h and is the right size. Can anyone recommend a suitable tyre & whether compliance with the speed rating is necessary?
Thanks
Reply By: Phil G - Saturday, Oct 16, 2004 at 21:36
Saturday, Oct 16, 2004 at 21:36
Gocats,
The vast majority of people will fit the BFG without worrying about the upsize or speed rating issues. More relevant in the load index - which is unchanged at 112 on the BFG. Speed ratings are usually not an issue, as State laws usually allow for a lower rating than the compliance plate. The upsize to 265/70R17 is a non-issue in my opinion although I know some individuals get their nickers in a twist over the 15mm rule. The extra clearance comes in handy on the 120series.
BFG were the first ones out with offroad tyres for the 120 series, so the most experience is with them - they seem OK according to the 120 series owners at our club who have a lot of outback kms. The Bridgestone D694 is a recent release so I doubt anyone has significant outback kms on them.
Cheers
Phil
AnswerID:
80469
Follow Up By: GoCats - Monday, Oct 18, 2004 at 18:54
Monday, Oct 18, 2004 at 18:54
Thanks Phil & others,
I have settled on some Cooper ATR's, a new tyre just arrived in AUS. Size is 265/70/17, has 180kmhr speed rating & 115 load rating (112 for the Grandtrek AT 20) $305 each. Other 17 inch tyres are rare as hens teeth, none coming until mid / late November.
A second issue I have is a second spare wheel. Toyota only have a new Prado mag - $850 plus tyre. Any idea where I can get hold of a cheap steel rim?
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Reply By: Bob H - Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 01:46
Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 01:46
GoCats, what is going to be your main use eg 70/30 on/off road??
remember, tyre choice is a comprise unless you can afford 2 or 3 sets for different uses. the D694 tyres have had good reports in a feww magazines and seem to perform better than their tread patter suggests. have you looked at the TOYO OPATS range? they also appear to have a good report. try checking previous posts/archives re tyres as much has been said on here before.
Hope this helps
Bob
AnswerID:
80489
Follow Up By: Bob H - Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 01:51
Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 01:51
forgot to mention ply rating. original tyres probably only have 4 ply and in my opinion 8 or 10 ply would be better especially for any offroad use. more puncture resistant but a slightly more harder ride. last longer too as the tread depth is usually more than the standard h/t pattern
Bob
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Follow Up By: Phil G - Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 12:51
Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 12:51
Hi Bob,
The average 4wder asks only a couple of questions - how long do they last and do they puncture easily. These important questions are never answered by the magazines, who are driven by the advertising dollar.
The 4,6,8,10 ply thing is no longer relevant. All tyres have either two or three plies only - the old system referrred to the number of cotton plies from years ago, although some brands will still use this sytem as
well for a bit of marketing.
Tyres are rated according to load index (LI) these days. The Prado's tyres are 112, which is somewhere between the old 6 ply and 8 ply ratings.
Cheers
Phil
FollowupID:
339832
Reply By: KIM - Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 18:26
Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 18:26
I agree with Phil
There is so much crap talked about tyres (particularly brands and tyre ratings). I've seen moderate A/T's go through some very rough tracks up North without a problem whilst, recognised brands such as Coopers and BFG's have fallen apart.
Much of this can be contributed to the drivers experience and attitude.
Cheers
Kim
AnswerID:
80558
Reply By: GO_OFFROAD - Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 20:47
Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 at 20:47
try the 120 email list at www.lcool.org there has been alot of tyre discussion on there re the 120 of late.
BTW, IMHO the MTR is the best of the bunch.
AnswerID:
80586
Follow Up By: peter16 - Friday, Nov 12, 2004 at 12:27
Friday, Nov 12, 2004 at 12:27
Hi GoCats,
Similar interest after a sidewall puncture (nail) would not be repaired as it is apparently against australian standards. Need to replace at least one tyre and might as
well start buying some a bit better than what came with the Prado. Have done 23,000 km since last December mainly town and highway and occassional off-road. Plan to do more dirt road but realistically not a lot of hard core - likely to always be towing a camper trailer and the family.
How has your choice worked out so far? Any fuel consumption impact or considerations I should be aware of?
thanks
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