bf goodrich vs bridgestone

g'day krausz.

I have heard many scary stories about bridgstone 4x4 tyres, including my brother who had a set an a patrol a few years back. He'll never own a pair again.

Having said that, they are everywhere, a very popular tyre for light to medium duty use. I encountered two people with blowouts near Broome last year and both were desert duellers, but I suspect incorrect tyre pressures had more to do with this than tyre make or brand.

Personally I choose BF Goodrich all terrains. Mainly because they have a reasonably long life and are one of very few tyres available with a three ply sidewall (in fat tyres that is). As nearly every other manufacturer uses only a 2 ply sidewall, you could say thats a 50% stronger, which should mean less stakings thru that part of the tyre. Also, they have a higher load rating.

Thats how I look at it anyway, I'm sure others will disagree and many will have mountains of experience for back up. Cost could be a factor but.

Cheers,

Muzz

Gee I've been busy tonight !!

G'day Krausz
I was going through this same exercise earlier in the year to buy a second set of tyres before embarking on a trip to Cape York. I had settled on BFG ATs but unfortunately the was a supply problem for the 265/70R16 size for my Patrol. In the event I had to find something else and finally thought I'd give the Yokahama Geolandar II a go and fortunately it seems that I made the right decision. The tyre balances perfectly (without special kit), it is quiet by comparison to my spare set of BFG ATs, and did everything I asked of it - including some really tough creek crossings and millions of harsh corrugations.
So I guess what I'm saying here is a least have a look at the Geolandar - oh and by the way they are substantially cheaper than both the BFG and Bridgestone (from memory it was about $45 per tyre for my size and it might even be more for more common sizes)
Cheers
Pete

Brought a new set of Bridgestone duellers D694 before I went to cape york, OTL, and millions of corrugations. cap't billy landing, Chilli beach etc. Always tried to run the right pressure etc. Can't fault the tyres, fantastic wear so far, would recommend them to anyone. But like all things we all have our favourites. Got home and changed back to my old set of D693 Duellers and expect to get 55,000 to 60,000 out of them. I am either lucky with these tyres or am doing something right.

They are a small tire for a playdoe arent they?

What terrain are you talking about tackling?

Mainly road work? Touring? Hardcore 4bing?

Which actual one of each brand are you talking about??

Also have a look at the Toyo OPAT's.. They get lots of good wraps.

For what its worth, my bro-in-law has a Prado and is on this third set of BF Goods AT...he loves them. The only thing I recall is that you cant buy the correct isze to replace original so your speedo is continuallly out and so, as he found out, fuel economy calculations.

krausz
I have a Prado.I ended up putting on 225/75/16 Yokohama Goelanders AT. I have done 50000 kms on them with no problems at all.The speedo reads spot on now. I will be buying another set in a few months,they have been good.
Glenn

The size you mention is not standard on any model Prado.

Either you should have 265/70/16 (everything except RV models) or 215/80/16 (for RV models) in 16".

17" wheels are factory for the 120series only. Since you mention 16" I assume you have the earlier 90 series.

There has been a heap of discussion on the Yahoo based Prado list about tyres. Check out the archives and files.

If your looking for a set of factory RV rims & tyres at a reasonable price check out the For Sale list.

You might find the following link useful too:
Prado tyres FAQ

For the 215/80R16 that go on the RV, Bridgestones are popular. But many others will go for the 225/75R16. I had a set of those once in a BFG ATKO, and they were fine for general use.

thank you for the replies I think I will settle for a BFG 215/80/16 or if its not available then on a yokohama with similar size. thank you all and have a Merry XMAS to all:)
krausz

On my work car (04 Rodeo dual cab) at a mine site, OEM Duellers HAD to be replaced after 33k

On a mates work Patrol with OEM Duellers, 25k

Now running BFG ATs, at 12k they look new.

BFGs have far better grip on the dirt, not as good on the black stuff.