Bridgestone A/T 694's Japan V Oz

Submitted: Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 13:42

ThreadID: 65174 Views:3809 Replies:9 FollowUps:7

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Warstar

I have been shopping around getting prices on a couple of types of tyres for my LC100TD.

The tyre size that I have been pricing is 275P65 17, set of 4 F&B.

I had been quoted on the A/T 694's $1188, $1240, $1400, (oops dear I thought), $1240 and $1480. When the last guy quoted the $1480 figure, I casually said "I have a lot better price on those elsewhere".
He thought, smiled, looked up his book and said "I will do the Australian made AT 694's at $1080, but you really don't want them.Check where those suppliers are getting them from."

He then said that his customers had been so caustic about the Oz tyres that he doesn't quote them, whereas only good reports on the Jap sourced tyres.

I have noticed on a number of forums, the polar opposite reports on these tyres. Could this be the reason?

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Reply By: SPRINT-GTO - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:19

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:19

Still no 694LT available in 17", but I was told they are due for release in "early 2009" ???

AnswerID: 344620

Reply By: Notso - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:21

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:21

Last time I checked these the 694 AT was made in Aus and the 694 AT LT was imported.

I used the Aussie 693s and they were a great tyre. 90,000 ks on a Patrol. Never punctured. Towed van for a good part of the time.

AnswerID: 344621

Reply By: HGMonaro - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:30

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:30

the specification table on the bridgestone site shows what sizes and constructions are made where. Was just looking at it earlier!

AnswerID: 344623

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 15:30

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 15:30

Yep, thats correct. Almost every LT in the 694 is Japanese made.

FollowupID: 612572

Reply By: Top End Explorer Tours - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:57

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:57

The Oz made Bridgstones are the ones to get, have a look at what I wrote in tread 65047, I have written many other post on them as well.

They may be a different size, but that wont matter, my Bridgstone agent wont sell me Jap made tyres, because he wants my business, I buy at least 2 sets a year when I have worn the others out.

Cheers Steve.

AnswerID: 344630

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 15:33

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 15:33

Gday Steve,
What experience have you had with the Japanese made LT D694 Bridgestones that were released last year?

I thought you were running 693's.

FollowupID: 612573

Reply By: Member -Signman - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:59

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 14:59

Strange- on the 693 it was that the Aussie made was far superior to the Jap ones...

AnswerID: 344631

Reply By: RobAck - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 17:38

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 17:38

We have just finished a year of testing both the Japanese and Australian AT version in 17". This means running one of each type on the same axle front and rear. Pressure for on road was 34 psi and we ran 26psi for rocks and 16psi for sand. Vehicle is a 120 Prado weighing in at 2300kg bare. It is has modified suspension, winch, drawer system and carries around 70kgs of recovery equipment all the time. When we travel, as below it weighs in at around 2940kg

After a year and just on 30000kms I would suggest it is impossible to tell which tyres are which given that wear and tear and chip resistance is virtually the same across all tyres.

We just finished a 4370km trip across the Eyre Peninsula, Googs Track, Mt Ive Station, the Gawler Ranges etc with no punctures or problems either

I would be interested to know if the comments come from an actual Bridgestone dealer or a reseller.

I hope that helps

Regards

RobA

AnswerID: 344660

Follow Up By: ross - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 00:23

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 00:23

Dpesnt surprise me. Making rubber and getting it to the same standard is achievable anywhere using the same recipe and suppliers.

FollowupID: 616605

Reply By: Warstar - Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 18:17

Friday, Jan 16, 2009 at 18:17

Thanks RobAck that's the sort of info we need.

The dealer was the Frankston Tyrepower dealer.His quotes were AT694 Jap $1480. Oz $1080, BFG A/T $1340.

The $1240 quote was from Kmart Frankston.

the $1188 was an independent run by the former manager of the Bridgestone dealership which has now shut in Mornington

From your info it makes the Oz tyres look like a helluva good deal!

AnswerID: 344669

Follow Up By: RobAck - Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 15:14

Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 at 15:14

Not a problem. Our normal guidance is that if you are using your vehicle as a daily drive as well as off-road then you are going to spend a heck of a lot of time on bitumen. So consider that as your primary safety need then try and balance out off-road durability and capability. Whilst we find the 694 a good tyre we have seen all other brands at work on clients vehicles and about the only thing I can guarantee is that there is no such thing as a puncture proof tyre. Apart from that tyre pressure and lowering your speed relevant to pressure and track conditions is a key to remaining sane.

For example we prepared two clients for a four month Kimberley trip the long way around from Adelaide to Alice, the Kimberley down the West Coast and back via some Beadell tracks etc. Some 3850km off bitumen. The Prado went out on D694 and the Troopie in D661 which is the toughest tyre we know of and used in the mining and exploration arena. Neither vehicle had a puncture or tyre problem of any sort. So that tells me that our philosophy of lowering tyre pressure and speed and driving to the conditions definately works, regardless of tyre type. More a focus on the nut behind the wheel.

Enjoy your travels

Regards

RobA

FollowupID: 612737

Reply By: gezza100 - Monday, Jan 19, 2009 at 10:18

Monday, Jan 19, 2009 at 10:18

I have run the 694LT (japs) on my LC100 for 60000k's with no punctures and fantastic wear, they are great on sand, on road, on dirt, everywhere.

Cant comment good or bad on the aussie ones as I have never had a set, but the LT's I have used are fantastic and I will be purchasing them again.

AnswerID: 345038

Follow Up By: normglenda - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 00:17

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 00:17

Gezza

I am getting some 275/70R 16 LT on my LC.

The Bridgestone dealer assured me the load rate of the LT is 119.

Going by the Bridgestone website the LT has a load rate of 114.

Bridgestone D694 (275/70R16 LT) 275 70 16 Load 114

Bridgestone D694 (275/70R16) 275 70 16 Load 119

What load rate is on your tyres, also do the 694LT have the LT marked on the tyres?

Regards
Norm

FollowupID: 616604

Follow Up By: gezza100 - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 10:04

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 10:04

Norm,

The load rating on the D694LT 285/75/16 as I have on the cruiser is 122. The LT is marked on the side wall.

Gezza

FollowupID: 616627

Follow Up By: normglenda - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 10:27

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 10:27

Thanks Gezza

I also did a post in case you did not read this message.
My wife and I are heading to Cape York this year, hence the reason to get a stronger tyre, minimises the chance of having to change/repair a tyre on the road.

Norm

FollowupID: 616632