4WD Tyres

Submitted: Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 10:38
ThreadID: 73241 Views:5049 Replies:8 FollowUps:14
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Hi everyone looking for some 4WD tyres and not sure which way to go.

I have the option of either the Bighorns, BF Goodrich MT's or a general all terrain tyre. I tow a van around 1600kg and do a bit of general off roading sand and trails.

What does everyone recommend either a Mud tyre or just a general All terrain tyre for this type of driving?

I was speaking with a few tyre reps and they recommended a light truck construction tyre to help with the van weight not sure if either of these tyres fit that requirement though.

I am looking for something tough to keep up with the weight of the van and a packed car and something for off road as well.

Any help appreciated!
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Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 10:59

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 10:59
BFG A/T but put the white lettering in they go faster then LOL




AnswerID: 388344

Follow Up By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 11:56

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 11:56
I did that on Tuesday, Shall see this weekend to see if I go faster LOL


Cheers Kev
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Follow Up By: Ross H (QLD) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 17:57

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 17:57
The only way you could make that thing go any faster is to hook it up behind mine ....LOL
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Reply By: Tenpounder (SA) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 11:21

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 11:21
Hi there. I don't intend to buy into the brand choice argument!!
My use profile:
I tow a van about 1400kg, virtually all on bitumen. I also leave the van behind and do rough road and occasional off road touring, sometimes with the 4WD heavily loaded.
I have ended up with AT tread, LT construction tyres. I like the extra strength on LT because of the load, but also because of blow out resistance (I was told by a tyre guy in Hawker that LT are so much better on gravel/stone/dirt roads for blow out resistance). I took his advice, and haven't looked back.
I prefer a stable rig, including on wet bitumen, and, right or wrong, I have steered away from muddies, because I don't need them, and am a bit scared that they may not be so stable at say 90 kph on wet bitumen with a tonne and a half swinging on the back and a 60 kph cross wind!
My tow is a 95 series Prado (16inch wheels) and I found a suitable AT/LT size, but it was a tad (20mm) narrower than the factory original, but it meant the rolling radius was the same as the original.
I don't lke the idea of muddies for sand, with what I have read and been told about 'perfect' sand tyres, which ain't muddies!!
I hope this helps, mate
AnswerID: 388350

Reply By: Bryan (WA) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 11:52

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 11:52
Hi Im getting new tyres fitted next week. I tow a camprite camper - not as heavy as a van, but when we go away the car and camper is loaded up a lot.
I currently have the goodyear wrangler mtr's and have done over 80,000kms on them. thats a mix of towing/not towngdriving to work every day, and off road work.
Im having the update to the MTR - the MTR with kevlar fitted next week. they have a kevlar belt on the side walls for better strength and staking resistance. I was so happy with the wrangler's, Im sticking to them.
I have have BFG A/T's fitted, but we have been away out near esperance, and when those gavel roads get wet - they turn into mud - which the AT couldnt clean - so it became a dangerous trip towing a trailer with little to no grip.
Im sticking to MT's tese days as I want better off road capabilites for when we go away on trips.

regards
Bryan
AnswerID: 388358

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:02

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:02
Bryan makes a good point: it depends where you drive. In South Oz, it almost never rains, and mud isn't exactly a common problem, so something like BFG AT's in LT construction makes sense. I have to confess we got in a mess earlier this year in mud around the Ottways (thankfully not towing), and AT's weren't much use.
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Follow Up By: campermans - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:13

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:13
Good point indeed, we travel mostly in NSW and up QLD to Fraser.

Coastal mainly but do come inland for a while, we generally leave the van and keep exploring without it at most places.

We also get into some beach driving up near ballina and those type of places.

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Follow Up By: jdwynn (Adelaide) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:27

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:27
Great topic, will we ever find an answer we can all agree on!!

Re Chris’ comment “I don't lke the idea of muddies for sand, with what I have read and been told about 'perfect' sand tyres, which ain't muddies!!”, I chnaged to muddies about 18 months ago after several years on AT light truck tyres. Ive now done a good amount of travel on sand with the muddies now (i.e. not hearsay). From that I am starting to firm up on my views (which previously were just theories).

So far I cannot tell the different between MT’s and AT’s on sand (with pressures low of course). That is MT's seem fine on sand.

Through mud I feel as though the MT’s are working much better than AT’s, but then again 1) there’s mud and there’s mud, 2) in SA we see a lot more sand than mud, and 3) in recent times I haven’t travelled with others with AT’s in serious mud conditions.

So at this stage, I feel that on sand its even but MT’s are better in mud etc. Therefore, given you can’t predict what conditions you will come across in the bush, I feel MT’s are a better all round proposition, even in SA.

Real detraction of MT’s is that they are a pretty poor road tyre and noisy around town. Technically they should wear much quicker on roads than AT's. So I think it’s better not to use the 4b around town with them on, or have a complete second set for around town.

In addition to varying track conditions, there are varying tyres within a category. I had Toyo OPAT’s and 694’s, both LT all terrains, and felt 694’s much better in the mud. OPAT’s were fine in sand after a while but initially (as a very straight walled tyre which didn’t change shape much with reduced pressures) they used to just dig trenches. But, I never liked the way the 694’s bagged out, exposing the side walls, when at low pressure – never let me down though.
Cheers
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Follow Up By: StormyKnight - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 18:42

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 18:42
Just replaced my BFG MT's 265/75R16s with the newer BFG MT2's.

The MT's had done 94,000km & probably still had another 5000km left if you didn't expect wet roads or mud....

They are a LT tyre & will are rated to take pressures up to 60psi for full loaded capacity.

Our car does 99% bitumen, but when I take it away I feel less worried about a section of wet track when out bush. I also can find myself waking up to a dump of snow too!

Cheers
Richard
90 Series Prado GXL TD
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FollowupID: 656055

Reply By: campermans - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:06

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:06
Thanks for the replies, it seems a mixed decision.

Some people suggest mud terrain only if you really need it considering the towing aspect.

We get of the beaten track definitely but its never to over the top but I really wanted to be prepared for all situations. So I am leaning towards the general all terrain in a light truck construction as it seems a better option with the caravan.

Few tyre shops have recommend a bridgestone at 694 as apparently it has a higher load rating compared to a the BF Goodrich but not sure of the quality.

What are others opinions on brands?

AnswerID: 388359

Follow Up By: Moose - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 13:03

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 13:03
Opinions are like @#$%holes - everyone has one. And when tyres is discussed you'll get heaps (of opinions that is) and just get more confused.
FWIW I think you have made the correct decision with ATs in LT construction. As to brand of tyre?? - just get round black ones and you'll be OK. Honestly no matter what anyone says there is no best brand.
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Follow Up By: PradOz - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 18:03

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 18:03
Got to agree Moose. No way you will get everyone to agree on brand.

Now what pressure should we put in them when they are on the black top? - here come all the different answers again.
I just bought a new set of 4 (keeping brand out of this) and cant get the tyre rep and dealer to agree on pressure which then is different to all the literature. Hmmm - now what..... Guess I should have enough to make sure they are round in shape and stay that way HAHAHA

Everyones got their opinion and thats fair enough, so I guess most people learn from experience. (BTW I got over 70000 kms out of last set so guess in the end i will be staying at the same old pressure i have previously despite what the rep says)


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Reply By: campermans - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 18:03

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 18:03
Thanks everyone, after discussing it with tyre shop they suggested a set of Cooper ATR in a light truck make.

They advised the muddies would be no good at high speed with the 1.5+ tonne van.

It was a toss up between the BF Good Rich and the Coopers. The BF come in a 3 ply and the Coopers in a light truck make come in at 10 ply.

Given the caravan weight they suggested to go the light truck tyre to help with the weight of the van.


AnswerID: 388405

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 20:19

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 20:19
Ply is not necessarily a definitve figure either

Tyres can be 10ply rated which is not the same as HAVING 10 PLY's

Beware white man speaking with forked tongue

There is nothing wrong with BFG ATs I have towed a 2800kg van for 28,000

k and they are not half worn yet and are probably cheaper than the COOPERS.

Beware of the touted warranty also as it only applies on URBAN ROADS

Read the fine print

Why would you buy a tyre to partly go bush that when you do voids the warranty.

BE CAREFUL..


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Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 20:48

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 20:48
Hi there, Graham. I'm not sure you are entirely right about the strange Cooper warranty: if you take the warranty wording literally, it's all about where you BUY the tyres and not where you USE them!! Now, don't get me wrong - I am not saying what the legally correct interpretation is, but the black letter of the warranty DOESN"T say you're not covered if you go bush. I'm on my third set of Coopers, and have yet to have anything to claim, so I don't know what the company would say.
But if you can understand the warranty wording, Graham, you're a better man than I Gunga Din!
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FollowupID: 656080

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 21:33

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 21:33
Thats why I said be careful because the pamphlet I got more or less said it applied to highway usage It says you can only get the mileage warranty in citiies as other places cause high wear so it only applies in cities.

Therefore I would think a trip up the Gunbarrel or similar wouldnt count.

The other thing is the second sentence that says the decision will be made by the dealer who may or may not honour the warranty.

Sounds more like an insurance company.

In other words we will honour the warranty except when we decide we wont.

Ill stick with my BFG's no troubles not even a puncture in 28,000 and I got them for $264 each.


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FollowupID: 656092

Reply By: RobAck - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 19:01

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 19:01
You have missed a few well made tyres that are well suited to your needs. Bridgestone D694 in either AT or LT, Goodyear Silent Armour or wrangler DuraTrac and Toyo Open Country are all excellent tyres and quite able to handle pretty much all off road conditons less mud.

We have been testing the new MTR with Kevlar and would not recommend it for general 4WD off roading unless you spend all your time in mud and rocks. Don't get me wrong this is an excellent tyre but is purpose built for >70% off road and serious work. If your 4WD is a daily drive then go with something far less aggressive as the noise alone willl drive you mad

We've used the Bridgestones and all the Goodyear tyres on our fleet and find them very good. My preference for the best all rounder is the Bridgestone in either AT or LT.

Regards

RobA
AnswerID: 388417

Follow Up By: Member - Sigmund (VIC) - Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 22:26

Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 22:26
I put Bridgestone D693 IIs on the Forester for outback towing and over 8k km so far they've performed well. Quiet enough on long bitumen stretches but capable of the Mereenie and the Ood. They're an AT pattern in a light truck construction.
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FollowupID: 656209

Reply By: campermans - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 21:12

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 21:12
I have been re reading the bf goodrich information and it says the BF Goodrich AT is a light truck tyre? Why in the world did they tell me otherwise? I am starting to doubt the purchase of the coopers.

Luckily I don't get the tyres till monday as I am inclined to go back tomorrow and get them to change the order to the BF's AT.

I did notice that the 245/70 BF G's come in a little lower on the maximum weight capacity of than the coopers as the coopers come in a 245/75 size. Due to the extra size The coopers have a max capacity of 1400kgs where the BF G's only have 1150kgs.

Can anyone explain the ply thing? What is the 3 ply VS 10 ply situation it seems like a huge jump?

AnswerID: 388438

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 23:07

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 23:07
Don't worry too much!! I am sure you'll find that the PLY RATING refers to the equivalent in old money (Cross Ply Tyres) whereas the NUMBER OF PLIES is just that - the actual number of plies in the radial tyre. It also sounds as though all of the tyres you are offered in LT rating will have more than enough load capacity, after all, 1100 kg per tyre is over two tonnes per axle.
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FollowupID: 656099

Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 23:23

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 23:23
Too right Tenpounder.

If you have to worry about the difference in tyres of either capacity and load

up to their limit you will have a lot more to worry about than tyre weight limits.

Cheers.



AnswerID: 388465

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 23:42

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 23:42
Maybe this will help maybe not.

I drive a Cruiser which is loaded to the legal limit of 3260kg

We tow a 2800kg van that has a towball weight of 300kg.

Tyres are BGF AT LIGHT TRUCK 275 x70 x16.

Run rears at 45lb fronts at 40lb when towing

Have them pumped cold to 5 lb less than above

Fronts run about 5-10 deg above ambient

Rears run 10-15 deg above ambient.

Had a full width stone guard Rears went up to 65C one day.

Took stone guard off and they went back to 45C

Never used it since and tyres never got hotter than quoted above.

Had stone marks on van even using it never got any since removing it.

Two were new when we started trip and two had 10mm on them

The 4 have worn slightly less than half in 28,000 k of mostly towing at 90kph

Dont think I could ask for more than that.

The two new ones were $264 each and I got the other two for $90 each and

got a spare one free.

Cheers
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