We are currently running Michelin XT Force AT not sure if they are going to be suitable. Just wondering what others use and have been happy with them on these roads
Whenarewethere said
02:04 PM Mar 30, 2022
The correct pressure is more important than the tyre. Reduce tyre pressure to suit surface.
yobarr said
02:35 PM Mar 30, 2022
Jack Suz wrote:
We are currently running Michelin XT Force AT not sure if they are going to be suitable. Just wondering what others use and have been happy with them on these roads
Peter 'n' Margaret are great advocates of Michelin,which certainly are a quality tyre. Mickey Thomsons are on my car, because of the good sidewall protection they offer, while the van now has the BFG KO2s that I took off the car because they didn't 'feel right'. Tyres are a subject that will likely draw many opinions, with none being any more relevant than others! Good luck with your search. Cheers
Radar said
02:51 PM Mar 30, 2022
Jack Suz wrote:
We are currently running Michelin XT Force AT not sure if they are going to be suitable. Just wondering what others use and have been happy with them on these roads
We are currently using Michelin XT Force AT on our crewcab ute, very happy user after nearly 50000 kilometres with a lot of caravan towing included and there is a lot more wear in them yet.
We tend to do a reasonable amount of unsealed road driving and these tyres just give me the confidence to go that much further.
2021 when we needed tyres for the caravan we had intended to purchase Michelin xt Force AT but due to, yes Covid, there was none in Australa in the size we required.
Yes when time comes we will be replacing with Michelin again with there excellent abilities on all road surfaces.
Peter_n_Margaret said
03:30 PM Mar 30, 2022
yobarr wrote:
Peter 'n' Margaret are great advocates of Michelin,which certainly are a quality tyre. Mickey Thomsons are on my car, because of the good sidewall protection they offer,
"Sidewall protection" is complicated.
One of the important considerations of poor roads it to reduce tyre pressures. This gives a better ride for the vehicle and also reduces the prevalence of tyre damage caused by rocks.
Tyres promoted as having "better sidewall protection" often means 3 ply or otherwise thicker sidewalls instead of the typical 2 rayon plyes. Because of their extra thickness, these sidewalls also have a tendency to get hotter as they flex and higher temperatures are the best way to wreck an otherwise good tyre.
The Michelins that I use have a SINGLE steel only side wall ply. That means they stay cooler and I reckon that is the best protection.
Cheers,
Peter
Cuppa said
03:47 PM Mar 30, 2022
If you spend any time in the Kimberley checkout the most commonly used tyres you see on 4wds which get taken out of town. You will see predominantly two brands. BFGoodrich & Toyo.
Most brands of AT (in Light Truck LT format) will suffice, but the kimberley is fairly hard on tyres & good sidewall protection is a favoured attribute.
slowboat said
11:19 PM Mar 30, 2022
We just bought a set of Toyo open country all terrain, but maybe an important consideration is how you drive! Plenty of my mates think I drive to slow, but often up the road I come across them with a flat tyre... Slow down, be careful and watch the road will save your tyres IHMO.
when we did Gibb R we worked as a team, passenger would look ahead for major obstacles' ie Washaways and large rocks. allowing the driver to focus on the immediate road ahead looking out for sharp rocks and such.
Worked for us.
PS check the sharp rock below, hit that at speed and any tyre is toast.
the BFG is not mine.
-- Edited by slowboat on Wednesday 30th of March 2022 11:22:47 PM
X 3 for Toyo's OC'S, I averaged 120,000km out of them, but you must buy Japanese versions, not the chinese versions, as they will only give you about 70,000 km
dabbler said
04:56 PM Mar 31, 2022
Bicyclecamper, no local Gold Coast tyre shops stocks Toyos but a few were willing to source them at outrageous prices. However plenty of shops are nominated as fitting outlets when you buy online. How do you check what you're getting (Japanese vs Chinese) ? I stuck with BFG KO2 when last buying for this reason plus I prefer to have a supplier relationship with tyre shops not just fitting.
Aus-Kiwi said
08:43 AM Apr 2, 2022
Last time I checked most tyres l looked at where made in Thailand !! I find it funny seeing 4WDs with low profile tyres . To me its the opposite requirement!
Whenarewethere said
09:12 AM Apr 2, 2022
Rubber band tyres, a stiletto fetish Land Rover has.
I wanted 17" rims (the smallest due to brakes) but the car came with 18" so what does one do, buy 6 new rims at over $800ea plus tyres. So I just have to drive a bit more carefully. At least they are not 19 or 20".
Aus-Kiwi said
09:25 AM Apr 2, 2022
The larger tyres are not as expensive these days ? Although an issue is stuffing up your final drive ! Or tyre clearance . Depending where your going as in mud, clay or rocky terrain ! You dont necessarily need big groovy tyres . Find the tyres with Z or A pattern better grip and noise wise . It helps keep tread stable . Big square blocks ( good in real mud tho ) tend to move and break away on hard roads . Another fit what is available ! I had 18 on bus . We dont have 18 truck tyres in Australia !
erad said
01:43 PM Apr 2, 2022
I don't know the situation nowadays in the outback, but in the late 1990's we were in Kakadu and I staked one of my Michelin Lt tyres. It was beyond even a temporary repair. I have 4 Michelin LT tyres with 84000 km on them, and the spare was the original Yokohama Geolander. I put the spare on, and went to the servo at Jabiru, but they had no tyres my size (235x75x15). So we went back to Darwin and phoned several tyres places, asking for a Michelin to suit. No go. They said that the only Michelin tyres in the NT were 20" truck tyres.
I then asked for a used 235x75x15 anybrand tyre so I could get home and then maybe replace the whole set. Very few places had the size I was after. Finally, one place said "What type of vehicle is it for?" I told him that it was for a Pajero. He said that he had a brand new Yokohama Geolander tyre in stock that no-one wanted, so how much? I offered him a rather low price and amazingly he accepted it. I went to the place and they fitted the tyre for me. I then had 3 Michelin LT tyres with 84000 km on them and 2 brand new Geolanders on the back. We completed our trip round the block and I kept rotating the front tyres, and at 125000 km, the Michelins were still legal, but the Geolanders were absolutely stuffed They had been on the back all the time and therefore had been doing more work than the front tyres, but the Michelins were still far the better tyre.
The point of all this is to say that preferably you should select a tyre which is at least likely to be available in the outback area where you intend travelling. The fact that I was told that there were NO Michelins (other than large truck tyres) available in the whole of the NT was a shock to me. Maybe things have changed of late (I hope they have), but I am a Michelin man (I even look like him) and my preference is naturally Michelins. Having said that, I am running a set of Hankooks because I was told that the Michelins were very noisy on my newer Pajero. I doubt that the Michelins could be any louder than the tyres I have now, but that is another story...
Bicyclecamper said
02:59 PM Apr 2, 2022
dabbler wrote:
Bicyclecamper, no local Gold Coast tyre shops stocks Toyos but a few were willing to source them at outrageous prices. However plenty of shops are nominated as fitting outlets when you buy online. How do you check what you're getting (Japanese vs Chinese) ? I stuck with BFG KO2 when last buying for this reason plus I prefer to have a supplier relationship with tyre shops not just fitting.
How do you know that they are Japanese, or chinese, it has it written, on the side of the tyre. as in "Made in - . .....". My Inlaw wont buy Toyo's again because he bought Chinese versions, paid $400 ea for them and only got 60,000km out of them. This was at a Tyrepower place although Tyrepower normally has the Jap version, he was unlucky this time, and at the time not knowing the difference between them. I am willing to pay $400 for them in Japanese versions. I will drive to a place to get them, maybe upto %00km, but here in the bush, we have no problems getting them. They are a beautiful offroad tyre., very grippy and high puncture protection. Alternatively I don't buy car stuff especially tyres on line, to guarantee, that I get what I aske for.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Saturday 2nd of April 2022 03:06:47 PM
shakey55 said
06:42 AM Apr 4, 2022
If you are looking for good AT tyres, I run Mickey Thompson ATZ P-3 on my Nissan Patrol and have had a few sets over the years. I have found them to be great wearing and strong. Just my opinion.
StewG said
12:37 PM Apr 4, 2022
I am limited to 255/55 19 inch tyres and Maxxis 980 AT (light truck) have proven to be a good rugged tyre for me, albeit expensive.
Whenarewethere said
04:14 PM Apr 4, 2022
StewG wrote:
I am limited to 255/55 19 inch tyres and Maxxis 980 AT (light truck) have proven to be a good rugged tyre for me, albeit expensive.
At least on the Freelander we can get 18" rims. I have Pirelli Scorpion AT Plus 255/60R18 & 2 spares (some are going a bit bigger)
I can't really comment on the tyres as such as we haven't done enough km. But they are made in China, so that is not a good start.
Acoustic insulation has made the car quieter, even though it was a pretty quiet car to start with.
I bought (latest experiment) a full sheet of 50mm acoustic foam from Clarke Rubber $180. To further test noise in the car. Pretty impressed with this further insulation, it is getting out of hand, but it is interesting seeing how far one can improve things.
When we go away I will remove it due to volume, but for the mundane act of shopping which quite frankly should be done by the servants, it is another level of serenity in the car.
The correct pressure is more important than the tyre. Reduce tyre pressure to suit surface.
Peter 'n' Margaret are great advocates of Michelin,which certainly are a quality tyre. Mickey Thomsons are on my car, because of the good sidewall protection they offer, while the van now has the BFG KO2s that I took off the car because they didn't 'feel right'. Tyres are a subject that will likely draw many opinions, with none being any more relevant than others! Good luck with your search. Cheers
We are currently using Michelin XT Force AT on our crewcab ute, very happy user after nearly 50000 kilometres with a lot of caravan towing included and there is a lot more wear in them yet.
We tend to do a reasonable amount of unsealed road driving and these tyres just give me the confidence to go that much further.
2021 when we needed tyres for the caravan we had intended to purchase Michelin xt Force AT but due to, yes Covid, there was none in Australa in the size we required.
Yes when time comes we will be replacing with Michelin again with there excellent abilities on all road surfaces.
"Sidewall protection" is complicated.
One of the important considerations of poor roads it to reduce tyre pressures. This gives a better ride for the vehicle and also reduces the prevalence of tyre damage caused by rocks.
Tyres promoted as having "better sidewall protection" often means 3 ply or otherwise thicker sidewalls instead of the typical 2 rayon plyes. Because of their extra thickness, these sidewalls also have a tendency to get hotter as they flex and higher temperatures are the best way to wreck an otherwise good tyre.
The Michelins that I use have a SINGLE steel only side wall ply. That means they stay cooler and I reckon that is the best protection.
Cheers,
Peter
Most brands of AT (in Light Truck LT format) will suffice, but the kimberley is fairly hard on tyres & good sidewall protection is a favoured attribute.
We just bought a set of Toyo open country all terrain, but maybe an important consideration is how you drive!
Plenty of my mates think I drive to slow, but often up the road I come across them with a flat tyre...
Slow down, be careful and watch the road will save your tyres IHMO.
when we did Gibb R we worked as a team, passenger would look ahead for major obstacles' ie Washaways and large rocks.
allowing the driver to focus on the immediate road ahead looking out for sharp rocks and such.
Worked for us.
PS check the sharp rock below, hit that at speed and any tyre is toast.
the BFG is not mine.
-- Edited by slowboat on Wednesday 30th of March 2022 11:22:47 PM
Rubber band tyres, a stiletto fetish Land Rover has.
I wanted 17" rims (the smallest due to brakes) but the car came with 18" so what does one do, buy 6 new rims at over $800ea plus tyres. So I just have to drive a bit more carefully. At least they are not 19 or 20".
I then asked for a used 235x75x15 anybrand tyre so I could get home and then maybe replace the whole set. Very few places had the size I was after. Finally, one place said "What type of vehicle is it for?" I told him that it was for a Pajero. He said that he had a brand new Yokohama Geolander tyre in stock that no-one wanted, so how much? I offered him a rather low price and amazingly he accepted it. I went to the place and they fitted the tyre for me. I then had 3 Michelin LT tyres with 84000 km on them and 2 brand new Geolanders on the back. We completed our trip round the block and I kept rotating the front tyres, and at 125000 km, the Michelins were still legal, but the Geolanders were absolutely stuffed They had been on the back all the time and therefore had been doing more work than the front tyres, but the Michelins were still far the better tyre.
The point of all this is to say that preferably you should select a tyre which is at least likely to be available in the outback area where you intend travelling. The fact that I was told that there were NO Michelins (other than large truck tyres) available in the whole of the NT was a shock to me. Maybe things have changed of late (I hope they have), but I am a Michelin man (I even look like him) and my preference is naturally Michelins. Having said that, I am running a set of Hankooks because I was told that the Michelins were very noisy on my newer Pajero. I doubt that the Michelins could be any louder than the tyres I have now, but that is another story...
How do you know that they are Japanese, or chinese, it has it written, on the side of the tyre. as in "Made in - . .....". My Inlaw wont buy Toyo's again because he bought Chinese versions, paid $400 ea for them and only got 60,000km out of them. This was at a Tyrepower place although Tyrepower normally has the Jap version, he was unlucky this time, and at the time not knowing the difference between them. I am willing to pay $400 for them in Japanese versions. I will drive to a place to get them, maybe upto %00km, but here in the bush, we have no problems getting them. They are a beautiful offroad tyre., very grippy and high puncture protection. Alternatively I don't buy car stuff especially tyres on line, to guarantee, that I get what I aske for.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Saturday 2nd of April 2022 03:06:47 PM
At least on the Freelander we can get 18" rims. I have Pirelli Scorpion AT Plus 255/60R18 & 2 spares (some are going a bit bigger)
I can't really comment on the tyres as such as we haven't done enough km. But they are made in China, so that is not a good start.
Acoustic insulation has made the car quieter, even though it was a pretty quiet car to start with.
I bought (latest experiment) a full sheet of 50mm acoustic foam from Clarke Rubber $180. To further test noise in the car. Pretty impressed with this further insulation, it is getting out of hand, but it is interesting seeing how far one can improve things.
When we go away I will remove it due to volume, but for the mundane act of shopping which quite frankly should be done by the servants, it is another level of serenity in the car.