I would consider Dunlop advice superior to any that would be obtained on here.

I googled Dunlop SP175E and the dunlop website came up. Clicking on that, it lists this tyre as a passenger car tyre, and it has separate categories for 4WD and LT tyres, so I assume that this tyre is probably not suited for the Gibb River Road. It would probably do the job, but you would have a greater risk of damage than if a sturdier tyre was used.

They sound as though they will not be up to the task.

Lots of carnage along that stretch of road by under prepared rigs. Everyone seems to be doing it these days, a lot of them just for bragging rights at happy hour.

Good quality 4x4 tyres plus an extra spare rim & tyre is the the sensible way to go.

A wing & a prayer risks disaster.

Yuglamron wrote:

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They are a Light Truck tyre but mainly for road use. Any serious off road use I would be looking at a 4x4 tyre not an LT tyre.

Various ratings from 20% off road to full off road. How much off road and how heavy the terrain will be the thing you most have to think about.

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 That is certainly what the tyre makers would have you believe.

There are only ( maybe) 2 differences between "off road" and "highway" tyres.

1. The tread pattern. The only time an aggressive tread is useful is in mud and then it has to be VERY aggressive. At all other times a highway tread will perform as well or better. An aggressive tread will wear faster, make more noise and use more fuel than a highway tyre.

2. The tread compound.  An "off road" tyre may have a softer compound than a "highway" tyre. That is so that it does not chip as much as a highway tyre on some gravel roads. As a consequence, the "off road" tyre will wear  faster in all conditions except where serious chipping is a problem (and that is rare, but can be exacerbated if high speeds are maintained on some gravel roads).

I suggest that if you are a high speed rally driver and don't care what tyres cost, fit aggressive tread tyres with soft compound.

If you are more like me, fit a highway tread pattern (with a high load rating) and slow down on the gravel. If it gets so muddy that aggressive tread tyres are useful, the road will be closed.

ps... there is absolutely no justification for an aggressive tread tyre on a caravan - EVER - except perhaps if you want the tug and van to be all identical wheels and tyres so they are completely interchangeable.

Cheers,

Peter

dabbler wrote:

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Many experts disagree with your last comment Peter. Aggressive tyres (AT or MT) on an off-road or semi off-road van or camper aid in braking and give greater control on unsealed downhill runs. Grip assists both acceleration and deceleration is less than favourable conditions.

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IMHO and experience over many years Peter is right in his post. If the road is so bad you NEED aggressive tread pattern on van I'd suggest you shouldn't be ON THE ROAD AT ALL.

Having said that physics dictates the more tread on the road (ie in contact with the road) the better the braking,,, SO IN THEORY more tread on the road = better traction (braking) in most cases.

AT is not necessarily an aggressive tread in any case, again mostly road use,,,here are some examples.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=all+terrain+tyres+review&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi4rePpo7zcAhWKwrwKHRh6AQwQsxgIJg&biw=1366&bih=615

with one MT tyre there with a bit more aggressive tread.

Anyway a good subject to discuss but consider the road damage at all times.

Cheers Baz

 

-- Edited by Baz421 on Thursday 26th of July 2018 05:54:31 PM

Jaahn wrote:

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Hi 

RE Light Truck tires !

Some years ago I worked at a trade school in a third world country. I ran a tire repair 'shop' as part of the training for our young mechanics. The roads were really really bad, the speeds were slow and the loads were high. Sound familiar ? The only tires that survived a long life were light truck tires. The 4WD style tires always failed in the cords and the carcass collapsed, or the steel cords started to come through the rubber and let the air out.

Just saying my experience with real world tough conditions. Make of it what you will, your call.   

Jaahn 

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Good PRACTICAL reply/advice,,, I agree,,, seen too many wires at tread/sidewall join,,,,,, never seen same problem with LT tyres. 

Not so sure about that AlanP, after telling the reseller your type of road conditions you will be driving on & then make a slight diversion off road for whatever reason it would be "he said" You said" situation,

After 20 years plus in the tyre industry I would stay away from any Australian branded tyre, out of round, out of balance, inferior carbon black & steel.
IMHO any European, American or Japanese built.

Dave & Maz