Patrol 4.8 GL and TYRES

[Saltman]

OK, let me tackle the much discussed, many opinions topic of tyres!

I am being very model specific here due to the various rim sizes, widths and tyre sizes fitted to the various Patrol models.
I am looking for the ultimate compromise tyre as described in my requirements list below:

My 4.8GL standard steel rims are 16x 8J and the standard tyres are 275 x 70 x 16 Bridgestone HT's.
A pretty good black top tyre, but not adequate for venturing off the beaten track.

I am looking for the following:
1. I am looking for 285 x 75 x 16 tyres to gain extra ground clearance as well as taller gearing (the car actually needs a 6th gear a la Navara 4 litre). The ideal would have been a 275 x 75 x 16, but that is not a size that is produced! I believe the slightly wider tyre will have a negative impact on fuel consumption - rolling resistance etc, but that is part of the compromise!
2. The car will be fitted with a decent suspension in the not too distant future, so with a 50mm lift, the bigger tyres will not be a problem or can I expect cornering rubbing?
3. I am looking for an All Terrain (A/T) tyre as most of the travelling in this vehicle will be long distance overland touring, with a fairly heavy load and most likely a trailvan hitched to it. I travel a combination of tar road (50%), gravel roads (25%) and real off road terrain (25%). And I hate that Mud Terrain high speed noise which eventually turns into horrible wear patterns ...
4. I am looking for a tyre that has strength (preferably an additional sidewall layer) to cope with offroad bumps and knocks, particularly when loaded.
5. I am looking for a tyre that will give me a decent life expectancy (say 60-80 000 km minimum).

So here is the million dollar question: WHAT brand and model of tyre do I fit? What are your preferences and suggestions and WHY?
On the short list so far:
A. BF Goodrich A/T
2. Goodyear ATR
3. ?

Any other suggestions?
Thanks

[Herrie]

Bridgestone Dueler A/T's is my choice.

[Vaatjie]

Hello Saltman
I will watch this space because i need to upgrade as well. What will you do with your old tyres? Maybe I must skollie them from you for the intrem. I damaged two tyres last week in a trip to Windhoek and my budget will only allow me to buy tyres at the end of the year.

[Saltman]

He he he ... Welkom Bruinbeer

Tussen die 2 van ons behoort ons darem een ordentlike stel bande bymekaar te kan skraap. Vraag is nou net wie het meer geld en groter balle om daai R15 000,00 uit te haal vir nuwe bande!

Ek het gereken so oor 20 000 km - einde van die jaar begin volgende jaar ... betyds voor Junie - Julie se lang vakansie en sluit darem inloop in. Onthou ek moet nog suspension ook doen ... Praat later

[Saltman]

Hi Herrie
Why would you go for the Bridgestone Duellers? Tell me more as don't wish to discount a good tyre for lack of information.
My own experience with them has not been great, but I must hasten to add that they were on the vehicle (Range Rover Classic) when I bought the car, so I don't know what the previous owner did with them. (I had 2 high speed blowouts on separate occassions - scared the cr@p out of me and the family!)

Have a lekka weekend!

[Gerrit Loubser]

In my opinion, the BFG AT/KO is at the top of the list. You can also look at the Bridgestone Dueler AT 694 or the Cooper ATR and perhaps even the Cooper ST.

I currently have Yokohama Geolander AT/S GO-12 tyres on my Pajero and they have impressed me tremendously, both on and off the tar. I have run them for 50000 km now and they look good for another 30000 to 40000 km.

I would be careful of the Goodyear ATR. Friends of mine have had issues with damage to the soft sidewalls, the tyres being difficult or impossible to balance and running out of balance as they picked up mileage. They also tend to become noisy.

By the way, the heel-and-toe wear on aggressive tyre patterns like the BFG M/T or Goodyear MTR can be solved by cross-rotation at 5000 km intervals.

[Herrie]

Well Saltman, I had the had the previous model Bridgestone A/T's D963's on my Safari and got good service - pressently I have Bridgestone M/T's on the Safari and A/T's (D964) on my Patrol and have not had any problems.

[Lunar]

I am extremely happy with the BF's on my Patrol.

[JohnBoyZA]

Ek is nog steeds op 17 duim, so nie veel opsies nie. So ver so 20 000km met my Hercules, Terra Trac gedoen en happy :)



But, I believe the proof of the pudding is when you get to 50 000km.

For technical advice in CT I suggest you speak to Johan Tyres: http://www.kumnandi.co.za/1stalign.htm

Also get your best quote and then take it to him to beat. Excellent after sales service.

[Saltman]

Hi Lunar

My only hesitation regarding the BFG A/T is my experience on sand with the Range Rover steel rims as well as the Hilux D-4D alloys - as soon as you deflate to 1,2 bar or less, there was a real chance that the bead would open up, allow sand in and viola, one or more flatties!
I reckon that was due to the sturdy sidewall construction that does not flex well when deflated, especially if you add a few turns under power into the equation. So in a sense the advantage of the BFG is also a disadvantage in the sand. Of course the design of the rims also plays a part ...

En ja, ek kom al 'n lang pad met Johan Tyres, maar oor sekere goed het 'n mans mos maar jou eie opinie ook!

The other disadvantage of the BFG A/T is the wet weather traction or more importantly, stopping capability. Fortunately the Patrol has fantastic brakes, unlike the Hilux ...

And so the search continues - I do suspect that price will come into it as well in the end!