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Author Topic: Do I need AT tyres....  (Read 5602 times)

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theins

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Do I need AT tyres....
« on: April 25, 2015, 05:23:56 PM »
Help, please... I know I want AT tyres, but the car has done only 5k so far, hence still on OEM tyres. Originally I had planned to wear out the OEMs and then get AT's. However, plans change and it now looks as we will be going to the Big Red Bash in July...

Now the dilemma - can I get up there with the OEMs or do I have to have AT's for the trip (up and down Birdsville track, most likely).

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
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Offline D4D

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2015, 05:26:15 PM »
I don't think the tread pattern is the consideration, it's more if your current tyres are light truck construction or not. Many people have completed outback touring on OE tyres. Personally I wouldn't risk it and would fit something LT.
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Offline Johnnos3003

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2015, 06:52:54 PM »
Quote from: D4D on April 25, 2015, 05:26:15 PM
I don't think the tread pattern is the consideration, it's more if your current tyres are light truck construction or not. Many people have completed outback touring on OE tyres. Personally I wouldn't risk it and would fit something LT.

I ll second that. Whats on there now?
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Offline MDS69

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2015, 09:22:43 PM »
It will be interesting to see if the Birdsville Track gets some maintenance prior to this event because of the expected traffic. The track can get quite rocky at the northern and southern ends.
We did a corner country trip including the Strezleki and into Birdsville on OEM tyres. Tyre pressures and drive to the conditions are the key. We too couldn't justify changing tyres at the time due to funds etc.
If you are towing I reckon LT construction AT's are required. Our BfG AT's were shredded after towing down the Birdsville.
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Offline shanegtr

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2015, 09:50:52 PM »
Personally I'd got with the LT construction AT tyres for remote touring. I've been out and about with multiple punctures and it's not much fun. I'd suggest getting some new tyres fitted to separate rims, then you can swap back to the OEM tyres when you get home to wear them out
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Offline Nifty1

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #5 on: April 26, 2015, 10:02:11 AM »
MDS can I ask why your tyres got shredded? Was it a case of losing pressure because of a puncture and not knowing til it was all over? Reason I ask is that this seems to be a common problem (tyres get a bit flat, heat up, then go bang before you realise you have a problem) and a TPMS might prevent this. I can't afford 8 expensive tyres in one hit ( tug, trailer, spares) but still want to do some of the tracks and I'm looking for a way to do this. Going fast is not important to me.


Also, if BFGs got shredded, what alternative would have been better?
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Offline MDS69

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #6 on: April 26, 2015, 12:46:35 PM »
Quote from: Nifty1 on April 26, 2015, 10:02:11 AM
MDS can I ask why your tyres got shredded? Was it a case of losing pressure because of a puncture and not knowing til it was all over? Reason I ask is that this seems to be a common problem (tyres get a bit flat, heat up, then go bang before you realise you have a problem) and a TPMS might prevent this. I can't afford 8 expensive tyres in one hit ( tug, trailer, spares) but still want to do some of the tracks and I'm looking for a way to do this. Going fast is not important to me.


Also, if BFGs got shredded, what alternative would have been better?

When I say shredded I didn't mean blow out (we didn't get one flat in over 7,000km of rough travelling) but the tread blocks were torn off, chipped, cut etc. I put this down to weight in the rear of the vehicle (two fridges etc) and towing so tow ball weight which was around 120kg. The rear tyres copped more of a hammering than the front and this is what I put it down too.
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Offline Foss

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #7 on: April 26, 2015, 03:23:24 PM »
On a trip to Birdsville on the Birdsville Track, I had OE tyres (non LT) on my old D22 Navara. Stuck a gibber rock straight through the sidewall and stuffed the tyre. Now running BFG A/T LT on my L/Cruiser. Have not had any dramas on these tyres - touch wood !
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theins

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #8 on: April 26, 2015, 05:57:54 PM »
Quote from: Johnnos3003 on April 25, 2015, 06:52:54 PM
I ll second that. Whats on there now?

LR has put on the Goodyear Wrangler , which is an HT tyre, not LT construction. ...
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Offline Redback

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #9 on: April 27, 2015, 11:55:34 AM »
Try to get LT if you can, 19s are not easy to get out there, even 18s are near impossible and remember, Birdsville only gets a weekly delivery of goods, you are less likely to get a flat with LT tyres.

Baz.
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theins

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #10 on: April 27, 2015, 01:32:43 PM »
I am tossing up the GG and Hanook AT's...

Anybody needs of set of 5 HT tyres - only 4.5k on them (mostly bitumen)...???
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theins

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #11 on: May 10, 2015, 05:52:35 PM »
Thanks everybody - I have now put on Hankook AT's... Let's see how well they perform....

 :cheers:
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Offline McGirr

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #12 on: May 10, 2015, 06:10:50 PM »
Quote from: theins on May 10, 2015, 05:52:35 PM
Thanks everybody - I have now put on Hankook AT's... Let's see how well they perform....

 :cheers:

I have Hankook tyres and they are going well out here.

Mark
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theins

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Re: Do I need AT tyres....
« Reply #13 on: May 10, 2015, 06:19:32 PM »
Hey Mark - following your story - good luck with your change!

Glad to hear that they are performing well.

Cheers
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