We have a 2014 Dmax and towed our van which we had weighed in loaded up at 2.8T all round WA for about 8 months with no tyre troubles.
However, we had to return to Perth to evict a druggie tenant couple out and she found our car in a shopping centre carpark a few weeks later and stabbed all 4 tyres - it was witnessed by several people who described her to a tee and despite the police station being about 3km away, they refused to come out and arrest her - she was still in the shopping centre. But I'm getting off the topic and banging on about the hopeless WA police service.
Our insurance company fitted Bridgestone Dueler ATs to the wheels. We have towed it about the same amount of kms as the original DMax supplies tyres and we've discovered the rear tyres have scalloped on the inside. This is an indication the weight load it all on the tyres and not on the springs - despite the rig looking level when on flat ground and also fitting WDH's when we had the Duellers on.
I now intend to replace the tyres and would like suggestions as to what other ute owners have found to be the best tyres. Most of the time we use the vehicle on the black and no towing at all. We expect to only do perhaps 2-3K a year with the van in future. I do intend to fit a floating leaf spring on the rear suspension once the warranty has expired (otherwise I will void my warranty according the the Isuzu dealers)
Aus-Kiwi said
10:00 PM Nov 13, 2016
Take it back to Bridgstone tyre store . Check tyre pressures ? Had same tyres on Rodeo and Triton . No issues !!
Hey Jim said
10:01 PM Nov 13, 2016
Hi Bruce & Bev,
All my tow trucks have been with independant live rear axels. I fitted BFG A/T light truck to the old Parado in 2008. they were still road legal 80km down the track.
We fitted the same tyres to the 2012 tow truck we have now. Tyre pressures may play a part in your case. However I run 44psi in ours and they run true and most importantly, flat on the road surface.
Just my 2 bobs worth. Very happy with them.
Regards Jim
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Monday 14th of November 2016 12:24:40 PM
Bruce and Bev said
09:33 AM Nov 14, 2016
thanks for that guys......I run them with the recommended 40psi when not towing and 45psi (recommended by Bridgestone) when towing.........
Maybe it was the Eastern States roads LOL
ants_oz said
09:39 AM Nov 14, 2016
Tyre pressure, tyre pressures, tyre pressures.
The only way to be sure you are running the correct pressures is to determine the axle load, and inflate according to the relevant load-inflation table.
This is not black-magic stuff, and many people over-inflate their tyres according to unscientific principles (such as the so-called "4 PSI rule").
Although this particular one is published by Toyo, please note that these tables are NOT manufacturer-specific.
(Please also note that pressures recommended by tyre fitters/dealers are NOT necessarily the same as those recommended by the manufacturer...)
-- Edited by ants_oz on Monday 14th of November 2016 09:40:48 AM
jonathan said
02:07 PM Nov 14, 2016
Gidday there Bruce ..
I'm sticking with BFG A/T mate .. and my Dmax has now got the OME suspension .. all still working fine .. just had my 70,000 service .. tyres looking great after 30,000 ..
(bet you didn't expect to hear from me .. eh !
Jon
Dougwe said
02:23 PM Nov 14, 2016
G'day mate. Hope ya well and welcome back to the gang.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Monday 14th of November 2016 02:24:47 PM
jonathan said
02:59 PM Nov 14, 2016
Yep .. still surviving Doug .. thanks for the welcome back !
Jon
Bass said
05:47 PM Nov 15, 2016
Hi bruce I put goodyear wranglers on my 2011 D max. my van weighs 2.9t. when the tyres on the cruiser wear out wranglers will be my tyre of choice. Quite, comfy, and very very good 50 / 50.
Cheers warren
Bruce and Bev said
10:58 PM Nov 15, 2016
Thanks for the pearls of wisdom Ant - I got my advice about the two tyre pressures from Bridgestone when I contacted them by email - not from a local dealer. All they wanted to know was type of tow vehicle and gross weight of van - didn't ask for axle weights and so on
JON - great to see you back -finally !!!!! Funny to see you as a "newbie" lol - stop lurking you bugger.....all those nasties that caused you to leave here before are no longer here, I think they packed up their toys and moved to someone elses sand pit to cause trouble.
I still have the original Isuzu suppled tyre as a spare, but being a lazy you know what, I cant be bothered cranking it down to find out the breed. Its due up for its 80K service in about 1-2 weeks and seeing as its going to cost me a tad over a $1000, I will get the dealer to find out what the spare is and then check it out.
I also intend to go into Bridgestone and have a chat to them about the scalloping and see if they give me a believable reason for it - I know it not overloading
As an aside, the Dealer quoted me $1456 for the 80K service. After telling the service manager that I would need to mortgage my home to pay that much, she (yep a young lady who has no mechanical knowledge) she then checked with her foreman and established that the hydraulic steering hose doesn't need to be replaced unless mountain bashing or at about 160K - that and a 10% discount got the price down to just needing a pace maker lol
macka17 said
09:31 PM Nov 16, 2016
Stick with the AT 697's.
BUT go the 10PR.... NOT the std 8PR.....
ASK them first.... Make sure.
Used to be the whitewall (writing) tyres were the 10PR
But that was yrs ago.
Basically much stiffer walls.
I've never used anything else but Bridgy's for towing around 3 ton.
and never had a problem.
Quite often doing waay over limits when overtaking cattle trains in top end on dirt.
Wouldn't have any other breed on my 4wd's/boats/van.
amd Pirelli on Di's Honda.
Bruce and Bev said
11:36 PM Nov 16, 2016
thanks macka - will check them out - know the white wall writing youre referring to
spida said
11:56 AM Nov 17, 2016
Bass wrote:
Hi bruce I put goodyear wranglers on my 2011 D max. my van weighs 2.9t. when the tyres on the cruiser wear out wranglers will be my tyre of choice. Quite, comfy, and very very good 50 / 50.
Cheers warren
I had Wranglers when I left Perth 4 years ago. They cut out rather quickly. Replaced with more Wranglers but American made rather than Indonesian - which I am told are not made to cope with the Aussie heat. Certainly had a much better run out of US ones. Had trouble finding Wranglers lately though. Just a thought - maybe check where they are made.
Bass said
05:30 PM Nov 17, 2016
That's correct spida, I made sure I had the American ones much better.
Bruce and Bev said
10:09 AM Nov 18, 2016
What about Coopers - have searched by name as I know they have been discussed before, but search found no record.
They guarantee them for 80K - whatever they actually cover and made in Trump country apparently
rockylizard said
10:38 AM Nov 18, 2016
Bruce and Bev wrote:
What about Coopers - have searched by name as I know they have been discussed before, but search found no record.
They guarantee them for 80K - whatever they actually cover and made in Trump country apparently
Gday...
Read the warranty carefully as always there are 'conditions' etc.
However, I had Cooper Discoverer AT3 (not LT) on my Landy and I was very impressed with them - got 63,000Km out of them. They were still roadworthy but I tend to change my tyres earlier etc.
I replaced them with Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT about 9,000Km ago. Still an excellent tyre - good road-holding on black top (wet or dry), great on the dirt and when I have headed into some 'low range country' they have provided great grip.
There are some (many?) who have a strong dislike for Coopers but I have had three sets in the past 200,000Km and all have been better than expected. I haven't had a puncture in the last six years, and they hold their pressure so well, I have rarely had to re-inflate - except when I raise pressures when towing and lower pressures when not towing for a week or so. I rotate them everb 6,000Km and each set I have had have worn very evenly.
[edit: PS - I tow a 2,600kg van full-time on the road]
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Friday 18th of November 2016 10:42:06 AM
Bruce and Bev said
12:35 AM Nov 24, 2016
Checked out a few tyre retailers now and they all roll with the AT 697 10 ply as Macka has suggested above. The 10 ply don't come with the white writing - only the 8ply breeds.
They are on long term sale price at $250 each and the dealer I intend to use will charge me $85 for alignment, camber and tow in, or $50 if only alignment.
He had a close look at mine with are the 8ply variant and the white writing has been fitted facing inwards (apparently makes no difference, but customer is supposed to be asked for the choice)
But especially with van towing, all the companies belaboured the point it is essential to get them balanced and aligned every 10K
rockylizard said
07:17 AM Nov 24, 2016
Bruce and Bev wrote:
~~~SNIP .....But especially with van towing, all the companies belaboured the point it is essential to get them balanced and aligned every 10K
Gday...
ya gotta be jokin' ........ SURELY !
That is the most incredible advice I have ever heard.
I can understand that a wheel alignment at the time of fitting a new set of tyres is common sense to ensure all is as it should be.
And it is standard practice to balance wheels and tyres at time of fitting (usually included in the price) - and often as a precaution at the time wheels are rotated.
HOWEVER, to have a wheel alignment EVERY 10,000Km is completely unnecessary - UNLESS there is an indication of adverse tyre wear that needs correcting!
Similiarly, unless there is an indication (eg steering wheel shake at about 80kph-90kph) that wheels are out of balance, they too don't need CONSTANT balancing - or even checking the balance.
I have been driving and towing a wide variety of vehicles for more than 50 years and that is the FIRST time I have have heard that advice ... or have had the need to do that. Obviously, if a kerb has been hit a bit hard, or hit big potholes, or severe 'hard' 4x4ing, may cause some need to prompt a wheel alignment - but again, adverse tyre wear will give the indication to have one. Similarly, those conditions also may 'throw a weight' which would necessatite a re-balance.
Obviously, that assumes that the wear-rate/condition of tyres are regularly checked by the driver.
I can understand that it is a wise, prudent and preventative practice to rotate wheels every 10,000Km ... but align and balance every 10,000Km
I will be interested in the comments of others, but I find the advice "all companies belaboured ... that it is essential...." very unusual and unnecessary - UNLESS, as I said there is an indication that it is required.
Cheers - John
ants_oz said
07:42 AM Nov 24, 2016
I'm a believer in getting tyres rotated and balanced every 10k, and a wheel alignment every year. It's called "preventative maintenance". Of course, unless your tyre is flat on the bottom then you would never need to check its pressure would you....unless your 'check engine' light comes on, no need to lift the bonnet. Unless your oil light comes on, no need to change the oil and filter.
Suspension and steering are simple mechanical systems - and they require regular checking and adjustment.
-- Edited by ants_oz on Thursday 24th of November 2016 07:45:47 AM
rockylizard said
11:19 AM Nov 24, 2016
Gday...
Understand where ya comin' from Ants ... but EVERY 10,000Km.
Assuming what would be most folks annual Km's, that would be EVERY six months and for some even earlier.
I was taught a liddle rule by a then old phart way back when I was knee-high to a grasshopper (and those who know me would say I am STILL only knee-high to a grasshopper ) ... check POWER - at least once a week.
P - petrol O - Oil W - Water E - Electrics - battery, lights etc etc R - Rubber - tyres
I agree that regular 'proper' servicing is the key to longevity but wheel alignment and balance EVERY six months. NAH
I might concede once a year - but if there are no indications of adverse wear on tyres it is a waste of money ... and if there is ANY sign of inconsistent wear on tyres then do it IMMEDIATELY.
Cheers - John
Rasty said
01:28 PM Nov 24, 2016
Hi Dmax owners,
A question not related to tyres ,i have a LSU 2014 (MY15) auto and a 2t Kingswood Kensington,
if you have autos do you have coolers fitted if so with or without a thermatic van,
comment on the tyres I worked for Bstone many years and the tyres are right up there with the quality, its one of those things unfortunately ,
finding the one that suits your needs and wears best for you is the best ,caravan behaviour and driving style will also show differently for each person re the tyres,
Hi All. Some feedback appreciated please.
We have a 2014 Dmax and towed our van which we had weighed in loaded up at 2.8T all round WA for about 8 months with no tyre troubles.
However, we had to return to Perth to evict a druggie tenant couple out and she found our car in a shopping centre carpark a few weeks later and stabbed all 4 tyres - it was witnessed by several people who described her to a tee and despite the police station being about 3km away, they refused to come out and arrest her - she was still in the shopping centre. But I'm getting off the topic and banging on about the hopeless WA police service.
Our insurance company fitted Bridgestone Dueler ATs to the wheels. We have towed it about the same amount of kms as the original DMax supplies tyres and we've discovered the rear tyres have scalloped on the inside. This is an indication the weight load it all on the tyres and not on the springs - despite the rig looking level when on flat ground and also fitting WDH's when we had the Duellers on.
I now intend to replace the tyres and would like suggestions as to what other ute owners have found to be the best tyres. Most of the time we use the vehicle on the black and no towing at all. We expect to only do perhaps 2-3K a year with the van in future. I do intend to fit a floating leaf spring on the rear suspension once the warranty has expired (otherwise I will void my warranty according the the Isuzu dealers)
Hi Bruce & Bev,
All my tow trucks have been with independant live rear axels. I fitted BFG A/T light truck to the old Parado in 2008. they were still road legal 80km down the track.
We fitted the same tyres to the 2012 tow truck we have now. Tyre pressures may play a part in your case. However I run 44psi in ours and they run true and most importantly, flat on the road surface.
Just my 2 bobs worth. Very happy with them.
Regards Jim
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Monday 14th of November 2016 12:24:40 PM
Maybe it was the Eastern States roads LOL
Tyre pressure, tyre pressures, tyre pressures.
The only way to be sure you are running the correct pressures is to determine the axle load, and inflate according to the relevant load-inflation table.
This is not black-magic stuff, and many people over-inflate their tyres according to unscientific principles (such as the so-called "4 PSI rule").
Here is an example load and inflation table. toyotires-1524598101.netdna-ssl.com/media/1541/application_of_load_inflation_tables_20151020.pdf
Although this particular one is published by Toyo, please note that these tables are NOT manufacturer-specific.
(Please also note that pressures recommended by tyre fitters/dealers are NOT necessarily the same as those recommended by the manufacturer...)
-- Edited by ants_oz on Monday 14th of November 2016 09:40:48 AM
Gidday there Bruce ..
I'm sticking with BFG A/T mate .. and my Dmax has now got the OME suspension .. all still working fine .. just had my 70,000 service .. tyres looking great after 30,000 ..
(bet you didn't expect to hear from me .. eh !
Jon
G'day mate. Hope ya well and welcome back to the gang.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Monday 14th of November 2016 02:24:47 PM
Yep .. still surviving Doug .. thanks for the welcome back !
Jon
Cheers warren
JON - great to see you back -finally !!!!! Funny to see you as a "newbie" lol - stop lurking you bugger.....all those nasties that caused you to leave here before are no longer here, I think they packed up their toys and moved to someone elses sand pit to cause trouble.
I still have the original Isuzu suppled tyre as a spare, but being a lazy you know what, I cant be bothered cranking it down to find out the breed. Its due up for its 80K service in about 1-2 weeks and seeing as its going to cost me a tad over a $1000, I will get the dealer to find out what the spare is and then check it out.
I also intend to go into Bridgestone and have a chat to them about the scalloping and see if they give me a believable reason for it - I know it not overloading
As an aside, the Dealer quoted me $1456 for the 80K service. After telling the service manager that I would need to mortgage my home to pay that much, she (yep a young lady who has no mechanical knowledge) she then checked with her foreman and established that the hydraulic steering hose doesn't need to be replaced unless mountain bashing or at about 160K - that and a 10% discount got the price down to just needing a pace maker lol
BUT go the 10PR.... NOT the std 8PR.....
ASK them first.... Make sure.
Used to be the whitewall (writing) tyres were the 10PR
But that was yrs ago.
Basically much stiffer walls.
I've never used anything else but Bridgy's for towing around 3 ton.
and never had a problem.
Quite often doing waay over limits when overtaking cattle trains in top end on dirt.
Wouldn't have any other breed on my 4wd's/boats/van.
amd Pirelli on Di's Honda.
I had Wranglers when I left Perth 4 years ago. They cut out rather quickly. Replaced with more Wranglers but American made rather than Indonesian - which I am told are not made to cope with the Aussie heat. Certainly had a much better run out of US ones. Had trouble finding Wranglers lately though. Just a thought - maybe check where they are made.
They guarantee them for 80K - whatever they actually cover and made in Trump country apparently
Gday...
Read the warranty carefully
as always there are 'conditions' etc.
However, I had Cooper Discoverer AT3 (not LT) on my Landy and I was very impressed with them - got 63,000Km out of them. They were still roadworthy but I tend to change my tyres earlier etc.
I replaced them with Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT about 9,000Km ago. Still an excellent tyre - good road-holding on black top (wet or dry), great on the dirt and when I have headed into some 'low range country' they have provided great grip.
There are some (many?) who have a strong dislike for Coopers but I have had three sets in the past 200,000Km and all have been better than expected. I haven't had a puncture in the last six years, and they hold their pressure so well, I have rarely had to re-inflate - except when I raise pressures when towing and lower pressures when not towing for a week or so. I rotate them everb 6,000Km and each set I have had have worn very evenly.
[edit: PS - I tow a 2,600kg van full-time on the road]
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Friday 18th of November 2016 10:42:06 AM
They are on long term sale price at $250 each and the dealer I intend to use will charge me $85 for alignment, camber and tow in, or $50 if only alignment.
He had a close look at mine with are the 8ply variant and the white writing has been fitted facing inwards (apparently makes no difference, but customer is supposed to be asked for the choice)
But especially with van towing, all the companies belaboured the point it is essential to get them balanced and aligned every 10K
Gday...
That is the most incredible advice I have ever heard.
I can understand that a wheel alignment at the time of fitting a new set of tyres is common sense to ensure all is as it should be.
And it is standard practice to balance wheels and tyres at time of fitting (usually included in the price) - and often as a precaution at the time wheels are rotated.
HOWEVER, to have a wheel alignment EVERY 10,000Km is completely unnecessary - UNLESS there is an indication of adverse tyre wear that needs correcting!
Similiarly, unless there is an indication (eg steering wheel shake at about 80kph-90kph) that wheels are out of balance, they too don't need CONSTANT balancing - or even checking the balance.
I have been driving and towing a wide variety of vehicles for more than 50 years and that is the FIRST time I have have heard that advice ... or have had the need to do that. Obviously, if a kerb has been hit a bit hard, or hit big potholes, or severe 'hard' 4x4ing, may cause some need to prompt a wheel alignment - but again, adverse tyre wear will give the indication to have one. Similarly, those conditions also may 'throw a weight' which would necessatite a re-balance.
Obviously, that assumes that the wear-rate/condition of tyres are regularly checked by the driver.
I can understand that it is a wise, prudent and preventative practice to rotate wheels every 10,000Km ... but align and balance every 10,000Km
I will be interested in the comments of others, but I find the advice "all companies belaboured ... that it is essential...." very unusual and unnecessary - UNLESS, as I said there is an indication that it is required.
Cheers - John
I'm a believer in getting tyres rotated and balanced every 10k, and a wheel alignment every year. It's called "preventative maintenance". Of course, unless your tyre is flat on the bottom then you would never need to check its pressure would you....unless your 'check engine' light comes on, no need to lift the bonnet. Unless your oil light comes on, no need to change the oil and filter.
Suspension and steering are simple mechanical systems - and they require regular checking and adjustment.
-- Edited by ants_oz on Thursday 24th of November 2016 07:45:47 AM
Gday...
Assuming what would be most folks annual Km's, that would be EVERY six months
and for some even earlier. 
I was taught a liddle rule by a then old phart way back when I was knee-high to a grasshopper (and those who know me would say I am STILL only knee-high to a grasshopper
) ... check POWER - at least once a week.
P - petrol
O - Oil
W - Water
E - Electrics - battery, lights etc etc
R - Rubber - tyres
I agree that regular 'proper' servicing is the key to longevity but wheel alignment and balance EVERY six months. NAH
I might concede once a year - but if there are no indications of adverse wear on tyres it is a waste of money ... and if there is ANY sign of inconsistent wear on tyres then do it IMMEDIATELY.
Cheers - John
Hi Dmax owners,
A question not related to tyres ,i have a LSU 2014 (MY15) auto and a 2t Kingswood Kensington,
if you have autos do you have coolers fitted if so with or without a thermatic van,
comment on the tyres I worked for Bstone many years and the tyres are right up there with the quality, its one of those things unfortunately ,
finding the one that suits your needs and wears best for you is the best ,caravan behaviour and driving style will also show differently for each person re the tyres,
Thanks