I am not sure if this is the correct location for this post, however, here goes....
I have to replace the tyres on my tow vehicle (Prado). This will be the first time I have replaced tyres and I am not sure what is the best option. I would love to get Cooper Tyres but the cost is too high... any recommendations by my Fellow Travellers?
It really depends on the driving you'll be doing Mike. If it's mainly highway and towing, just about any brand name in the price range you're comfortable with. And in a format that suits, ie 80% bitumen to 90% bitumen.
I know that they are not "fashionable" amongst some people, but we had very positive experiences with Dunlop Road Gripper tyres on our Landrover Defender. Put them on the van, too, which had Defender wheels.
From memory, got our first set about Year 2000, were so pleased with the road holding etc that we always went for them, after that. Prior to 2000 we had bought tyres that were well written up in magazines, supposed to be good for the mix of sealed and offroad places we travelled - but they tracked dreadfully and everything that passed us sucked us and van across road! Felt very unsafe. But the Dunlops were brilliant.
We used to get 60,000 - 80,000kms out of a set on the Landrover, depending on where we'd been. Generally, 30-40% of travel would have been off bitumen.
Friend put them on her Troopy. Just as pleased as us with them. Did the Canning a couple of years ago - only one flat tyre in the whole 3 weeks - and that was a screw picked up as she drove into one of the aboriginal communities along the way.
Have a look at BFG Rugged Terrains
a bit more highway orientated than All Terrains
very happy after 12,000k
better on dirt roads than my old GT Radials and by all accounts a pretty sturdy tyre
Thanks for the input all... I was hoping to have same tyers that are on the new Retreat - Hercules Terra Tracs - but sadly they are 16" and the Prado is 17" I would like to have had the same across both but alas it is not to be.
I just replaced tyres on my Iveco MH. I went to Bob Jane after a blowout. My tyre size is 225/65 R16. 8 ply. I was offered Pirelli tyres but figured they would be too expensive.. Nooooo !!! $194.00 each discounted to $175.00. Couldn't beat a deal like that.
__________________
Retired Airline Pilot and Electrician..
I'm not old, I've just been young a long time....Ken
Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Bob Jane have just opened a new centre around the corner from me. I was reluctant to purchase from them because of the way the family are fighting in the courts... But, maybe I will just ignore that and save a dollar if I can
Tyres are always an issue i have tried a wide variety of brands over the years and agree with zoomtops coopers may cost more initially but you do get your money's worth I achieved 80000 klm out of the set on my Pajero and was going to buy another set but when I read an article on Pirelli Scorpion A/T tyres I decided to give them a try.
A company called international tyre traders who advertise on ebay have the cheapest deal I paid $190 pre tyre and they will courier them for you and you have to add the cost of fitting around $20 total cost much cheaper than Coopers, the company is located at seven hills.
I have now done 30000 klm and found them to be a very good tyre and anticipate around 80000 klm based on current wear they are also very good in the wet.
__________________
Life was meant to be enjoyed Australia was meant to be explored
Happily doing both to the Max.
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important & you will capture it every Time
I hope they are not Pirelli Scorpions.
I have always liked Pirelli tyres until I put a set of Scorpions on.
Original BFG on 4wd did 80,000 km.
Pirelli Scorpions knackered after 35,000.
Currently running Mickey Thompsons with about 40,000, and only about 1/3 worn. Should get 100,000.
The MT's have the best grip of the above, both on road and off road.
PJK
__________________
Now that food has replaced sex in my life -
I can't even get into my own pants!!!!!!
thanks for all the input. I have been to Bob Jane and have been recommended a new tyre by Bridgestone. They are all-terrain with a nice deep and open tread. Might be a little noisy on the open road but certainly look a LOT better than the ones I have at present. In the process I have discovered that the current tyres are incorrect anyway according to the compliance plate on the inside of the driver door. This might be why it has felt a little less then stable on the road.
My Prado has 211,000k on the clock so whatever I get will be the last ones I put on her before I replace her. I got her at 186,000k 18 months ago and I have been very happy with the service she has given me but will want to upgrade within the next 18 months.
After looking at the various options I have settled on the Bridgestone BST 265/65R17. Good price... good tread pattern.. they are not Coopers, but nor was the price... They will more than last the remaining life of my 2004 Prado.
I saw a segment on tv this week about tyres, it said look for a four digit number like this 50 05 now the first figure 50 refers to the week of the year so 50 = Dec the second figure 05 = 2005 the year the tyre was made, according to the segment a tyre should not be sold if it is over 5 years old.
Something to think about, now go check your tyres and see how old they are.
