WegRy/Drive Out AT Tyre Test

[JJoubert]

Hi,

What is your guy’s view of the AT Tyre test in the December issue of WegRy with Geniel de Villiers?

Was quite interesting to see how the different brands performed in the tests.

I understand their reasoning for not testing Mud and Rock as was explained in the Article, but unfortunately this places doubt in my mind if this test was comprehensive enough to make a decision on. I would have liked to see “All Terrain” tested. I’m not knocking the article though, still good information.

I’m changing my tyres before going on holiday in December. (Still driving with the HT Tyres so it is about time). Was leaning towards BF Goodrich AT but after this test I might change my mind. Braking distance is just important to me as off-road capabilities. I like the Mud-Terrain look but that’s another debate.

Groete,
Johan

[Alex Roux]

Probablly one the most debated issues on any 4x4 forum.
It is tempting to start the whole debate all over again, rather than just restricting to what the article is about.

In my view, having driven with muddies for the past three years, they are not worth it, unless you
a) drive a lot of real mud (the only terrain where mudddies are really head and shoulders above other tyre types)
b) drive lots of sharp rocky stuff, where cuts to your tyres are common and where other tyres will get cut and come to a premature end.
Otherwise they are expensive, have a generally shorter life span, poorer handling on the long road, noisy etc.
So this should help you with the possibly unanswered Rock and Mud issues.

As for BFG, I like them for general purpose and overlanding.
Very strong sidewalls give them a long life. If run too flat on sand they can come off the rim quite easily also due to the strong sidewalls.

[Herrie]

The BFG A/T is the worst tyre and this is now the second test that proof that.

Hopefully there will be a test on the M/T tyres as well - I'm waiting for this test for long!

[Tinus lotz]

Wat die koerant manne skryf loop soos water van n eend se rug af ....ek stem meer saam met sa 4x4 se toets ......maar as jy met n overlanding trip sidewalls verloor is jy in die moeilikheid klaar ....die nuwe bf all terrain word jan/feb vry gestel met sterk sidewalls ......ek verkies muddies omdat hulle beter oorals werk en hulle lyk ook goed .....as ek all terrains moet koop .....cooper st max

[David]

.... Was leaning towards BF Goodrich AT but after this test I might change my mind. Braking distance is just important to me as off-road capabilities.....

Johan

I bought my Patrol with a set of BFG A/T's and on the 4.8 they are dangerous!
If the road is slightly wet you spin when pulling away and when you want to stop you slide. I was always scared going into a turn as I was always waiting for it to break away.

I went to 33" BFG KM2' muddies and they stick like glue to the road in any condition wet/dry or dirt. This is why I am looking forward to the new BFG KM2 A/T - If it handles anything like the muddies I think they will be a winner.

At this stage I will also go to the Cooper S/T Maxx but on the 4.8 you can go bigger >>>> LT285/70R17

[ricster]

If you want Muddies with shhhhhh....loads of grip, then Kumho's are by far the gripiest. On wet tar they are phenomenal !!! but at a cost.... the tyre is cheap, compared to many others, but due to the available grip, fuel consumption is slightly higher but not by much. yes side walls are softer and therefore in the dunes are ideal and good down to 0.7- 0.8 bar ( I did this on my Kumho's at Atlantis Dunes). I think my next set will be All Terrains as well, as I lately spend more time on tar than on dirt... but we will see how things go.

[JJoubert]

Thanks for all the info.

I see the Cooper ST Maxx is a hybrid, 70% Mud and 30% AT. Why would you guys recommend this specific tyre?

The size is also an issue. I started to look for Prices for the standard size 275/65/R17. It seems this is not an easy tyre size to find. (Must admit I have only phoned 2 stores but no stock in this size). They only have 265/70/R17.

I have read the tyre posts on the forum a while back; I see the benefit of the lift when going 285/70/R17.

I do not like that it will possibly affect the gear ratio and the handling of the vehicle. But you guys would know better.

If I go 285/70/R17 will this not affect the Patrol when climbing steep hills e.g. Namibian dunes that is high on my priority list ?

Thanks,
Johan

[bogeyman]

Johan
It gives you advantages from both at and mt. Fairly good grip off-road but quiet and with high expected mileage.

With a 4.8 you will hardly notice the difference in ratios and the bigger tyre has a bigger footprint - always good in sand.

[ricster]

but if auto does the gearbox not hunt gears then?

[Tinus lotz]

No only on the 4.5 if the feul pump is faulty....me chris Skinner,dawid t .dawid a lot of forum members run 33 s on 4.8 auto no problems mr bogey man even runs 33 on his 4.5 gq auto....that patrol flies with them