Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

I will be looking at replacing rubber in the not too distant future, I purchased my vehicle with Michelin Synchrone 265 70 16's which I belive have been discontinued. So far I have narrowed my replacement tyres down to three makes ie: BFG; Cooper and Bridgestone. All terrains will be fine for my not too serious offroading, but can any of you guys out there give me some honest feedback on your experiences with regard to road noise, sidewall strength, ride quality, puncture susceptibility etc.

Also are there any benefits if the profile is changed to 75 as opposed to 70 - ie. 265 75 16. The only obvious change would be a slight height increase. Speedo readings & acceleration will change and I assume the foot will be a little lighter on the juice to maintain the same cruising speed. Are there any other pro's or cons - which size is more readily available?

Simple, there is no "best" tyre. Everyone will have a favorite, some will be bi est and some just arrogant. Surf the sites,read,read and read some more.

Tony,

Bigger tyres does not always mean LIGHTER ON JUICE. In fact, it may have the opposite effect. I am of the opinion that most of our vehicles, especially the 4.8 Patrol, runs at "below optimum" revs at the standard speeds ie. 120km/h. The car seldom reach the "best torque" bracket and therefore tend to labour all the time especially when pulling a trailer, hence sub-optimal fuel consumption. Bigger tyres might increase the problem in some of the particular models.

Same token, opposite side: Bigger tyres increase the circumfence and decrease odo reading over the same true distance. Drivers tend to measure travelled distance only at the fuel pump via the odo. (Mistake when bigger tyres are fitted) Result: Bigger tyres = smaller km reading = false consumption calculation to - the high side. A vehicle was designed with a specific tyre size. Changing that for specific applications such as off-roading has it advantages but also changes the configuration of more than one element of the car's balance. It remains all ok as long as the driver knows it and know what is happening in- and with his car.

I agree with G-Man. As it is the case with so many other equipment we use, brand awareness sometimes overshadow reality and we tend to try and "keep up with the Jonses next door". Every person has got their priority in vehicle application and budget. Personally I want a tyre that can do the job all over with a fair result since I use my car almost every day everywhere. I am looking for tyre life-span which boils down to tyre cost per kilometer. I run a 275/70/16 on my Patrol. The current set has done 96000km to date and will exceed 100k during the coming easter holiday. It serves my purpose and my budget.

Thanks guys for the info, I have also recieved some feedback from a tyre dealer who does not recommend changing the tyre's profile, as the larger diameter, he says, will cause unnesscessary stress on all the suspension components - tie rods etc. as well as the steering mechanism. So that's put paid to my thoughts of putting a little more rubber between my rims and our (not so) fantastic road surfaces!!

With regard to the three tyre brands I asked about, I was simply wanting to hear from guys that have used any of them to give their valued oppinion, (and it always holds more value than a manufacturers claims), on how they performed - or didn't quite live up to expectations.

Thanks JG, tyre wear also plays a big role what make are your tyres if you don't mind me asking.

Hi Tony

there is a direct link between threadwear and grip. The next question is how much grip do you want when offroading. Then what will your budget be? Have you had a look at maxxis buckshot mudder as an alternative?

Hi Tony

I have BFG AT 31x10.5 R15 on my Patrol. Have done about 45000km and they should be good for another 50000. I change them every 10000km, the first 40000 I ran them with the white lettering on the inside and have now changed it with white lettering on outside.

My only complaint is in mud it gets clogged very quickly and you have very little tread if any to work with, very similar to F1 racing tyres.

My next set will be BFG Mudterrain MK2 the 32x11.5 R15

Bridgestone I hear from friends is a great tyre but do not give same mileage. Coopers I have heard and read that they are a bit soft around side and sometimes have chunks of rubber breaking off, have not seen it just heard it!!!

Enjoy the search
Jules

Tony,

Bridgstone Dueler A/T 275/70/16 (694 if I am correct). This will be my 3rd set above 80km endurance.

Sidewall debate....mmmmm.......I have seen sidewall damage where neither a 10 ply nor a 2 ply would have lasted. Again...where and what is your application. I can show you pics of some daring river crossings and other challenging roads we travelled without any sidewall damage. This however is done during 4x4 overlanding and not on obstacle tracks. My tyres suits my kind of travel/application.