Thread: 9.00 16 Tyres

I'm a BFG fan, had them on my defenders and very happy with them. I'll be considering BFG KM2 315/75R16 for my next set on the 101. (35" x 12.5"). I am told (although never ran them) that Mickey Thompson are a good tyre. They have a 35"x 12.5" or 36"x15.5" in there MTZ.
Are you looking for a MT or AT tread?

Thanks - those BFGs will big dollars - over $500 in 18s for my RRS.

While I do not use my 101 as a regular driver - mainly when going on a trip or taking rubbish to the tip, the reality is most driving is still on the black top. Even a local drive in the mountains is 50km on the dirt and 50km there and 50km back on the bitumen so I do not want something that will chop out on the road.

So ideally MTs that will wear reasonably on the road (is there such a MT) so failing that a aggressive AT. I know the XZLs wear well and are probably the most cost effective on a $ per km basis but the upfront cost is a bit much for me. Known alternatives on the 101 are what you have but too big and not sure how they wear, Swampers are also a bit unknown as far a wear is concerned and of course we are all waiting for Ron to get his Simex tyres to see how they go.

There are not enough guinea pigs in the 101 world hence this time around I would prefer to go cheap as possible in case they wear out quickly - When I got my 101 it had 111,000km on it and I put new MRFs on at $213 each - two of them are down low at 128,000km so will be bald at 20,000km use (the other two are only half worn - not sure what is going on there) so I would hate to only get 20,000km out of a $600 - $700 tyre.

Cheers

Garry

If your happy with the idea of a 315/75R16 then the Maxxis Bighorn may be an altertanive. People are getting anywhere from 40-60k out of them from what I've read and the tyres are comparativly cheap when compared to the BFG's while also being a quality alternative. The other option would be Goodyear MTR, although these might set you back more than the BFGs

Originally Posted by stuee

If your happy with the idea of a 315/75R16 then the Maxxis Bighorn may be an altertanive. People are getting anywhere from 40-60k out of them from what I've read and the tyres are comparativly cheap when compared to the BFG's while also being a quality alternative. The other option would be Goodyear MTR, although these might set you back more than the BFGs

I have found that in the sizes we are interested in for the 101 - manufactures overstate the size of their tyres by about 1/2 to 1 inch - most of the 315 width tyres are actually 34" so just a tad smaller than required. Maxxis to have a range of tyres that could be suitable and the Bighorn is on the list as is the Trepador and the Creepy Crawler.

Thanks

Garry

Well I am fairly happy with the Maxxis so far, although I agree the 38.5 are a little over the top..
As pointed out earlier, by Isuzurover, the Maxxis are prone to "crowning" as mine are already doing. I haven't done enough Kms to comment on their wear rate.
I am still to get a correct sized spare, I have a quote of about $580 for one 38.5 Kreepy. I imagine the next size down will be a little cheaper.
I like the sound of the Simex too so will worth waiting for Ron's comments.
I have BFG MT KM2's on the Defender and they are wearing pretty well, although a much smaller size (235/85's).
I have had XZL's in a small size too (7.50's) and they are a terrific tyre - tough as buggery. Pity they are so dear.

You will be waiting a while for my report on the Simex.
I will be picking up tyre no 2 next week.
They are 500 dollars fitted and balanced.
I am paying 50 dollars a week, so that is one tyre every 10 weeks.
I have though about just fitting two on the front just to try them, but how the centre diff would take it with different size tyres front and rear is unknown.
The simex are measured as the size stated they are 36 inch.......I have checked this a few times.
As for wear, I can only go by a local nissan pootrol with the same tyres fitted and they have given good wear, but look a bit funny at the end of their life as the lugs on the sides dont wear, but the road suface part of the tread has worn evenly.
Wear reports on the web have been positive.
The issuse for me is as the tread wears, will it make the steering heavier.......I am not getting any younger, or may be that power steering conversion is on the cards.
PS
It would be nice to have lots of money.
Ron

Out of curiosity, what are people see the XZL's advertised for?

Originally Posted by stuee

Out of curiosity, what are people see the XZL's advertised for?

I went looking and couldn't find them in Aus. (255/100) - didn't look that hard though. I have read they are north of $800.ea . I even wrote to a tyre wholesaler in Europe (Netherlands, I think) and they didn't have any either.