KM2's going, Advise on A/T LT tyres

I had what I remember as Michelin LT-XC on my RRC which were a strong tyre with good open pattern. However exposed threads constantly cut into the tubes forever causing flat tyres and Michelin wouldn't honour warranty because I had fitted tubes, which were mandatory with the RRC alloys. I repaired such a puncture at Tibooburra then another at Olive Downs, having done a short loop out to Merty Merty. Many times I melted the threads with a soldering iron but more always appeared so replaced the tyres well before they were worn out. Michelin aren't always beyond reproach.

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Originally Posted by patclan

I just swapped my 255/85/16 KM2 on ZU rims out for the original general grabbers on boosts, I am not sure what was causing the problems, if it was the KM2, the larger size tyre or the ZU rims but the handling is much better now, the steering feels tighter and the cornering is better. I know what you mean about driving on the nobbles, and the noise was getting to me.

I have decided I am not a fan of muddies, but I will keep them for touring as they did well on the last trip, but for day to day I will replace the GG for something in the AT bracket also, I do not want to spend $350 to $400 a tyre so might try the Hankook I can get them fitted for $200 each, it took me an hour to change out the 4 wheels this morning so not a big deal to put the KM2 back on, although I may switch the rims over, I guess that would help determine if the wheel it self had anything to do with the crap handling.

I had a wheel alignment done at the tyre place when I got the KM2's fitted, after reading all the posts on wheel alignment I think I will get it double checked for the toe out rather than in, I just need to find a decent place on the Gold Coast.

Cheers
Pat

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Hi Pat,

I have the same arrangement as you BFG KM2's on ZU's for play/travel (bit smaller tyres with 265/75/16) and the General Grabbers on the Boosts. I always marvel at how quiet the Grabbers are.

Even with the ZU's offset I can't say I've noticed a change in the turning circle. I"ve had ZU's before with AT's and they are fine for the ride, must be the 255/85/16's?

Cheers,

Lou

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Well Guys, I kind of regretted getting the KM2's when I first bought them, as they were noisy, and now after 12,000 klm I have had enough. I find them vibrating as well as I can feel the nobs as I drive, I know most of you are die hard KM2 fans, just not for me.

So I was after some advise on A/T LT tyres. I'm considering BFG AT, Bridgestone Dueler D697 LT, or Cooper ST MAXX.

Particularly interested in feedback on the Dueler D697. Has anyone got these fitted to their Deefer?

Look forward to your feedback :D

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I bought a set of 235/85r16 Stmaxx for my 110 wagon about a month ago, couldn't be happier so far:)

They are very quiet on the black stuff and have handled really nicely on all road surfaces I have had them on. No serious Off Roading yet though so can't comment on that but don't at all see why they shouldn't perform well going from what I have experienced with them so far.

The main reason I like them is that they are a great combination 50/50 tire, I don't do a lot of Off Roading so for me I get the benefits of an AT with the more aggressive look of a MT:D

I'll post up photos soon if you like. Didn't happen without them right?!:wasntme:

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Originally Posted by Loubrey

Hi Pat,

I have the same arrangement as you BFG KM2's on ZU's for play/travel (bit smaller tyres with 265/75/16) and the General Grabbers on the Boosts. I always marvel at how quiet the Grabbers are.

Even with the ZU's offset I can't say I've noticed a change in the turning circle. I"ve had ZU's before with AT's and they are fine for the ride, must be the 255/85/16's?

Cheers,

Lou

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Hey Lou, I have never noticed any difference in the turning circle either with the Zu's on, but I keep meaning to adjust the stop.

Another job for another day!!

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Originally Posted by PAT303

Buy Michellin A/T's and don't look back,forget the hype about strong sidewalls and puncture proof crap,it's just that,crap.Tyres are the most important safety device on your vehicle,spend the money and buy the best. Pat

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Got any specifics Pat?

The Michelin XPC were excellent all-round tyres, but Michelin stopped making them. No sense competing against your other brand I guess.

The AT they had last time I looked had very rounded shoulders which normally translate into poor tracking on gravel roads and easy slides on grass.

I've got Scorpions on the D2 and they're quite good.
Excellent on road behaviour for sure, do well in sand as I ran them at road Psi on the beach and had no dramas.
I'm pretty slack and don't drop my tyre pressures when I hit the tracks although that's changed, and they've held up fantastically. I'd estimate I'll probably get upwards of 70k kms on them before I need to replace them.
One thing though, mud tyres they aint!
This was after about 100m, they kept going and they weren't too bad but it was a bit Tokyo Drift for a while, needed a careful and steady application of right foot to keep it moving forwards.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...13/04/1255.jpg
Cheers
Muppet

Ok, beginning of the week I put a set of Cooper ST MAXX on.

I was originally leaning toward the D 697lt but after ringing Bridgestone and asking about sidewall protection and finding out they are only a 2 ply 3000 denier sidewall, and the fact that the only thing good they had to say about it was "it does the job" I decided against them.

After ringing Coopers and having a long conversation on tyre types, etc. and getting the run down on how tuff there sidewalls are - 3 ply 2 x 2000 denier and 1 x 1000 denier on an angle 5000 denier in total, I was convinced this is a tough tyre. My size 265/75/16 is definitely a LT 10 ply carcass.

So anyways, the difference was immediate the vehicle was a lot smoother, steering improved dramatically and they are quieter. I did not realise just how uncomfortable the KM2's were until now. What a difference. I think people just get used to the muddies and don't really realise how bad they are say compared to a good AT. Anyways I'm happy, we will just have to see how they perform offroad. I'll keep you posted on that.

A big thanks to everyone's suggestions, comments, and it got a bit interesting there a few replies back, anyways guys All Good. We are all here to learn, at least I am.

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G'day Babs, can you post a pic so I can see how these look on the car/rim.
We've just done a trip through desert type terrain with a lot of gravel roads and I found the GG's to be quite noisy.
At 32f and 34r, they performed well and haven't sustained any damage that I can see.
I have major issues with these tyres on the bitumen though as my duel cab (2011) doesn't have ABS, so in the wet I consider them to be lethal.
As on the D1 I ran Coopers for a number of years,, and very happy with them,, I was already swaying that way. Wanting mostly a touring type tyre, but also want to get up the High Country too. I guess I want the best of both worlds, but surely one can get reasonably close. :)

Here you go Chops.

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Originally Posted by Babs

Here you go Chops.

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Babs......one problem, the white lettering is on the wrong side