Unhappy with Cooper AT3 - Bridgestone 697's?

[Gords]

Hey all,

I'm currently on a 4 week road trip through the Simpson, flinders, high country etc in the D3 (report to follow!!!) and have had a few problems with my brand new set of cooper AT3's. Recently, from 6 new AT3's I have had;
- 1 sidewall cut & written off on bitumen (probably metal so hard to avoid);
- 3 punctures on gravel with two punctures writing off the tyre (one was my fault as didn't hear the puncture on rocky roads till it was too late and consequently chewed out the sidewall)

The 3 punctures were all on gravel roads with my pressures at 30psi. After approx 2500km of use since new. The worst puncture which wrote the tyre off was in the flinders on gravel when doing 40km/h where sedans were going! Also, the rears are chewed up with fractures appearing- not impressed to say the least!

As a result I'm in need of 2 fairly urgent replacements and am obviously hesitant to go with the AT3's again after their poor performance.*

I'm not too fussed about the Mickey Thompsons either as they're effectively a rebranded, cooper.

I just found out that Bridgestone recently (6 months back) brought out a 'dueler 697' 265/60/18 in a light truck construction with a load rating of 114, this replaces the older dueler 694 I think I was. Anyone had any experience with this tyre? Not cheap though - $485 a throw!*

I understand the other size tyres out there however would like to stick with the same size to match my other Tyres and multiple spares (which really paid off taking!)

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

On a positive note- the D3 absolutely killed the Simpson desert, traveling solo, east to west. See the report in a few weeks ;)

Cheers!
Rob

[gghaggis]

The Mickey's are constructed in the same factory as the Cooper's (well, some of them), but they're not a "rebranded Cooper". Quite a different tyre.

Sorry, no experience with the new Bridgestone's

Cheers,

Gordon

[oldsalt]

What about General Grabber AT2's ?.
I've got GG's on my D3 and they have been very good, the new AT2 looks even better, probably worth a look at as you are in the market for new shoes.
I look forward to your trip report - and lots of pictures...:)
cheers

[gghaggis]

I just found out that Bridgestone recently (6 months back) brought out a 'dueler 697' 265/60/18 in a light truck construction with a load rating of 114, this replaces the older dueler 694 I think I was. Anyone had any experience with this tyre? Not cheap though - $485 a throw!*


Hmm - a cursory look at the US and Oz Bridgestone sites fails to bring up such a tyre? Not in that size, and not with that load rating?

I've had clients with good reports on the Goodyear Silent Armor, the Mickey STZ and the Pirelli ATR in 265/60R18. Also for the Cooper AT3, I'd have to add?

Cheers,

Gordon

[Gords]

Hmm - a cursory look at the US and Oz Bridgestone sites fails to bring up such a tyre? Not in that size, and not with that load rating?

I've had clients with good reports on the Goodyear Silent Armor, the Mickey STZ and the Pirelli ATR in 265/60R18. Also for the Cooper AT3, I'd have to add?

Cheers,

Gordon

Thanks Gordon, and Oldsalt- ill check them out.

Gordon I also couldn't find that in the net after speaking with a dealer... Hmmm but was assured that option was possible over the phone.

I have just had a chat with a Cooper distributor and he has offered me a good deal on two more AT3's after the full story which was good of him. I might just get those and hopefully put it down to bad luck!!!

Thanks all.

[Graeme]

Some people found the D694 wore rather quickly but I see that Bridgestone says the D697 has better wear rates. The D694 & now the D697 were/are made in other sizes as LT (eg 255/65-17 & 265/65-17) that are usually passenger tyres so I'm not surprised to read you've found 265/60-18 in LT.

[gghaggis]

Some people found the D694 wore rather quickly but I see that Bridgestone says the D697 has better wear rates. The D694 & now the D697 were/are made in other sizes as LT (eg 255/65-17 & 265/65-17) that are usually passenger tyres so I'm not surprised to read you've found 265/60-18 in LT.

I found a 285/60R18, but it wasn't in LT, although it has an 118 load rating. No other 18" sizes are listed. I'd be interested to know if an LT is available in the smaller 18" size.

Cheers,

Gordon

[roamer]

Pictures are a BFG A/T top and a Bridgestone D697 bottom

You can see the thickness of the steel belts,

It took 4000 lb with a hydrolic ram to pierce the tread on the D697

These D697s are the tyre recommended by a leading offroad caravan manufacturer, whose van get up to 3.5 ton

Cheers Ken

[Graeme]

I found a 285/60R18, but it wasn't in LT, although it has an 118 load rating. No other 18" sizes are listed. I'd be interested to know if an LT is available in the smaller 18" size.They'd go well with your rims for virtually std diameter.

[~Rich~]

Pictures are a BFG A/T top and a Bridgestone D697 bottom

You can see the thickness of the steel belts,

It took 4000 lb with a hydrolic ram to pierce the tread on the D697

These D697s are the tyre recommended by a leading offroad caravan manufacturer, whose van get up to 3.5 ton

Cheers Ken

Most punctures are through the sidewall not the tread.
Rocks slicing the sidewall and sticks piecing it.
I also believe in observing closely the terrain ahead and steering clear of as much possible damage as I can, yes it will make you tired with all the constant scanning but it's worth it.

[gghaggis]

Pictures are a BFG A/T top and a Bridgestone D697 bottom

You can see the thickness of the steel belts,

It took 4000 lb with a hydrolic ram to pierce the tread on the D697

These D697s are the tyre recommended by a leading offroad caravan manufacturer, whose van get up to 3.5 ton

Cheers Ken
Nice pics. But what has this to do with whether they're available in 18" (LT) construction??

Cheers,

Gordon

[PhilipA]

I have a set of 245.70x16 LT D694s and am very happy, with good wear IMHO,
I have only done about 30Kk but up the Cape including Northern OTT and quite a bit of dirt. No punctures but then I had none in 30 years of BFG AT ownership.
They are a bit noisier than new now but still quiet, and great traction on dirt, and I have seen a comment that the best AT in mud.

I will get 697's next time if possible.
Regards Philip A

[chuck]

I have had 3 sets of Mickey Thompsons over the years and found them to be great.
Two sets of MTZ's one set of ATZ's.

Good grip, good wear & never had a puncture.

Cheers

[TerryO]

Had no problems with the 265x60x18 AT3's on our D3 even when towing our 2.5 ton van off road or on rough dirt roads

cheers,
Terry

[Nomad9]

Hi Gords,
I had the coopers, much the same as yourself, I shredded two with about the same klms on the GCR on the way over to Uluru, running about the same pressures as yourself, both rears, N/S first then the O/S, funnily enough it happened within 500 klms of crossing over from WA to the NT. The fronts looked average, I think the road had been graded recently, anyway when i got back I swapped them out for a set of GG AT's never looked back, when I sold my D3 I took them off and swapped them onto my RRS, look real good and not to noisy.
I have a set of Bridgestone 694's on my D1, very impressed with the performance so far. A good all round tyre in my opinion.

[TerryO]

Hi Nomad9,

If you don't mind me asking how long ago did you have these failures and were they AT3's or some other earlier model Coopers?

Cheers,
Terry

[Gords]

Cheers everyone, another theory I have heard is that when steering to avoid large/ sharp rocks often the front wheels kick up the sharp side of the seemilgly harmless rock then when you drive over it the sharp side smashes the rears. Seems about right looking at my rears!

[Nomad9]

Hi TerryO,
The tyres were 18 inch HT plus XL +, I bought them because of the load rating and I was told at the time they were more puncture resistant. These tyres have a better load rating than the AT3, with the rear wheel carrier, the long range tank, the fridge, drawer system, hi lift jack and the camper trailer I was looking for the best load rating I could get in an 18 inch tyre.
Took the advice of the guy selling the tyres. If I could have got BF Goodrich AT's I would have, just couldn't get the size. Personally I went against my better judgement and decided to give Coopers a go seeing they have such a good advertising regime, warranty etc, etc. I tried to get the warranty but hadn't had a Cooper tyre dealer do the wheel alignment, I only wanted LR dog things to my vehicle. Pays you money you tkes your chance. Personally won't go near them again,thats my personal opinion.

[scarry]

Most punctures are through the sidewall not the tread.
Rocks slicing the sidewall and sticks piecing it.
I also believe in observing closely the terrain ahead and steering clear of as much possible damage as I can, yes it will make you tired with all the constant scanning but it's worth it.

Exactly.

Gords,

There are no LT tyres readily available in 18's unless you want to go oversize.

Going to 17's would give you a wide range of options in LT rated tyres,with a same/ similar size as the OEM tyre size(diameter)
If you hunt around you will find 17' rims are not that expensive & may actually help you save money in the long run.

I have run the BFG A/T on the D2's for around 12yrs,and then recently the D4,never had a flat:)

[AGRO]

Hi Scarry,

What size BFG ATs do you use on your 17" rims

[scarry]

Hi Scarry,

What size BFG ATs do you use on your 17" rims

They are 245/70/17,same diameter as OEM 18's

[newlandyowner]

I'm looking at Toyo open country A/T or stay with Bridgestones.
Anyone used Toyo before?

[Grumbles]

Hi Newlandyowner. I have those Toyo ATs fitted to my Rangie Classic. My previous two sets of tyres were Bridgestone A/Ts and they were fantastic tyres. Not one drama with them.

I fitted the current set of Toyos because the tyre guy didn't have any Bridgestones in stock. They have been on for 6 months now and they are doing great with a 60/40 split for "on road/off road" usage. So far no dramas and I'd buy them again.

Just a qualifying note here. I value rock and stick puncture resistance over long tyre life.

[NavyDiver]

I ran the AT Micky Ts via Flinders up Oonandata track with zero issues? They are not my normal ATs they came with some 17 inch rims I brought. General Grabbers ATs are fine for me on 18 inch with just one split sidewall on some very very steep and rock track over 60000km. A Coopers tyre used for 12 month shown in a mansfield tyre services do not look too happy. It realy depends where your driving on your next adventure of course.:)

How was the trip?

[Gords]

I ran the AT Micky Ts via Flinders up Oonandata track with zero issues? They are not my normal ATs they came with some 17 inch rims I brought. General Grabbers ATs are fine for me on 18 inch with just one split sidewall on some very very steep and rock track over 60000km. A Coopers tyre used for 12 month shown in a mansfield tyre services do not look too happy. It realy depends where your driving on your next adventure of course.:)

How was the trip?

Cheers mate,
Yeah the trip is going awesome, the D3's been great. Currently snowboarding at Falls creek which is a nice change from the desert haha! I'll put up a trip report when I'm back.

[tims29]

Same story - i am currently in Alice Springs 3 weeks into a centre experience looking for any tyre other than Coopers! I have punctured three of my coopers 265 60 R18 running at 28psi over the rocks of the Flinders and Oodnadata track. In our group of 4 vehicles we have had 10 cooper punctures between us!
Does anyone have any ideas how I can get a set of the Duler 697s 265 60 R18LT no one here knows anything about them (even the Bridgestone dealer!)

[Disco4SE]

Same story - i am currently in Alice Springs 3 weeks into a centre experience looking for any tyre other than Coopers! I have punctured three of my coopers 265 60 R18 running at 28psi over the rocks of the Flinders and Oodnadata track. In our group of 4 vehicles we have had 10 cooper punctures between us!
Does anyone have any ideas how I can get a set of the Duler 697s 265 60 R18LT no one here knows anything about them (even the Bridgestone dealer!)
tims29, had you considered the Cooper LTZ 285/60/18? Very tough tyre.

Cheers, Craig

[robertj]

Gords
Just got back from a trip through the Flinders and across the Simmo west to east.
Lost both LH CooperATR's tyres on a single rock in the Flinders and my mate running AT3's in front missed. Basically a 35 mm split in the tread to both some of the ground there is unforgiving to any tyre and it was probably my fault (too fast and too much air in the tyres for that particular section).
I think you get a little too blasé with the comfort in the D3/4 compared to some other cars?
Replaced them with AT3's and completed the trip (via Haddons and Camerons) with no problems.
Other two cars- one on Cooper HT's and the other on AT3's had no punctures the whole trip.
Spoke to other unfortunate souls on all sorts of tyres- one guy had three attempts (punctures) trying to get out of Copley.
Decided it's like winning the casket- Luck so "good luck" in deciding which is the best for you.

[Gords]

Gords
I think you get a little too blasé with the comfort in the D3/4 compared to some other cars?
...

Decided it's like winning the casket- Luck so "good luck" in deciding which is the best for you.

Yeah, I do tend agree that the comfort of these cars gives you a false sense of security at times. That being said I do still think that some tyres are definitely
more puncture resistant than others. Personally, I would like to get 17"s and go with the BFG's as I am yet to hear anything but praise from these Tyres compared to almost all other Tyres.

Just on that, I'm pretty surprised that given how much vehicles have gotten better over the years, with all that industry R&D, ever expanding IP and technology, tyres are still so vulnerable to punctures... Seems to me that there's still plenty of room for improvement...

[scarry]

Yeah, I do tend agree that the comfort of these cars gives you a false sense of security at times. That being said I do still think that some tyres are definitely
more puncture resistant than others. Personally, I would like to get 17"s and go with the BFG's as I am yet to hear anything but praise from these Tyres compared to almost all other Tyres.

Just on that, I'm pretty surprised that given how much vehicles have gotten better over the years, with all that industry R&D, ever expanding IP and technology, tyres are still so vulnerable to punctures... Seems to me that there's still plenty of room for improvement...

The other thing is,also, these vehicles are a lot heavier than the older models,so the stress on the tyres is even more,yet the OEM tyre sizes are more fragile.

[Graeme]

LT tyres don't provide the comfortable ride of passenger tyres so vehicle manufacturers having comfort as a prime consideration wont be seeking LT tyres for their vehicles. I like the idea of going down from the LI 119 of my current tyres to 114 or even 116 to soften the ride a little. In 17" a LI 114 LT tyre might be quite adequate but I suspect there can be significant differences between brands particularly considering different plies and materials.

[mudder110]

hi all im running goodyear wrangler muddies on our defender 110 98 model,
nearly 50,000ks maybe another 10,000 left in them, wearing great wish i had rotated them when at the correct intervels coverd all sorts of terrain from the gulf corregations to black mud behind adels grove rocks and slate behind laura to maytown.
only complaint is they are a bit expensive and loud but in a defender loud is normal and a harsh ride at any pressure but unbelieveably tough, i think the main thing is to be aware as possible to your surrounds and the the type of terrain you are travelling on tyre pressures are very important
vehicle mods.
full maxi drive conversion,ome springs, tjm heavy duty shocks,just fitted the new super pro bushes designed for defenders ,larger intercooler,warne winch,2 inch lift stronger cvs,all the usual underbody protection

[amtravic1]

I'm looking at Toyo open country A/T or stay with Bridgestones.
Anyone used Toyo before?

I have used Toyo Opats on a Rangie and loved them. The tyre seller said they were good but I did not believe him at first. The price was right so I tried them.
I got 90.000 kms out of them before I came back from dirt bike riding one day to find the rear two slashed and unrepairable. Lucky I was only 150 kms from home and I was able to ride the bike to where I could get phone service and my brother bought out my spare tyres and rims to me. I am now tossing up whether to put Bridgestone 697.s or Toyos on my Isuzu Dmax work ute.

[scarry]

LT tyres don't provide the comfortable ride of passenger tyres so vehicle manufacturers having comfort as a prime consideration wont be seeking LT tyres for their vehicles. I like the idea of going down from the LI 119 of my current tyres to 114 or even 116 to soften the ride a little. In 17" a LI 114 LT tyre might be quite adequate but I suspect there can be significant differences between brands particularly considering different plies and materials.

Vehicle manufactures will also look at cost,and often an LT tyre will not handle on bitumen anywhere near as well as a p rated tyre.

I recon a 17' LT on say a D4 would probably be more comfortable than a 19' OEM p rated tyre(on an identicle D4)
But this has a lot of variables in it,such as tyre brand,pressures,etc,as said.

Interesting also the pirelli OEM 18' on my D4 were 112 load rated,which must be at the top of P rated tyres,where the Bridgestones on Tombies thread are LT rated at 114.

My 2 cents worth,if i wanted LT's i would go to a higher load rating,then adjust pressures accordingly,i wouldn't risk a lower rated (or for that matter) a cheap tyre.I appreciate this would not suit everyone.

[Graeme]

Yes, I'd overlooked the handling aspect for those who use it.

[dukemasterpro]

Hey all,

I'm currently on a 4 week road trip through the Simpson, flinders, high country etc in the D3 (report to follow!!!) and have had a few problems with my brand new set of cooper AT3's. Recently, from 6 new AT3's I have had;
- 1 sidewall cut & written off on bitumen (probably metal so hard to avoid);
- 3 punctures on gravel with two punctures writing off the tyre (one was my fault as didn't hear the puncture on rocky roads till it was too late and consequently chewed out the sidewall)

The 3 punctures were all on gravel roads with my pressures at 30psi. After approx 2500km of use since new. The worst puncture which wrote the tyre off was in the flinders on gravel when doing 40km/h where sedans were going! Also, the rears are chewed up with fractures appearing- not impressed to say the least!

As a result I'm in need of 2 fairly urgent replacements and am obviously hesitant to go with the AT3's again after their poor performance.*

I'm not too fussed about the Mickey Thompsons either as they're effectively a rebranded, cooper.

I just found out that Bridgestone recently (6 months back) brought out a 'dueler 697' 265/60/18 in a light truck construction with a load rating of 114, this replaces the older dueler 694 I think I was. Anyone had any experience with this tyre? Not cheap though - $485 a throw!*

I understand the other size tyres out there however would like to stick with the same size to match my other Tyres and multiple spares (which really paid off taking!)

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

On a positive note- the D3 absolutely killed the Simpson desert, traveling solo, east to west. See the report in a few weeks ;)

Cheers!
Rob
Bit of a grave dig to this post, but having the same drama / dilemmas with AT3's!! :confused::confused::confused:
Having an awesome time up in the Kimberley, 10,000km's covered majority on the dirt from Sydney.

#1 LH rear blowout on the Mt Hopeless to Arkaroola track near the NP office. 40-60km/h single track gravel with corrugations. sidewall disintegrated, rim damaged beyond repair ( dent ). Was running about 34psi. Tyre had about 30,000km on it
#2 LH rear puncture on the first part of Tanami Rd about 75-80km/h pulled onto the gravel to avoid oncoming traffic and found the only small washout on that section of road - didn't notice the bump. Tyre repair guy showed me the blister on the top as the hole inside was much bigger than outside. Had been running 40psi, his advice stick to 35psi dirt and 40psi bitumen ( he was a Cooper dealer in Alice ). This was a brand new tyre, 2 weeks old with a couple of thousand on it
#3 + #4 both on the same day, first #3 was a slow puncture we found in the morning on the RH rear, plugged that with one plug. All fine, possibly a bit of metal or similar in the tread. This tyre had about 34,000km on it. Then later that day on the Gibb River Road, recently graded section between Ellenbrae and Home Valley, so a very smooth ride on the gravel, few corrugations compared to Mitchell Plateau we had a quick deflation on the LH rear ( this was the replacement tyre fitted in Alice - running at 35psi as per the dealers advice). Tyre has a cut in the block the width of the tread block, can see right through to the white belt ( ? ). Don’t think I can plug this one!:twisted:

My dilemma similar to others is do I
a) buy another AT3 have spent approx $900 so far on 2 plus $600 for a second hand rim
b) try another brand - same size e.g. the Bridgestone D697 in 265/60/18 ( LT?? ) - incidentally the tyre place in Alice also sold Bridgestone, he maintained it was not LT spec and was 8 ply vs the AT3 10 ply, i.e. AT3 a better tyre
c) rang Coopers today, the guy I chatted to kind of said, you are on the wrong tyre for the trip ( no **** Sherlock! ), he said to try higher pressure 36-38 rears or possibly the ST Maxx in 275 / 65 /18 - these are $512 RRP each and I’d of course need 6 so $3k outlay for the “peace of mind”. I also have ( remaining ) 2 new AT3, 3 with 35,000km’s on to dispose of
d) some other brand in 265/60/18
e) bite the bullet and go 17” rims ( not sure where up here I’d find 6 at a decent price ) and then I have no firm knowledge of best tyre in that size nor brand

Now I know the answer to all of this is “could have, should have, would have” and gone for e) before leaving but hindsight is not going to solve the issue now. Still have around 7500km to travel again mainly dirt to get home.

Any comments, suggestions or thoughts are very welcome. Redback I am sure you know where I’m at after your experience on 18”s with no RWC, the words of your wife are ringing in my ear right now!

It would all be a fun part of the experience if not a costly experiment in tyre choice and pressure, that asides it’s awesome up here. Have a great diary and lots of pictures for a multi-state report on my return. :)

As an asides - seen a convoy yesterday 7-8 D4’s, D3, RRS all towing heading west towards the GRR / Kalumburu turn-off. Any ideas whose plate is “D4”??:confused:

[Tombie]

The Dueller is definitely LT construction and far stronger than the Coops.

I've taken the D697 everywhere and no chipping, tearing or cracking...
Japanese rubber compounds are so much better than the American made gear.

[RHS58]

D697 made in Indonesia.
Had them on the Prado. Was v happy with them.

[Tombie]

D697 made in Indonesia.

Had them on the Prado. Was v happy with them.


Sorry, yes, I wasn't very clear..

Japanese formulated compounds are far superior to those used by the USA manufacturers.

Less prone to tearing, chipping, block damage etc.

[gghaggis]

The Bridgestone D697 in 265/60R18 is an LT. In other sizes it may not be. I don't think the Mickey T STZ is just a "rebranded Cooper", and I haven't heard anything negative from those clients of mine who have fitted them - it's my choice of AT in that size. In general the MickeyT's seem to have longer lasting sidewalls than the equivalent Coopers (yes, I know they share a factory). The Goodyear Silent Armor is also a consideration for gravel travelling.

Cheers,

Gordon

[dukemasterpro]

At3 in Kununnra are $420 and D697 are $445 but need 2min ideally 4 :-(
That seems to be the options, no stock on the ST Max anyhow for about a week do that's the more expensive option.
If I stick with AT3 any suggestions on best pressure for gravel roads?

[dukemasterpro]

Yesterday's puncture on the GRR 77976 ( left rear )
The tyre guy took the plug out from the slow puncture and found a small pebble sized stone inside.

[BSM]

I have used Toyo Opats on a Rangie and loved them. The tyre seller said they were good but I did not believe him at first. The price was right so I tried them.
I got 90.000 kms out of them before I came back from dirt bike riding one day to find the rear two slashed and unrepairable. Lucky I was only 150 kms from home and I was able to ride the bike to where I could get phone service and my brother bought out my spare tyres and rims to me. I am now tossing up whether to put Bridgestone 697.s or Toyos on my Isuzu Dmax work ute.

I've had Toyo OPATs on for 12 months taken them through to Vic High Country,
Wombat Bogholes and Otway mud. They've been just fine. They'll be going to the Flinders Rangers next month which will be the real test.

So far though I can't fault them

[scarry]

Bit of a grave dig to this post, but having the same drama / dilemmas with AT3's!! :confused::confused::confused:
Having an awesome time up in the Kimberley, 10,000km's covered majority on the dirt from Sydney.

#1 LH rear blowout on the Mt Hopeless to Arkaroola track near the NP office. 40-60km/h single track gravel with corrugations. sidewall disintegrated, rim damaged beyond repair ( dent ). Was running about 34psi. Tyre had about 30,000km on it
#2 LH rear puncture on the first part of Tanami Rd about 75-80km/h pulled onto the gravel to avoid oncoming traffic and found the only small washout on that section of road - didn't notice the bump. Tyre repair guy showed me the blister on the top as the hole inside was much bigger than outside. Had been running 40psi, his advice stick to 35psi dirt and 40psi bitumen ( he was a Cooper dealer in Alice ). This was a brand new tyre, 2 weeks old with a couple of thousand on it
#3 + #4 both on the same day, first #3 was a slow puncture we found in the morning on the RH rear, plugged that with one plug. All fine, possibly a bit of metal or similar in the tread. This tyre had about 34,000km on it. Then later that day on the Gibb River Road, recently graded section between Ellenbrae and Home Valley, so a very smooth ride on the gravel, few corrugations compared to Mitchell Plateau we had a quick deflation on the LH rear ( this was the replacement tyre fitted in Alice - running at 35psi as per the dealers advice). Tyre has a cut in the block the width of the tread block, can see right through to the white belt ( ? ). Don’t think I can plug this one!:twisted:

My dilemma similar to others is do I
a) buy another AT3 have spent approx $900 so far on 2 plus $600 for a second hand rim
b) try another brand - same size e.g. the Bridgestone D697 in 265/60/18 ( LT?? ) - incidentally the tyre place in Alice also sold Bridgestone, he maintained it was not LT spec and was 8 ply vs the AT3 10 ply, i.e. AT3 a better tyre
c) rang Coopers today, the guy I chatted to kind of said, you are on the wrong tyre for the trip ( no **** Sherlock! ), he said to try higher pressure 36-38 rears or possibly the ST Maxx in 275 / 65 /18 - these are $512 RRP each and I’d of course need 6 so $3k outlay for the “peace of mind”. I also have ( remaining ) 2 new AT3, 3 with 35,000km’s on to dispose of
d) some other brand in 265/60/18
e) bite the bullet and go 17” rims ( not sure where up here I’d find 6 at a decent price ) and then I have no firm knowledge of best tyre in that size nor brand

Now I know the answer to all of this is “could have, should have, would have” and gone for e) before leaving but hindsight is not going to solve the issue now. Still have around 7500km to travel again mainly dirt to get home.

Any comments, suggestions or thoughts are very welcome. Redback I am sure you know where I’m at after your experience on 18”s with no RWC, the words of your wife are ringing in my ear right now!

It would all be a fun part of the experience if not a costly experiment in tyre choice and pressure, that asides it’s awesome up here. Have a great diary and lots of pictures for a multi-state report on my return. :)

As an asides - seen a convoy yesterday 7-8 D4’s, D3, RRS all towing heading west towards the GRR / Kalumburu turn-off. Any ideas whose plate is “D4”??:confused:

Thats what i would do.

I recently did 6500k's on one trip,Flinders,across the Simpson from Alice down through Finke,etc,etc,full loaded,didn't change a tyre.A lot of dirt,gravel and bad corrugations,some of the worse i have seen.Many of the roads were also very rocky.

Sure they are badly chipped,particularly the rears,but they all held up.:)

The other option is to go slightly oversize and get a stronger 18' LT tyre.
The GOE chart is helpful with sizes,etc

[TerryO]

As I said earlier in this thread, over a year ago, my AT3's on the D3 are great and are still doing well without one failure yet and they get treated reasonably hard.

Personally I wouldn't want to do a long potentially challenging dirt road/track trip away from civilisation on any set of tyres that had done around 35,000 k's. that is easily more than 50% wear on the tyres.

[gossamer]

Not a comment on the tires but when we did the outback and Cape York we ran the tires down a 25-26psi hot and never had a problem.
When you say your running 35psi is that cold or hot?

[AndyG]

Higher pressures reduce or increase probability of punctures, side wall damage, or does it ''Depend'' ?

[jon3950]

Higher pressures reduce or increase probability of punctures, side wall damage, or does it ''Depend'' ?

It depends of course.

Broadly speaking, on a rough surface:

A higher pressure reduces the amount of sidewall bulge meaning sidewalls are less susceptible to damage.

A lower pressure increases the amount of flex in the tread meaning less chance of punctures through penetration.

But this is all within reason and depends on a heap of variables, such as road surface, load, temperature, speed, tyre construction, etc. The trick is finding the pressure that gives the best compromise between all these factors for a given set of operating conditions.

There has been a few discussions on here recently about this. Have a read of some of the recent threads on tyres, there's some good information in them.

Cheers,
Jon

[dukemasterpro]

As I said earlier in this thread, over a year ago, my AT3's on the D3 are great and are still doing well without one failure yet and they get treated reasonably hard.

Personally I wouldn't want to do a long potentially challenging dirt road/track trip away from civilisation on any set of tyres that had done around 35,000 k's. that is easily more than 50% wear on the tyres.


This was something considered at length pre-trip discussed with a few more experienced folks, given the tyres had done 24-25,000kms of mainly city driving it was decided to go for it and if the tread became an issue replace whilst away ( but not expecting 3 unrepairable tyres )

[dukemasterpro]

Not a comment on the tires but when we did the outback and Cape York we ran the tires down a 25-26psi hot and never had a problem.
When you say your running 35psi is that cold or hot?


35 cold was the advice from the Bridgestone fitter ( Does Coopers in Alice ) 36 cold was the similar advice from Tyrepower in Kununurra.

In the end I had to settle for another AT3 as neither the larger ST Maxx or D697 were in stock for at least a week. Have a reasonable bit of bitumen now till the Bungles and then Litchfield. Hoping have seen the worst of the tyre troubles for the trip. Talk to people out here and they just refer to "unlucky" & "could happen to even the supposed stronger tyres if you hit the right stone"

[alpick]

Cooper tyres are crap, just read the litany of horror stories on the net.
I have my own horror story i wont bore u with here.

Pirelli scorpion ATR's , never seen a bad word written about them.

I'm on my third set of scorpions and not a problem ever! Including off road trips thru the centre, oodnadatta etc.