What do people think of 265/65R18 BF Goodridge All Terrains on a D3 or D4?

[russV82a]

I am still trying to figure out which tyres to put on my D4. I've been putting off the decision in the hope that some new tyres will come available in a 265/65R18 or 285/60R18 (the two largest sizes that can still fit in the spare tyre location). With my compomotive rims now gathering dust in the garage, I really need to get off my backside and get some tyres on them!

Because these tyres will only really be put on for 4wding and I live in Gippsland where most of the 4wding will be muddy/rocky terrain, I was wanting to get a mud terrain pattern. Unfortunately my search for M/Ts in a suitable size has returned me no joy, except for the 275/65R18 size (not suitable for me because too big to be legally fitted and will not fit in the spare tyre location). I even went to the effort of emailing every tyre manufacturer I could think of to see if they had any plans to bring out a mud tyre in the 265/65R18 or 285/60R18 sizes. Most of them said there is not enough demand. Bridgestone were the most hopeful stating:
Yes, we have seen a large rise of 18 inch fitments in the 4WD market and we are planning production of 18” Mud Terrain sizes that will be durable and tough enough, at this stage however we are still a year or two away from mass production.
So for me, it looks like I have to settle for an all-terrain pattern.


So, is there anyone out there who has or is running the 265/65R18 BFG A/Ts on their D3 or D4? I think I’ve pretty much read all the tyre threads in the AULRO D3/D4/RRS section, and there does not seem to be much mention of the 265/65R18 BFGs. I am interested to know if there is a reason why people seem to be steering clear of these tyres. I suspect maybe it is because they can be expensive. However, when I got quotes from my local tyre dealer, I got the following prices:

285/60R18 Cooper LTZ: $400 each
285/60R18 Bridgestone D697: $415 each
285/60R18 General Grabber AT2: $375 each
265/65R18 BF Goodridge A/T: $395 each
(all fitted and balanced)

As you can see, the price for BFGs is comparable to all the other popular D3/D4 tyre choices.

So what are people’s thoughts about the BFG A/Ts and how they perform?

Cheers,
Russ

[Epic pooh]

I haven't driven on any of these on a disco but have driven a lc with bridgestones and extensively driven and wheeled with a jeep that has BFG at on it. The bridgestones are what I would buy as I perceive them as better (others will chip in who've used them I'd say).

The BFGs are a tough tyre, they are noisy, they wear very well and grip very well on road. Off road they are good (tough) but not much chop in mud - the jeep often smokes them up on rocks (all 4 at the same time sometimes) but has never had a flat or any significant damage. I rate them as a good tyre and I would happily use them (but for my Bridgestone bias). For what it's worth, HTH !

[discotwinturbo]

I have been very Happy with my Coopers but.....I will go with the BFG's next time due to the slightly smaller width, and higher aspect ratio.

I got my Coopers fitted for $360 each, but at the time the BFG's were $540 each.

Brett....

[scarry]

I would go the BFG.They are a very tough tyre.I had them on two D2's,no problems at all,no punctures either.

On the D4 they are slightly noisy as others have said,i didn't notice the noise in the D2.
The noise is liveable,and is more noticeable at slower speeds.

The only thing i have noticed over the years is they go hard over time and chip badly on high speed very rocky roads.

i have found them good on all road surfaces,sand,rocks,and not to shabby in mud either.

In fact last week we were in that black wet slippery clay on the farm in western Qld and they seemed much better than they were on the D2.
I recon this is because the D4 electrickery is much better than the D2,and also the E diff probably helps.

[DiscoMick]

BFGs have 3 ply sidewalls and are very popular with long-distance overlanders.
There is also a Hankook Dynapro MT available as an 18 that might be worth pricing.
http://m.jaxquickfit.com.au/tyres/brands/hankook/dynapro-mt-rt03
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[russV82a]

BFGs have 3 ply sidewalls and are very popular with long-distance overlanders.
There is also a Hankook Dynapro MT available as an 18 that might be worth pricing.
Hankook Dynapro MT RT03 Tyres (http://m.jaxquickfit.com.au/tyres/brands/hankook/dynapro-mt-rt03)
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Dynapro MTs would be great, but they only come in the 275/65r18 size (that I can see). Which is just a bit too big for me.

[Blue C]

Russ, I have recently fitted BFG 265/65/18's on Compomotive rims to my new D4. I am yet to go off-road but did similar research to you and fitted them for the same reasons but also because they were highly recommended by a friend with a D4 who lives near Vic High Country and swears by them. I agree there is a little more noise driving around town but at highway speeds you don't notice them. Like you I plan to use the BFG's for off-roading rather than all the time. Unlike the quote you have I paid a huge premium ~$550 each! So I would go for it at that price! Regards, David

[Disco4SE]

I had brand new BFG's on an older model Rangie years ago.
They were the most dangerous tyre in the wet that I have had on any 4WD.......frightening especially when towing.
Havent been near them since.

More than happy with the Cooper AT3's on the road and use Hankook Dynapro MT's off road.

Cheers, Craig

[Blue C]

I am surprised to hear Craig's comments as my recent experience driving in
heavy rain + hail and strong winds whilst fully laden (not towing) was very positive- at all times the D4 felt rock solid and I had no hint at all re any issues with tyre grip despite the terrible (bitumen) road conditions at highway speeds. My BFG's are AT's not MT's. Up until now I have always have Cooper LT tyres (ST Maxx on my D3) which were great off road but not as secure in the wet on road (and much more noisy on road). Regards, David

[TerryO]

No need to worry about the BFG KM2 MUDs either even on very wet roads they are very good for a mud. Never had problems either with the A/T's on the D1 and I drive that with some enthusiasm when I get a chance.

[davidsonsm]

I run BF 265/65/18 AT's which I swap with BF 285/75/16 muddies on my P38. They're both great. Incredible in fact - for there purpose. The AT's make no more road noise than my original Michelin's. They run smooth. Wear well. And have good (not great) off road ability.

[Kimo]

I have just completed a 26000 Kay trip around Australia with bfg tyres on. they preformed faultlessly I travelled over every terrain in Australia from mud, snow, gravel completed the Gibb, cape York, high country and travelled on a lot of very poor roads I didn't get one flat and they hardly look worn. As for on road noise Its very minimal. I brought 9 and they ended up costing me $325 a tyre fitted and balanced

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