Tyres for big lap, General Grabber AT2 255/60R18

[Richardli]

Hi All, We are heading on a 12 month big lap of Aus in 4 weeks & were looking for tyres that would suit the trip, Sand/Mud/gravel/tar & towing 3200kg caravan. My local tyre shop is suggesting General Grabber AT2 in a 255/60R18. Would like some feedback from anyone who is running these tyres.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

From someone actually on the road with 18's ,,
make sure you can buy replacements "out there"
ring the importer if you have to;)

[Grumbles]

A gold prospecting mate has these on his P38 RR and gets off road a bit looking for nuggets. In his prospecting endeavors he has done the east coast to west coast trip a few times now and no tyre issues at all. Can't comment on the size though.

[RobA]

For local availability across national distributorships I suggest Bridgestone D697

Rob

[Redback]

For local availability across national distributorships I suggest Bridgestone D697

Rob

X 2 for this tyre also, for the same reason and also they are a great tyre, quiet, good grip on and offroad and also has Light Ttruck construction, which the GG AT2 hasn't.

Super happy with our D697s

Baz.

[Tombie]

D697.. Far stronger - and I mean significantly stronger in sidewall and tread area...

National availability and great wear.. 66,000km of hard track, fast gibber and highway and still going strong.

[jon3950]

+1 for D697s and definitely -1 for the AT2s.

I ran AT2s on my D3 in that size for quite a while and whilst I never had any major problems I wasn't overly impressed as they were very prone to chipping.

My concern with your application would be the longevity of the tread - to me its too soft and doesn't cope well with heat and hard rocky surfaces. I think towing such a weight in hot conditions even on bitumen would see the tread break down and certainly any gibber would see them crack and chip very easily. They are a tyre more suited to cooler conditions and occasional lighter off-road use.

I don't think the carcass is overly strong either. Although I never experienced a failure, I didn't use them for what you're planning.

The D697 is another generation on and by all accounts far more suited to the conditions you will be using them in - and more readily available than the AT2s.

Cheers,
Jon

[RobA]

Some more information regarding tyre sizes which may also help drive your decision. Particularly the need to consider where you are carrying your spare.

BTW we were involved in durability and development testing for the 694 and 697 with Bridgestone and we have been using these tyres and other brands on our tour vehicles for around 12 years now. Having operated them all over Australia our experiences so far have been nothing but positive. So much so that I have just ordered a set of GOE rims and we will be fitting the 697's for the reasons above and below and I thank GOE/GGHaggis for the advice below. The one thing we can say is the durability of the 694's was around 50,000km at best but their overall performance was far above the other tyres fitted to our fleet.. Given the work we do my focus is on tyre performance and reliability not durability as we remove tyres at 60% worn as below this the risk of punctures increases significantly and I hate changing wheels and preparing punctures, it ruins a good day in the outback.

Regarding tyres, the BFG are available in 265/65R18 - this size will rub in the rear when the wheel is fully compressed up into the wheel well. It will only fit in the spare wheel area if fully deflated and the plastic heat shield is removed. The Bridgestone comes in 265/60R18, a far more popular size outside of the major centres, and will fit without any rubbing.

Regards

Rob

[jon3950]

Given the work we do my focus is on tyre performance and reliability not durability as we remove tyres at 60% worn as below this the risk of punctures increases significantly and I hate changing wheels and preparing punctures, it ruins a good day in the outback.


Couldn't agree more, I have a very similar replacement policy. However I have not had anything last much more than about 40k on either the D3 or 4, so I'd be pretty happy with 50k.

Cheers,
Jon

[Tombie]

I'm generally the same - never worn out a set of tyres yet...

Current set of D697s at 65,000km still run around 7-8mm tread depth

[NavyDiver]

Hi All, We are heading on a 12 month big lap of Aus in 4 weeks & were looking for tyres that would suit the trip, Sand/Mud/gravel/tar & towing 3200kg caravan. My local tyre shop is suggesting General Grabber AT2 in a 255/60R18. Would like some feedback from anyone who is running these tyres.

I have used 9 GG AT2 for the last 200,000km except when really off road in snow and similar where I slip some 17inch MTs on. GG;s are fine in sand as they bag out well at lower pressures. Deep Mud is a issue with all ATs in my opinion. Light mud is fine or chains make them not a issue in mud or snow. No problems with gravel, rock and dirt unless it is semi vertical billy goat territory:D

The GG's have good grip on road Good manners on corners and off road, They wear well, a little more noise than more road type tyres but not an issue in my books. On Road manners are good wet and dry. I do tow a boat of about 3 tonnes several times a year 800km round trip so van should be fine with them

I had a issue in finding two replacement in QLD at xmas so I need to switch to pirelli tyres. I have a single new GGat2 18 inch on the back of my D3 your welcome to if you would like it. I feel finding replacement for any 18 inch tyres can be an issue in most remote locations or even not so remote locations at short notice so one or if possible two spares is a good idea.

Interestingly the pirelli tyres I put on a few weeks ago are quieter but do not give as nice a ride IMO. A few people also report they do not have nice manners on corners in the wet. If 2 new GGs were available last XMAS eve I would still have them on today. A metal spike blew one for me and one was a little scrubbed but had about 80,000km on it. as far as I a aware LT265/70R18 stands for Light TRUCK lol

[Fatso]

Not sure if you have the LR removable tow bar or not but it may pay to contact LR AU to see if there are any issues for AU tow bar set up as there now seems to be for the UK as issued by LR , In that the removable tow bar is only recommended for occasional towing , seeing that you are pulling 3200kg for 12 months you don't want to end up in a world of hurt .

[Redback]

I'm sorry but 80,000ks from GG AT2s seems a lot on a D3/D4, mine were shagged after 40,000ks, I had to replace 3 because of punctures, all on one trip to the Vic High Country, the others were shagged, chipped to buggery and I only tow a 1.4t camper.

When we were speaking to the rep about these tyres, his comment was

"yeah, the're not really designed for any serious off roading"

Baz.

[Wheelan]

697s - 265/60/18 LT = load 114
285/60/18 LT = 118

Grabber AT2s = 255/60R18 112H XL
LT285/60R18 = load 122

Now in my opinion,your 697s in the 265/60 above are very average in strength for an LT, the next size up marginally better which is the one I would be going for if choosing the 697.

The negative remarks for the 255 /60 in the AT2 are justifiable, 112 in an XL rating just wouldnt cut the mustard if doing a "LAP" around OZ, but the 285/60, which fits with minor rubbing (this can be remedied also) is what I would call the minimum for such travels. Evidently these are the tyres I am fitting when my GOE wheels turn up after, SEVERAL hours of reading on 18 inch tyres. I really want the Hancooks in the MT in the 275/65/18, but too many against points for the extra traction in 5 % of time in the saddle.
AT2 in current spec from what I have found are a great tyre, any negatives are found in different sizes and old spec at2 and at tyres.
My 2 cents.

[AnD3rew]

Based on reports here over a long time, I would choose the D697s. I have had both the GG AT and AT2, both good Tyres and happy overall no punctures and good performance, however that probably have a useful life of around 40-50,000 km's and they do get some sidewall damage if you use them in anger offroad.

[Wheelan]

Based on reports here over a long time, I would choose the D697s. I have had both the GG AT and AT2, both good Tyres and happy overall no punctures and good performance, however that probably have a useful life of around 40-50,000 km's and they do get some sidewall damage if you use them in anger offroad.

Hi Andrew what size and vintage (year purchased) were your Generals?

[AnD3rew]

Hi Andrew what size and vintage (year purchased) were your Generals?

255/60/18

The AT2s were purchased in 2009, the ATs in about 2012.

[David Hannett]

Hi all
About to fit my just arrived GEO rims and have read the above with great interest thanks all.
Has anyone had any experience with Hankook Dynapro ATM (RF-10) 265/60/18 please?
Given they are so much cheaper @ $306 I am wondering about the value versus D697s
cheers David

[Graeme]

With 114 LI and XL although not LT the 265/60R18 RF-10s might be an alternative. When checked prior to fitment, the middle if the sidewall on my 255/55R19s felt rather thin although the upper section is considerably thicker. However they would need to be because in the 19" size the sidewalls bulge quite a bit.

[jon3950]

697s - 265/60/18 LT = load 114
285/60/18 LT = 118

Grabber AT2s = 255/60R18 112H XL
LT285/60R18 = load 122

Now in my opinion,your 697s in the 265/60 above are very average in strength for an LT, the next size up marginally better which is the one I would be going for if choosing the 697.

The negative remarks for the 255 /60 in the AT2 are justifiable, 112 in an XL rating just wouldnt cut the mustard if doing a "LAP" around OZ, but the 285/60, which fits with minor rubbing (this can be remedied also) is what I would call the minimum for such travels.

There are some of us who don't want to fit oversize tyres, so the D697 with a rating of 114 looks pretty good. However the load rating isn't everything. What concerns me about the GGs is the tread. I don't think the compound is good enough to withstand that sort of use, at least not in my experience with the 255s. Bigger sizes may of course be better, but for me and many others, they are irrelevant. For me oversize tyres create compromises I don't like for long distance touring.

Cheers,
Jon

[Tombie]

Carcass design and construction also has an impact on a tyres longevity/ability to handle
"Bruises and bumps"

The D697 has a thicker, stronger sidewall and tread base.

[Wheelan]

There are some of us who don't want to fit oversize tyres, so the D697 with a rating of 114 looks pretty good.

Cheers,
Jon
Fair call Jon, I can understand the reasoning behind not wanting to go bigger. In my situation, I am going to 18s for a second set, so it has to be alot more tyre than my current 19s or I wouldnt have spent $3500. What I am after is the biggest tyres I can fit without too many dramas, which is 285/60/18, as well as being strong and more aggressive than my Hancook ATM.

[Tombie]

Besides rubbing, wear to parts through said rubbing, difficulty getting them everywhere, increased drag and fuel consumption and risk to rear diff and CVs you will gain 11mm clearance 'from the hub'

Can't see the gains you're referring to.

The benefit of the 18s is cheaper rubber cost (3 sets nearly covers the savings) and potential stronger carcass construction (not just load rating)

Cheers

[Redback]

I just did a round trip to Charmhaven and back, about 200 odd ks, I still can't believe how quiet the D697s are over the GG AT2s we used to have, the GGs had a slight hum, all you get with the 697s is wind noise from the roof platform, shovel, awnings, pole carrier:Rolling:

Baz.

[jon3950]

Besides rubbing, wear to parts through said rubbing, difficulty getting them everywhere, increased drag and fuel consumption and risk to rear diff and CVs you will gain 11mm clearance 'from the hub'

Can't see the gains you're referring to.

The benefit of the 18s is cheaper rubber cost (3 sets nearly covers the savings) and potential stronger carcass construction (not just load rating)

Cheers

Pretty much sums it up, but you can add the affect they have on handling, braking and acceleration too.

Cheers,
Jon

[scarry]

Pretty much sums it up, but you can add the affect they have on handling, braking and acceleration too.

Cheers,
Jon

Speedo also out

And the spare may not fit under the vehicle,which can be a PITA.
Or has to be deflated to fit.

Yes i know some of you guys have RWC's,but for me,i don't like them.
Just my 2 cents worth...


And if you are able go to 17's,tyre choice and $$$ you are way ahead.
But only with the 2.7l.

[RobA]

Fair call Jon, I can understand the reasoning behind not wanting to go bigger. In my situation, I am going to 18s for a second set, so it has to be alot more tyre than my current 19s or I wouldnt have spent $3500. What I am after is the biggest tyres I can fit without too many dramas, which is 285/60/18, as well as being strong and more aggressive than my Hancook ATM.

Not sure wha you mean by the biggest tyre. If you are looking for an LT rated tyre then the highest load rating I have seen is the bFG TA at 122. A widely used tyre with a relatively low tech compound that will change in March when the new version arrives in Australia. It will have the same compound as the KA series which is a very good tyre in our experience. But the higher the load rating the heavier the tyre. A 122 weighs around 5kg per tyre more than something < 118 which is around 2.5-3.0 kg more than a standard HT. So there is a trade off in fuel consumption, ride and handling and steering response. We've operated LT and AT across Australia on our tours and the best observation I can make after 20 years of that is there is no such thing as a puncture proof tyre. Anyone can puncture any tyre if you fail to look after it. One of our fleet clients uses the Bridgestone 661 which is a quarry tyre on their LC70 fleet. They have a 12.5mm sidewall and yet I have seen them shredded. On the other side of the table we have used D693 and 694's in the Cape and Kimberley with no problems at all, just adjust pressure and speed and in a general sense all should be right given Murphy.

So as I have stated in an earlier post I have ordered a set of GOE rims and we will be fitting the 697's in 114 load rating and my vehicle will do at least one Simpson, two Central Australia and one West Coast tour over the next year and I don't see the need to move to anything higher in load capacity at this point. But in saying that I am watching with interest to see when the new bFG TA arrives as that may just become a test set

Regards

Rob

[Tote]

Sooo, To throw a little diverse opinion in on the GGs I have run GG AT and AT2 tyres on my D3 for the last 230,000 KM. The ATs are a slightly better road tyre and don't get noisy when worn like the AT2s are prone to do but do not handle high country touring as well, with reduced pressure they seem more prone to cuts in the sidewall. Whether these cuts are an issue is debatable as I took one to my local tyre supplier and he just vulcanised it with a comment that the rubber is nearly an inch thick where the rim protector is.
The ATs are also not quite as good offroad on loose shale where they will lose traction on steep descents more easily than the AT2.

I am looking to go back to AT2s next time as they are a bit better off road IMHO.

The issue for me is to change to oversize tyres in order to fit the D697s then I am up for 6 new tyres at once.......

As an aside I am running D697s on my Falcon RTV ute as they are the only load rated tyre with some grip. Whilst they are OK I find them susceptible to punctures when getting low on tread and the set that I am currently running have about 30% tread after 70, 000 KM which is about the same as the OEM Goodyears on that vehicle.

Regards,
Tote

[shanegtr]

As an aside I am running D697s on my Falcon RTV ute as they are the only load rated tyre with some grip. Whilst they are OK I find them susceptible to punctures when getting low on tread and the set that I am currently running have about 30% tread after 70, 000 KM which is about the same as the OEM Goodyears on that vehicle.

Regards,
Tote
I've found that exact same issue in my experience with the 694's - Once the tread level was down I started to get rock fracture punctures in the tread section of the rear tyres when I was towing my camper trailer (that was in my 80 series with 265/75/16's) Seemed to happen once I was below around 7mm tread depth