18" D697 noise

[Jimlr]

Hi all
Yet another 18" / D697 thread...couldn't find specific feedback on this particular question ... So ...

For those who have moved from standard 20" Pirelli scorpion rubber, to the 18" with D697 rubber....what the noise comparison like for everyday use around town, on the highways and freeways etc..?????

[BMKal]

Interested to hear about this myself, as my next set of tyres might be D697's.

I'm already on 18's, with Mickey Thompson STZ's fitted. They have been pretty quiet so far, but starting to get a little noisy and have set up a harmonic vibration with something behind the drivers side of the dash as they wear towards the end of their life. Have yet to decide whether I will replace them with more of the same - have a couple of options I'm considering at the moment.

[LRD414]

I went from the OEM Goodyear road tyres in 19" to the D697 in 18". I couldn't detect any difference in road noise around town and on highway/freeway. The D697s have now done ~18k kms and the road noise remains unobtrusive. Comments based on stereo turned off. So far, noise is a non-issue.

Cheers,
Scott

[Shortyesquire]

I went from the 19" good years to the 18" D697s. A little more road hum. Less noise when you hit bumps. Marginally better fuel efficiency.

[BobD]

I went from the 19" good years to the 18" D697s. A little more road hum. Less noise when you hit bumps. Marginally better fuel efficiency.


Also, marginally better ride. My 285 D697's have a slight whine on asphalt but it is completely unobtrusive and a non issue. I recently put the OEM 19's back on to use up the remaining tread but I didn't like the ride so I took them off again within a day.

[PeterJ]

Hi all, yep have the 20" rims and P scorpions, and D697's on 18" GOE rims and I have done about 25,000km on the 697s. I swap back and forth, I want to wear the PS out eventually.
There is no doubt that the 697s hum on hotmix (60 kph city smooth sealed surface) but I would say it is not particularly intrusive. I took notice when they were new and I would say there was less even no hum, so I expect it may get more noticeable as the tyres wear. At higher speeds the hum is lost in the general noise increase, which is not much in a D4 so it puts the level of hum into perspective. Certainly been very happy so far.
PeterJ

[Narangga]

Interested to hear about this myself, as my next set of tyres might be D697's.

I'm already on 18's, with Mickey Thompson STZ's fitted. They have been pretty quiet so far, but starting to get a little noisy and have set up a harmonic vibration with something behind the drivers side of the dash as they wear towards the end of their life. Have yet to decide whether I will replace them with more of the same - have a couple of options I'm considering at the moment.

Have 2 new D697's on the front and a fading pair of STZ's on the rear. This is how it was when I picked it up. I have until recently had a D2 with Goodyear Silent Armour. In the D3 I am struggling to hear any tyre/road noise so I doubt you would notice any difference.

[Redback]

I reckon they are very quiet, quieter than GG AT2s are and heaps quieter than our KM2 Muddies:D

[winaje]

I use D697s in 245/70/17 LT, and have found no extra noise, including at 110 on the freeway.

[kiwirich]

Hi Guys,
What sort of mileage are you getting from D697's ?

I'm doing 90% highway /Town

Any advice appreciated.
Richard

[Tinman]

I have 60,000klms on my set of 5 of 697s on the D3 reckon i still have 20,000 left. I do regular tyre rotation
Cheers

[PerthDisco]

Just done Perth-Melbourne-Perth on D697s.

Fitted at 85,000km. Still going strong at 137,000km. Was hoping to get 70k kms so looks achievable. Run at 38psi and rotate regularly.

Noise was a great improvement over the OEM Wranglers when fitted.

Not showing any chips or damage also from the various off road work.

With a rack on top the noise of that over 100kmh outweighs anything else anyway.

On the Nullarbor run I found a big noise difference between 100 & 110.

I noticed also that no one pays any attention to aerodynamics of equipment in the roof rack. Suggest it matters little under 100kmh.

[RobA]

We moved from the OE 19" Goodyear to the D697 and are currently towing the camper around Eyre Peninsula. So plenty of on and off bitumen. No discernible difference in my view but suspect quieter

Rob

[Jimlr]

Thanks all. Good feedback on noise.

I also wanted to ask about experiences with sidewall damage or issues offroad?

Thanks!

[Tombie]

None. Not a mark

[LRD414]

I ran a set down to pretty close to worn. Did go through some rough terrain and rocks on a few occasions. Never suffered any major sidewall damage. Had one flat from a Tek screw through the tread when tread pretty worn & low so can't blame tyre for that. Rear tyres suffered from stone chip damage from stones flung by fronts but held up to this really well I thought considering the abuse. I'm currently running KO2s which I am happy with but will be putting the D697s in the mix for the next tyre decision.

Scott

[scarry]

I ran a set down to pretty close to worn. Did go through some rough terrain and rocks on a few occasions. Never suffered any major sidewall damage. Had one flat from a Tek screw through the tread when tread pretty worn & low so can't blame tyre for that. Rear tyres suffered from stone chip damage from stones flung by fronts but held up to this really well I thought considering the abuse. I'm currently running KO2s which I am happy with but will be putting the D697s in the mix for the next tyre decision.

Scott


Have you had the KO2's long enough to compare them with the D697's?

Noise difference?

What size do you run?

thanks in advance.

I have been hanging off replacing my KO's that are absolutely shot,so need to do something soon.May go back to 18's.

[Tombie]

Scott, any Tram-tracking with the KOs?

[LRD414]

Have you had the KO2's long enough to compare them with the D697's?
Noise difference?
What size do you run?


Scott, any Tram-tracking with the KOs?
I run 265/60/R18 and still have one D697 as the spare.
I haven't had the KO2s long enough for a complete/full comparison (~8k km) across all my usage types (city/highway/4WD track/outback roads/beach)

The KO2s are noisier from new until the D697s get fairly worn and then they make a similar noise too.
It's a typical harmonic type hum at 50-60 kph especially on coasting.
I don't find it annoying or intrusive from either tyre but it is there.

Both tyres have excellent manners on bitumen, both highway driving and city driving. I haven't experienced any tram-tracking.

Offroad. I haven't had the KO2s on for outback touring yet but am hopeful we will get a trip in this year.
This will be a very interesting comparison I think because the D697s really excelled for touring, although I didn't get the same life as others report.

However, I have done a few 4WD'ing trips and used the KO2s on a range of track terrains from scrabbly to rocky to sandy and a little bit of mud.
The KO2s traction in all these situations has been very impressive and I think better than the D697s although I'd say that's still a bit subjective at this stage.
They have handled some pretty sharp rocky sections with barely a mark, which the D697s did as well.

There was a $150/tyre cost difference when I was looking so that is something else that comes in to play.

While I was happy with the 697s the only way to really compare is to do it yourself and I didn't want to die wondering.
If the KO2s handle outback touring like the D697s then they will probably get the overall win due to offering better traction in scrabbly situations.

Cheers,
Scott

[Russrobe]

Ouch $150 each?? Is there $600 worth of extra grip there???

[LRD414]

Ouch $150 each?? Is there $600 worth of extra grip there???

Time will tell. Relative lifespan will come into it as well, which time will also tell.

[Jimlr]

I run 265/60/R18 and still have one D697 as the spare.
I haven't had the KO2s long enough for a complete/full comparison (~8k km) across all my usage types (city/highway/4WD track/outback roads/beach)

The KO2s are noisier from new until the D697s get fairly worn and then they make a similar noise too.
It's a typical harmonic type hum at 50-60 kph especially on coasting.
I don't find it annoying or intrusive from either tyre but it is there.

Both tyres have excellent manners on bitumen, both highway driving and city driving. I haven't experienced any tram-tracking.

Offroad. I haven't had the KO2s on for outback touring yet but am hopeful we will get a trip in this year.
This will be a very interesting comparison I think because the D697s really excelled for touring, although I didn't get the same life as others report.

However, I have done a few 4WD'ing trips and used the KO2s on a range of track terrains from scrabbly to rocky to sandy and a little bit of mud.
The KO2s traction in all these situations has been very impressive and I think better than the D697s although I'd say that's still a bit subjective at this stage.
They have handled some pretty sharp rocky sections with barely a mark, which the D697s did as well.

There was a $150/tyre cost difference when I was looking so that is something else that comes in to play.

While I was happy with the 697s the only way to really compare is to do it yourself and I didn't want to die wondering.
If the KO2s handle outback touring like the D697s then they will probably get the overall win due to offering better traction in scrabbly situations.

Cheers,
Scott

Similar feedback on K02s after 5k from new - yes a definite harmonic hum (a rumble?) between 50-60kph - enough to be able to used as an audible speedometer! But not enough to be annoying.
Excellent on gravel.
Need to go lower pressures by a couple of psi on sand, as they tend to "bite" harder rather than float vs a standard highway terrain tyre.

[PeterJ]

Okay, D697's about half worn, returning to Adelaide from Hamilton (Vic) via Harrow, Edenhope and Naracoorte a couple of weekends ago, the rain & wind was very ugly, a lot of water on the road and in puddles on the near side. I was towing the van (3.2 T) so had already dropped to 80 kph because of the overall conditions but also because on quite a few occasions the fronts, particularly the LH Front aquaplaned, had both fronts do it about 50km out of Kieth, SWMBO was wide eyed and nearly dropped a stitch on the knitting [bigsad]. Never had it before, has anyone else experienced it, any comments on their wet weather performance? Particularly as they wear a bit? Must stress, there was a lot of water, but still, I am wondering.

Thanks

Peter

[Graeme]

Don't forget that the significant weight on the tow-ball from a heavy van reduces the weight on the front and therefore grip in marginal situations.

[PeterJ]

Don't forget that the significant weight on the tow-ball from a heavy van reduces the weight on the front and therefore grip in marginal situations.

Yes, true. Never noticed it with the standard Pirelli but then totally different type of tyre. Which raises another question, has any one measured corner weights?

[ytt105]

Taking Graeme's point about the heavy van on the tow ball, I'm now using the idea of DROPPING the front tyres pressures a few PSI, about 3, because of the loss of some weight off the front wheels. Seems to work really well.
Also, add 4 or 5 PSI to the front tyres on the van.
All adds to the great towing experience of the Disco, and no WDH in sight!

Regards
Trevor

[Graeme]

I have the front tyres on my dual axle van at slightly lower pressure than the rear to discourage van tail-wagging, not that the van has exhibited any such tendency to date.

[ytt105]

Graeme
My understanding is that the fronts should be higher than the rear, not lower, because of the extra heat build up of the front tyres due to the extra work they do.

Have a look at this

Varying tyre pressures in Tandem Van to reduce Sway - Page 2 - Caravaners Forum (http://caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php't=67849&start=20)

Regards

[Graeme]

I didn't read the whole thread but CR was advocating never having the front higher than the rear. I run my 2.5t van tyres at around 32 front and 34 rear for 100 kph sealed roads.

[ytt105]

Graeme

My mistake. I just re-read the post and checked my tyres, and yes the front should be LOWER than the rears.

Not my first seniors moment today, probably wont be my last.

Today I fitted new pads front and rear, and new pad wear sensors. However, I fitted the front sensor to the pads before I fitted the caliper and ended up breaking the sensor. Bugger.

Also, who designed the pad sensor wiring!!! I have to remove the wheel arch cover just to plug the end of the sensor in. Stupid!!

Regards

[101RRS]

I run 265/60/R18 and still have one D697 as the spare.
I haven't had the KO2s long enough for a complete/full comparison (~8k km) across all my usage types (city/highway/4WD track/outback roads/beach)

The KO2s are noisier from new until the D697s get fairly worn and then they make a similar noise too.
It's a typical harmonic type hum at 50-60 kph especially on coasting.
I don't find it annoying or intrusive from either tyre but it is there.

Both tyres have excellent manners on bitumen, both highway driving and city driving. I haven't experienced any tram-tracking.

Offroad. I haven't had the KO2s on for outback touring yet but am hopeful we will get a trip in this year.
This will be a very interesting comparison I think because the D697s really excelled for touring, although I didn't get the same life as others report.

However, I have done a few 4WD'ing trips and used the KO2s on a range of track terrains from scrabbly to rocky to sandy and a little bit of mud.
The KO2s traction in all these situations has been very impressive and I think better than the D697s although I'd say that's still a bit subjective at this stage.
They have handled some pretty sharp rocky sections with barely a mark, which the D697s did as well.

There was a $150/tyre cost difference when I was looking so that is something else that comes in to play.

While I was happy with the 697s the only way to really compare is to do it yourself and I didn't want to die wondering.
If the KO2s handle outback touring like the D697s then they will probably get the overall win due to offering better traction in scrabbly situations.

Cheers,
Scott

Hi Scott any update on how your tyres are going??

On my RRS (18" wheels) I have had General Grabber AT (not AT2) on for 68,000km and have worn really well - main tread is Ok and good for another 10,000km but the inner !" are bald. They are not a LT and handled mud really well but in harder terrain the sidewalls are clearly taking a bit of the load - no punctures but lots of rock scrape marks. I run them at 20 offroad and have not had to go lower. So have been OK offroad and Ok onroad but have an annoying hum louder than the roof rack. So I am looking for something new.

The car is now 10 years old, so not as nice as it once was and I am happy to be a bit more adventurous offroad. So now looking at LT265/60 R 18 ATs so the BFG ATs and the Bridgestone D697s are on the list. I have been quoted $320 for the D697s and $440 for the BFGs so a bit of difference in price.

The salesman said the BFGs are a bit noisy but was not sure of the D697. My old Freelander had 16" BFG AT KOs on it and they were a bit noisy but were a good tyre. Like most people I do spend most of my time on the bitumen so a quiet (or as quiet as possible) is important. The salesman also tried to get me onto the Dick Cepek offroad range but I dont know them and am not prepared to be the guinea pig and try something I am not sure of.

So how have your tyres lasted and how do you now think the BFGs compare to the old D697s - particularly taking into account the nearly $500 difference in price - noting you do get a free Swag when you buy 4 BFGs. (but I dont want a swag)

If anyone else has had a good run in an other LT 18"AT please let me know.

Cheers

Garry

[Tombie]

Garry. Have a look at Monsta also. There’s people on here running them..

Proving very nice @ ~$200 a corner

[101RRS]

Yes I noticed the discussion on them in another thread. Certainly cheap but there is a comment about them being a little noisy which does concern me a little. However the BFGs and Bridgestones also are a bit noisy. Also the only LT in 18" is the 285/60R18 which is too big.

I will have a chat with Ozzy Tyres the local sellers about them tomorrow. They currently list them at $183 plus fitting and balancing so I guess up around $200 a corner.

Cheers

garry

[loanrangie]

A very slight whine but hardly noticeable Garry, can't be beat for the price.

[TuffRR]

I'm looking forward to fitting 265/60r18 D697's this weekend. They are certainly coming down in price.... got them for $280 a tyre which was a no brainer compared to what BFG are asking for their AT.

[RobA]

Interesting discussion. I have just changed out the 697's for KO2's based on the closeness of the price between both brands here in Adelaide. The 265/60/18" 697's have done >60,000km, most of that towing either our Ultimate or the new Q+ and about 65% of the distance off bitumen. No punctures and great wear all round. BTW they are marked as LT on the sidewall and my Bridgestone engineer is adamant they perform at that level and our experience is they do.

But the clincher for change, after 15 years of using Bridgestone tyres on our 4WDs was our local BJTM got the KO2's F&B for $415. For me that was enough incentive to make the change and see if they are as good as some seem to think. I have a good friend with them on his D4 and have been guided a lot by his positive feedback as well.

Heading to the High Country late Nov for the Victorian AOR Rally so will be a good opportunity to see how they perform on and off bitumen.

Rob

[LRD414]

Hi Scott any update on how your tyres are going??
I'm up to approx 28k on the KO2s now & I haven't measured tread depth but at a guess I'd say around half worn or maybe slightly better than that. Their performance has been excellent for everything I've thrown at them. I expected worse damage after some of the fast rocky roads but they are holding up well. So at this stage I intend to go with KO2s again because their traction in slow/technical offroad situations is excellent and subjectively better than the D697s (very difficult to be scientific about that).

However, if the offroad usage was to be dominated by touring type work where low speed traction is less critical then I would probably go back to the D697s (assuming D697 was cheaper, which I haven't checked recently). Having seen what LT tyres can cope with I would never get anything else so doubt I'll be looking beyond KO2 & D697, although if the Monsta continues to get favourable feedback ....

Noise is so subjective that all I can say is the KO2s have stayed the same, low hum at 50-60 that still doesn't bother me and can hardly hear it as soon as the stereo goes on (even low volume).

Cheers,
Scott

[TuffRR]

Got the D697's fitted yesterday and confirm that there is no more noise than the Nexan HT tyres that were on there beforehand, so very happy with that.

Got 265/60r18 replacing 255/50r20 so only slightly taller but in an LT. No noticeable impact on rolling resistance, unlike the STT Pro's in 275/65r18 which do make a noticeable difference in low speed driveability around town (even with the 3.0 SDV6). STT's will now be going on to the steel rims when available...

[101RRS]

Thanks for the comments - so it seems they all seem to work pretty well - I guess it comes down to cost (value for money). It certainly does not seem that the BFGs perform $120 a tyre more than the Bridgestones.

Cheers

garry

[Garfield]

I have had a set of KO2''s on my D4 since new ( done 42,000km ) and as previously discussed with Scott on another thread, yes they do have a drone between 45 - 60 km/h - especially on the over run. They emit the same amount of noise when they were brand new to now ( 42,000 km ).

Anyway a few weeks ago I quizzed the technical rep at the BF Goodridge stand at the Melbourne 4WD describing the noise in detail, and told him exactly the same noise had been emitted from the same tyres ( KO2 ) fitted to other D4 owners on this forum. The rep said that yes this can happen on certain model vehicles and the way the wheel / suspension geometry is designed, and the same tyres would not necessarily make the same noise on other vehicles. The rep basically said that changing the wheel alignment or altering the tyre pressure would not eliminate the noise, as the noise comes from movement of air with in tyre , and not contact of rubber with the road surface.

I am not sure if this explanation is true or BS, but must admit the annoying noise doesn't sound like scrubbing with the road surface.

Apart form this annoying drone 60 -45 km/h I am very happy with the tyres - on and off road. On the bitumen I run front and rear at 40 PSI cold.

[scarry]

I have had a set of KO2''s on my D4 since new ( done 42,000km ) and as previously discussed with Scott on another thread, yes they do have a drone between 45 - 60 km/h - especially on the over run. They emit the same amount of noise when they were brand new to now ( 42,000 km ).

Anyway a few weeks ago I quizzed the technical rep at the BF Goodridge stand at the Melbourne 4WD describing the noise in detail, and told him exactly the same noise had been emitted from the same tyres ( KO2 ) fitted to other D4 owners on this forum. The rep said that yes this can happen on certain model vehicles and the way the wheel / suspension geometry is designed, and the same tyres would not necessarily make the same noise on other vehicles. The rep basically said that changing the wheel alignment or altering the tyre pressure would not eliminate the noise, as the noise comes from movement of air with in tyre , and not contact of rubber with the road surface.

I am not sure if this explanation is true or BS, but must admit the annoying noise doesn't sound like scrubbing with the road surface.

Apart form this annoying drone 60 -45 km/h I am very happy with the tyres - on and off road. On the bitumen I run front and rear at 40 PSI cold.

The old model KO made exactly the same drone,at the same speed.
But on the D2,with KO, there was noise at all speeds,as there is with KM2's on the Puma.

My D4 actually gets a sort of buzzing noise from the tyres coming up the steering column on some road surfaces.
It did this on the old KO as well.

Whether the KO were new or worn out,the noise was still there at the 45 to 65k speed.

Happy with mine as well.Mine are usually on 42 PSI all around,on the black top.

The main problem with the old model was they used to go hard as they got older,and crack badly between the tread blocks.
The new model has supposedly been changed to not do this.

[RobA]

Interesting comments on pressures. I am running placard at the moment, empty so 34F and 38R and they are as stiff as a board around town. Whilst this is primarily a reflection of a stiffer side-wall my thinking is I will go lower around town to about 32-34 and see how that goes. Will be interesting to see what I settle on when loaded and towing the Q+ in a few weeks time

Noise wise for me it is nothing and only marginally louder than my old and well worn 697's

Rob

[LRD414]

Noise wise for me it is nothing and only marginally louder than my old and well worn 697's
Same as what I found, although perhaps the KO2 is currently slightly less noisy than the worn D697s, it's hard to recall. Either way, not obtrusive.

Scott

[AGRO]

Hi,

I've been using D697/18s for several years on my D4 and found 33/38 placard pressure absolutely fine and responsive. Loaded I go to 36/42 and also find these pressures fine with wear along/cross the tire even. Noise is not discernible. Temperature increase over ambient always consistent. I consider these to be "light" light truck tires with only 8 ply and 114 LR. Great general purpose AT.

[Melbourne Park]

But the clincher for change, after 15 years of using Bridgestone tyres on our 4WDs was our local BJTM got the KO2's F&B for $415. For me that was enough incentive to make the change and see if they are as good as some seem to think. I have a good friend with them on his D4 and have been guided a lot by his positive feedback as well.

Heading to the High Country late Nov for the Victorian AOR Rally so will be a good opportunity to see how they perform on and off bitumen.

Rob

Congrats Rob on your Q+, an awesome unit. We have a MkIII Matrix and we love it.

I have been to the last two AOR rally events in Vic and did not find the off road tough. But John who runs the show can arrange a tough one I'd bet. He also has a Disco, which is a fairly unusual vehicle in that crowd, where 200 series probably make up 25 of the 60 there last year.

One thing people have said to me about LT tyres is that while a tough side wall is tough, some are so stiff they don't lower the tyre as much as one might want. But as said, LT tyres for 18" Discos are hard to find.

[RobA]

Congrats Rob on your Q+, an awesome unit. We have a MkIII Matrix and we love it.

I have been to the last two AOR rally events in Vic and did not find the off road tough. But John who runs the show can arrange a tough one I'd bet. He also has a Disco, which is a fairly unusual vehicle in that crowd, where 200 series probably make up 25 of the 60 there last year.

One thing people have said to me about LT tyres is that while a tough side wall is tough, some are so stiff they don't lower the tyre as much as one might want. But as said, LT tyres for 18" Discos are hard to find.

MP thanks and yes the Q+ is fantastic in so many ways and we live in it 3-5 months of each year now travelling around Oz. A very different animal from our Ultimates but exactly what we want for the next 10 years or so with any luck

Yep LT tyres are really not well understood. Whilst stronger they are directly heavier as a result so there is always an increase in fuel consumption. Stiffer sidewalls equates to being able to run more heavily loaded for longer and/or run lower pressures in really rugged low range environments. My comment comes from a previous post saying they are running theres at 42psi for normal daily use which did surprise me.

Given the KO2's are new to us, we have no experience of them so no data we do what we always do which is establish base lines. So that means running placard pressures for long enough to get our base data set. From there we normally run a 5 & 10psi range against the previous tyre data in order to establish what pressure range we will use. Hope that makes sense but it is essential when testing and we carry that discipline through to our day to day use as well.

I reckon for daily use we will go to 32F & 36R to start with and see how they perform at that

Regards

Rob