New tyres for Disco 4 2016 for a desert trip

[van cruiser]

Hi Everyone.
Without trying to start a new world war I am thinking of replacing my
not so good Contintental 4X4 contact with Pirelli Scorpion AT plus but also
looking at General Grabber AT3 .

My research suggest that the Grabbers will end up with more sidewall damage.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
BTW for six months of the year tow a 2.6 T caravan.

Cheers

[Bytemrk]

What size rims?

[van cruiser]

Sorry -bit silly R19

[DeanoH]

Perhaps some info on your proposed 'desert trip' would help with relevant advice on tyre/wheel selection :) Additional info on where you tow your van may also help in determining if there is a suitable tyre/rim combo suitable for both your desert trip and your 'day to day' towing requirements :)

Deano :)

[LRD414]

Agree with DeanoH comments & also there's lots of threads about various tyres in 19" already.
Use the Google Custom Search at the bottom of every page here, which only searches within the forum.

Cheers,
Scott

[van cruiser]

Thanks to both of you.
The Google search does not bring much up about the latest version tyres I
am looking at though.
Cheers

[trout1105]

I saw a You tube clip of Andrew St Pierre White where he is trialling the AT3's and he says that they are better than the AT2's off road but Not as good on the black top.

[LRD414]

The Google search does not bring much up about the latest version tyres I
am looking at though.
By latest I assume you mean the Grabber AT3?
Here's two threads using google search with terms "grabber at3 19 d4"

D4 and General Grabber AT3 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/250193-d4-general-grabber-at3-2.html)
19" AT Tyres for D4 /RRS (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/257118-19-tyres-d4-rrs-3.html)

[Graeme]

Pirelli's release blurb mentions stronger sidewalls than their outgoing ATR and generally designed more for off-road use than the ATR. My L322's next set of boots is expected to be these in 275/55R20 although they're LI 114 whereas the 19" version is LI 111.

[whyatts]

General Grabber AT3 is a very good tyre. We’ve fitted many sets to Discovery 4 & have received excellent feedback. Very quiet on the road too.

[ATH]

I've been watching the various threads about 19" tyres and had virtually decided to go for the GG AT3s. Had previous GGs on Defenders and were quite happy with them.
But it has been a toss up between them and the Maxxis Bravos I had on a Prado and they were good tyres on that. Very different tyre to BFG ATs, much softer in the sidewall.
Now all I'm doing is waiting for EOFY sales to maybe get a few bucks of the $370 we've been quoted!
AlanH.

[DiscoJeffster]

I went the Maxxis Bravo LT and its so far a great tyre on road. Looking forward to getting them down and dirty.

[van cruiser]

Thanks everybody for the replies and threads.

Very helpful.

[van cruiser]

Hi AlanH,
from my research there seems to be three main camps in the tyre places.
Remember this is for Disco 4 with 19 inch rims so choice a bit restricted.

First is stay with the "best" Coopers -but these are approx$100 per tyre dearer.
Then you get the two I quoted in my original post
GG At3 and the Pirelli Atr (mainly for Disco's as Land Rover recommend these)

Close behind comes the Hankook Atm.

BTW I have been told by at least two dealers stay away from Maxxis (no reason given)

Good luck -I have almost made up my mind to go Pirelli Atr ( Atr Plus too aggressive for my use)

Cheers

Ian

[ATH]

Now I'm suffering from "shall I shan't I" about what tyre to buy! I'm going to stick with the 19" as no way am I paying another 2.5 grand for different wheels when most people seem to be getting along quite well on the originals rims.
I just wish someone would make my mind up for me...... I know! I'll ask the Cook. :)
AlanH.

[Milton477]

Still on 19's, I chucked the originals that the vehicle came with after 1 trip & fitted Coopers Zeons.

Now 55k Km later I have fitted Maxxis. I tow 2.6 tons a fair amount of the time both on & off road so load rating is important for me. The Maxxis fit the load rating bill better than the others but are noisier than the Coopers which were noisier than the OEM tyres.

The Maxxis do not 'feel' as secure on the road when towing as the Coopers but nothing to worry about, rather just to get used to.

[DiscoJeffster]

I was talking to the tyre guy who sells every brand mentioned above and about reliability of tyres. In his opinion they’re all within a cooee of each other, but the outcome is dictated by the plonker behind the wheel more often than the tyre. Food for thought [emoji6]

[DiscoJeffster]

Oh and I’ve had Cooper Zeon and this plonker sliced the sidewall on a submerged rocked on a creek crossing. Sidewalls on rocks is all I ever damage on the 19”. Never punctured or had any other tyre of issue.

[van cruiser]

I am new to this forum but I am really appreciating all the different feedback.

And I have not quite worked out how the replies work yet.
So to AlanH --don't let the cook decide whatever you do.

But I am completely with you and your thoughts.
It seems that picking tyres is like which is the best beer.
everyone has an opinion.

It seems that all ATR's give way on the side wall at some stage.
more likely the driver and the line taken by the driver as one reply suggested.

Cheers
Ian

[DI5CO]

Hi Ian
Not sure why the dealers said to keep away from the Maxxis. Our company buys a lot of tyres and when I asked them about the Maxxis, there was no negativity towards them. So I went with the Bravo 980’s just before my trip. My requirements were it needed to be LT construction. The Maxxis, at this point, are the only 19” LT construction.
Negatives: noisier and easier to do 4wd drifts when the esp is off! Lol, but seriously, they do have a little less grip.
Positives: I had just come back from a 4000k trip up the Darling River,(from Melb) up to Bourke, Thargomindah, Noccundra and down via Tibooburra etc. they performed faultlessly in all that time.
Approx 2500ks on dirt. I never had 2nd thoughts if I should venture off the main tracks.
So all up I would recommend the AT980’s.
Dave
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180606/5ac7d60770562d82fb1e95a6b81f09f8.heichttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180606/f3e056e8fbdec6a11a64159a813e1c10.heichttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180606/1854856000cf77a91331d31efdd8e105.heic

[Turtle60]

Given you said it’s a desert trip and tow 2.6T at times then there is only ONE choice in LT 19. If you don’t buy them as someone said they are all pretty close. Just have two spares.
These cars are very back heavy and then towing with 1100 kg load rated tyres ( all non LT tyres) at recommended pressure they will be working at 100% load capacity ALL the time.
If you are heading off bitumen to me there is just no choice but LT rated.
2.5k for upgraded rims is an ask but tuff ant at 1250 roughly and some ko2 265/65 or 265/60 both in LT ( took Andrew st Pierre white 8 years to puncture one apparently) or the new Toyo rugged terrain and you’ll be pretty confident anywhere. All the above are 18” rims. A little whiny on bitumen but just put your current rims and tyres on when you get back if you don’t like the sound. Just my two bobs worth. Enjoy.your trip. Cheers

[van cruiser]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for this feedback.
As i said "no reason given"
However on overseas review sites the Maxxis get very good ratings -up there
with the best, so very confusing.
Maybe not as profitable for those particular dealers??

Who knows -anyway great that you are happy.
I will look at again after your comments.


Cheers
Ian

[Spike The Cat]

Hi Ian, Ive got a set of Maxxis 980’s and so far they have been really good. Off road on track i did were fantastic. So far they are wearing really well. They firm the car up nicely when conrnering. Im happy so far with them.

Ken

[Grasshoppr]

Hi. Just replaced my old Scorpion AT for some new ones. Very quiet tried pattern for the road and has never me down on a beach ran as they dont dig in.
Im a happy chappy just being behind the wheel of my D3.
All the best in choosing your tyres.

[trout1105]

The recommended Mickey Thomson Baja radial ATZ tyre for the D4 is 255/55R19 and they are a good looking tyre with good reviews.
I have booked my D2a in for a set of these (245/70/16) next Friday, 5 tyres fitted and balanced $1,715.00.
They are a cross between an AT and a MT tyre.
Mickey Thompson Tires | Our Range - Baja Radial ATZ P3 - Mickey Thompson Tires | Legendary Off-Road Tyres (https://www.mickeythompsontires.com.au/our-range/baja-radial-atzp3/)

[LRD414]

The recommended Mickey Thomson Baja radial ATZ tyre for the D4 is 255/55R19 ....
?? 255/55/R19, which is the standard factory 19" size, is not listed at the link you post. I don't think they have any 19s.

Scott

[trout1105]

?? 255/55/R19, which is the standard factory 19" size, is not listed at the link you post. I don't think they have any 19s.

Scott

You are indeed correct I just looked and NO 19's, My Bad.
I wonder why they came up with the 255/55/R19 size when I did a search for the ATZ P3's to suit a D4?

[Jaybee]

Hi Everyone.
Without trying to start a new world war I am thinking of replacing my
not so good Contintental 4X4 contact with Pirelli Scorpion AT plus but also
looking at General Grabber AT3 .

My research suggest that the Grabbers will end up with more sidewall damage.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
BTW for six months of the year tow a 2.6 T caravan.

Cheers

I think the hardest part is deciding what you want to do and where you want to go before you choose the tyre to suit. If you're planning some desert crossings or heavy duty off roading then an LT construction (preferably in 18") would be advisable. However, if you are towing your van on bitumen, gravel and lighter duty off road tracks then a 111H XL rated AT tyre such as the General Grabber AT3 or Cooper Zeon LTZ's would suffice. The benefit is less road noise and better handling with and especially without the caravan. I'm running 19" Cooper Zeon LTZ's on the D4 and last year towed our 3T caravan up the red centre to Darwin and back to Queensland. Currently just getting ready to head to the Kimberleys and then down the West Coast. I'm extremely happy with the LTZ's both as a towing tyre and for general use on rocky bush tracks and getting down to the beach. In summary, for general towing and light off roading then the 19" AT3's or LTZ's with one spare (plus repair kit) will suffice, however if it's desert crossings you are doing (especially if towing) the 18" LT's would be a must - and with 2 spares and repair kits.

[dsjy]

Hi van cruiser, we have had a variety of different tyres and makes of tyres fitted to discos and defenders. Last year we did a 4 month trip over to the Kimberley and Cape York towing a 2.5t van to most places with our D4. I fitted Cooper zeon LTZ 19” tyres. They have proved to be an excellent tyre. We never had a tyre issue on the trip when others were destroying tyres in the Kimberley. On road they are not as quiet as the originals but they are a great compromise, are the same fitment size as the originals with a square profile so you get the full tread width and are supported Aus wide. I bought through Tempe tyres and had them fitted locally. Cheers

[Hugh Jars]

I’m getting 19” Maxxis AT’s fitted today for an extended run to the Big Red Bash. I wanted LT’s as we’re towing a 2t camper...

[JamesH]

Another vote for the 19" Maxxis from me. I could not afford the money or the room to have a touring 18" set of wheels. At just the right moment the LT Maxxis came out. They are noisier than the OEM and new they are at their worst at 60-70kmh. I bought them to get me through shale and rough road in the Kimberley and centre. A flat would mean removing all my gear, including tied down Engel and while that's life in the outback I wanted to give myself the best chance. Did the whole trip with no troubles, and that was all I asked of them.

A mate in a D4 who loves his Grabbers destroyed two of them on the trip.

Going outback I recommend the Maxxis. The side wall toughness is the key. I don't notice the noise anymore, if they have got quieter after 40000km or I'm just used to it I'm not sure. Still heaps of trad left and I would not be surprised if they are only 50% worn

[cjc_td5]

My 19" Hankook RF10s are still going strong at 70,000km. They probably have another 10,000km left in them. They did one desert trip and have had a few big hits on the shoulders/sidewalls when deflated on sandy tracks, with no issues. I'm very happy and plan to replace them with another set of Hankooks.

[van cruiser]

Hi All,
Thanks again for all your feedback.
I have gone for the Pirelli Scorpion ATR's -will let you know how we go after the trip.

Anothre piece of advice please.
What spare parts should I take?.Getting different views again.
Eg no need to take a fan belt as ig this goes it will be because of something else wrong.

We are going the Madigan line in about 2 weeks.

Cheers

Ian

2015 Discovery TDV6

[LRD414]

What spare parts should I take?
Have a read here Ian:
Essential D3 D4 RRS travelling spares (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/the-d3-d4-sticky-zone/210715-essential-d3-d4-rrs-travelling-spares.html)

Regards,
Scott

[ATH]

I've just been quoted 330 bucks each for set of 5 Maxxis AT980 LT and that's around 40 bucks less per tyre than from my usual supplier. I'll ring them tomorrow and see if they can match that price as they're a good lot and I like dealing with them. Plus they give free rotation and balancing every 10K so that's worth having.
Another plus is their receptionist is a lovely lady. :)
AlanH.

[van cruiser]

Hi All,
The Pirelli Scorpions perfomed beautifully in the sand along the Madigan line and up Big Red at 20 psi.
No punctures and no marks on the side walls.

Very quiet and comfortable on the road.
Great fuel consumption-14.6/100 across the desert -725 klms on very tough dunes for 2 days.

Cheers
Ian

[rar110]

That’s excellent. Also surprising given they have a 111 load rating, which i thought was an indicator of side wall strength.

[Celtoid]

Hi All,
The Pirelli Scorpions perfomed beautifully in the sand along the Madigan line and up Big Red at 20 psi.
No punctures and no marks on the side walls.

Very quiet and comfortable on the road.
Great fuel consumption-14.6/100 across the desert -725 klms on very tough dunes for 2 days.

Cheers
Ian

I see your purchase was quite recent …. did you get the ATR or their touted replacement the All Terrain Plus (hasn't been out very long)?

I had ATRs on my first D4 and found them really good in the sand and a lot tougher than I expected. I was pretty happy with them all round (direct, quiet, smooth). However be careful once they wear a bit as they can get very skitchy in the wet.

The All Terrain Plus is supposed to have kept all the good and addressed some of the older ATR's issues. I'd be interested to try them …. which won't be too far away as my OEMs are close to shot.

[van cruiser]

Hi Celtoid,
Did not get AT Plus- only reason thought these were a litte too aggressive for usual road
use with caravan.
Alos Bob Jane guy (who had been in the desert) said thse normal Atr would be more than ample and good
for twoing van on country gravel roads.

Cheera
Ian

[Graeme]

The All Terrain Plus is supposed to have kept all the good and addressed some of the older ATR's issues. I'd be interested to try them …. which won't be too far away as my OEMs are close to shot.I'm keen to try them but unfortunately my noisy BFGs have far too much tread left to discard for some time yet.

I note that the AT+ is heavier than the same size ATR so even though the AT+'s tread is wider which would account for some extra weight, I assume that the carcass is thicker is some areas, hopefully in the sidewalls.

[petera]

Hi Everyone.
Without trying to start a new world war I am thinking of replacing my
not so good Contintental 4X4 contact with Pirelli Scorpion AT plus but also
looking at General Grabber AT3 .

My research suggest that the Grabbers will end up with more sidewall damage.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
BTW for six months of the year tow a 2.6 T caravan.

Cheers
I recently did 4600km from Sydney via bourke, Tibboburra, Innaminka, Birdsville, Simpson Desert on BFG KO2 265/65/18. absolutley no problems

[van cruiser]

Hi Petera,
I have discovered that tyres are liking picking a beer-very subjective and depends on each
persons use etc.

Great that you had no problems/

Just for the record we did just over 5000 klms starting Melbourne to Marree and then up the
Onnadatta track to Mt Dare and the across the Madigan line to Birdsville and
across to White Cliffs and the back to Melbourne.

Lots of gravel and some rocky surfaces especially on the 4WD only tracks.

Fuel 9.9/100 for the whole trip.

Cheers Ian

[discomatt69]

Another vote for BFG KO2, have now done over 20,000km on mine, SA beaches, Gibb River rd. all through Kimberly, Kakadu Lorella Springs and West Mac Donnell Rangers with a heap in between. No chipping, no side wall damage and no punctures.
Certainly better than my experience with the likes of Coopers or General Grabbers

[TuffRR]

Just something else to through in here for others contemplating tyres and wheels... I've now slightly buckled a second Compomotive resulting in a crack. Whilst they have their advantages as far as weight goes, my experience at least is that they do not necessarily have the toughness.

I do wonder how much the profile of the tyre influences this. Previously i had 275/65/18 on which have a much taller sidewall than the 260/60/18 I'm currently running. Both buckled rims have come with the lower profile tyres. And i drove much harder tracks with the taller tyres on.

[DiscoJeffster]

Just something else to through in here for others contemplating tyres and wheels... I've now slightly buckled a second Compomotive resulting in a crack. Whilst they have their advantages as far as weight goes, my experience at least is that they do not necessarily have the toughness.

I do wonder how much the profile of the tyre influences this. Previously i had 275/65/18 on which have a much taller sidewall than the 260/60/18 I'm currently running. Both buckled rims have come with the lower profile tyres. And i drove much harder tracks with the taller tyres on.

Hmmm. Are you running too low a tyre pressure? After all, a buckle is caused by the rim striking the ground which is not good for your tyre or rim. Think that your sidewall is getting squished between the rim and the surface.