Thread: Help Needed with Tyre Choice

Prior to Delilah (03 Disco 2) heading to the northwest in late August, we've bought a set (5) of steel wheels and 235/70/16 General Grabber AT2. Sourced the wheels from local importer - look like silver Sunraysia - fully welded, tested and certified.

Wheel/tyre assembly was $320. Balanced well with very little runout - I was pleasantly surprised.

Now to source the steel wheel nuts and they'll get a run.

Why the change, you ask, from alloys? Well, changing tyres on alloys after a staking is a FLATOUT PITA especially in the scrub. Steel rims are so much simpler. And the alloys will go back on when we get back early Oct.

BTW, we have Saveros on the alloys and I agree that they are quiet and track straight with very little squirm.

I'll let you know how the newies go.

Pete

REPORT CARD ON GENERAL GRABBER AT2

Well, back after 6 weeks and 16200 km on 235/70/16 GG AT2. About 4500 km in the dirt (Buchanan, Duncan, GRR, various other bits, much sand) and the report card is

VERY GOOD.

No evidence of chipping at all, very little obvious wear. And we weren't sparing the neddies, either, towing 1.1T of camper. No punctures (a plus for me).

A bit noisy on the highway, but no more the BFG ATs.

I'd recommend them. In hindsight, I may have opted for a slightly larger size, but I'm satisfied with the original choice.

Stuff it, got to go back to work!

Pete

Interesting thread. I'm thinking of replacing the worn standard 235/70/16 BFG ATs on my D1 with 245/70/16 before we head for Cape York in September, since I'm told the 50mm lift means the larger size will fit OK and not rub.
Was thinking of BFG ATs again in the larger size. Have looked at Pirelli Scorpions but they look a bit more on road than off road compared with the BFG ATs. Also assume the BFGs might be easier to get in the bush.
The General Grabber AT2s look to have a very similar tread pattern to the BFG ATs. Is that right? How do you think they compare for strength and wear rates? I read the sidewalls of the Grabbers are 2 ply but the BFG ATs are 3 ply so that seems significant.

The BFGs are very pressure sensitive, try a few different settings, up and down.

How do you think Bridgestone ATs compare with the Pirelli Scorpions, BFG ATs and General Grabbers? I notice Bob Jane is doing some pretty sharp deals on Bridgestone ATs, which are some $60 cheaper each than the Pirellis. Apart fromn supporting local industry (the Bridgestones are made here), I wonder how they compare as tyres.

I've decided I don't need MTs since most of my time is spent on the bitumen and ATs should be adequate for most of my other driving. ATs are also considerably cheaper than MTs.

All of these tyres are a generation behind the Pirelli ATR. Its a bit like all of the series owners saying that the IIa was the best Landy produced.... less to go wrong, but have never experienced things like.... quiet, traction, smoothness, low rolling resistance. The rubber compound is called Silica. Its like comparing a Series Landy to a Disco2. The tread pattern is probably 25 years more advanced than the BFG and at least 10-15 years on the the others.

I have often thought a good strategy would be to approach various D1 or D2 owners who have original Michelins as the spare, to buy the "tyre" from them for the cost of a tyre to suit the four on the ground, which is then put on your rim or their rim,,,,,,,that way they get rid of the useless spare and you get a michelin ?????? Would only work effectively if you found 'local' people in your area who were easy to catch up with again??????!!!!!!! Thoughts ??????

Originally Posted by CleanTD5

I have often thought a good strategy would be to approach various D1 or D2 owners who have original Michelins as the spare, to buy the "tyre" from them for the cost of a tyre to suit the four on the ground, which is then put on your rim or their rim,,,,,,,that way they get rid of the useless spare and you get a michelin ?????? Would only work effectively if you found 'local' people in your area who were easy to catch up with again??????!!!!!!! Thoughts ??????

Those tyres will be past their used by date by now... well, at least most of them.