Thread: Advice on available 17" ATs

Hi Sammy,

I am struggling with this one as well. I have a D4 and have decided I need to go to 17 inch as I cannot find anything legal in 18 inch that has a 3 ply sidewall.

My requirements are puncture resistance, decent grip on loose gravel and reasonable capability in sand and mud and minimal noise. (Not a big ask surely). On trips i fully load the D4 with 4 people, rear cargo area ful and full roof racks. My mud driving would be minimimal.

I have narrowed my options down to
1) Bridgetsone D694s in 255/65R17LT (std dia) or 265/65R17LT
2) BFG All Terrains in 245/70R17LT or 265/65R17LT
3) BFG Mud Terrains KM2 in 245/70R17LT
4) Maxxis Bighorns MT-762 255/65R17LT (std dia)

There are some other options but you end up in non LT construction which I would avoid.

I have read a review of the BFG KM2 that had them perform quieter than the BFG TAs and quiter than some Highway Terrain tyres. I am favouring this tyre if it is indeed quiet.

I would be interest in any real world experinces and comparisonsn others have drawn between these options.

I'm on the new BFG M/T KM2s in 245/70/17.
A little noisy at say 30-50kph, but not really an issue outside of that range.
Off road, so far: brilliant.

Delivery may be a problem, as seems to be the case with all BFG at the moment.

Had MTs on defender, don't neet that level on D3,

So anyone out there help with the 'what is available' element and where in OZ to go for them, if not I'll go for the import from US approach.

Just imported some cracking sliders from UK, so not averse to is, but prefer to buy locally if possible.

245/70-17. LT

Would perform better than the options already put forward!!!

Hi Sammy D, I run a set of Cooper STC's 265/70/17LT. Not too much noise, 10 ply and so far have 30000kms on them and plenty of meat left. These are the 3rd set of Coopers I've had and still impressed. I believe they have a good off road pattern, with out going to a MT pattern. This size fits on my D3 as I have raised coils, only just rub on the back left under full compression, but would be a problem on air at normal road height. Had no problem getting them, the Bridgestone dealer had them the next day ready to fit. Went the STC as a change and believe the softer compound is a good option, they seem much better in the wet.
Hope this is helpful. Also they were a bit over $400ea fitted.

Fair option, mine has been lifted too, so would get away with it.. Does the spare fit?

I'm going to the Bridgestone D694 (will be 695 soon, already available in the states). All accounts I have read & users I have come across, they are quiet and long lasting and perform well both on and off road. Took a colorado ute for a drive today with them, unladen in the wet and never felt like moving round in the back or loosing any grip in the wet.

The spare hasn't been changed (too tight to spend the extra $400), but should get done. Currently the spare is a Mickey Tom as mentioned in an earlier post and looking at it the other day, there is still some space around it. I think it is a 245/70/17. When I bought the car it had them all around and I've never seen tyres in such poor condition. Still had 5-7mm of tread left, but the chipping was increadible and the tyres were deemed unroadworthy, my advice is to steer clear of them. I also currently have the Bridgestones Clubagreenie mentions on my D2, yes they seem good, but think the Coopers would be a better option off road. Before buying the Coopers again for the 3rd time, I did a lot of research, but in all the comparisons the Coopers came on top or 2nd at worst and as mentioned I've had a great run on them. Trips include Cape York, Dig Tree, many High Country, Kangaroo Il, with no problems.
Cheers
Andrew