Thread: LT tyre for 18" rims

Was intending to use a second hand, 50 percent worn set of GG AT2 for a trip along the Great Central Road into the Pilbara and on up into the Kimberley in May. My choice of second spare was a new Dueller D697. Got it home an it looked so good have decided to take the plunge now and put on a new set of 4 Dueller 697s for the trip.

The price differences quoted were striking. Obtained quotes from Bob Jane and Tyrepower for the one off spare purchase. Their respective prices were $450 and $435. Went to B Select in Norwood and got the remaing three for $400 a piece.

As we are reminded time and time again, it pays to shop around!

Nick

I had D697 LT's fitted at Mt Barker Bridgestone on Saturday ($394 per corner plus spare including small discount with RAA card). They look tough but not in your face.
Initial thoughts are that blacktop road noise is similar to the factory rubber which has been observed by others.

Looking at the Bridgestone web site this tyre has a load rating of 114 and speed rating S.

I can't see the max psi the tyre has.

Can you guys please let me know what is stated on the tyre.

I am also curious as to what the ply rating. Seems as though the tyre may have 2 ply side walls.

I had a good look at these fitted to a Jeep a few days ago. They look much more solid at the tread edges and the tread pattern is considerably more open than what I imagined from the pictures. I would have fitted these to GOE rims instead of doing my 2.7 brake conversion to fit 17" LT tyres had they been available at the time.

My LT245/70-17 LI 119 GY Duratracs have only 2 sidewall plies although my Yoko AT-S with the same specs have 3 plies.

This is what they look like on factory 18 inch rims.

IMG_1979.jpg

IMG_1978.jpg

Have had a set of Bridgestone 697LT'S on my D3 for about 4 weeks now did a run down the coast the other week towing my boat. Found the tyres to be very positive when cornering proberly due to the tyres being 8 ply and having a stronger side wall. Load at max pressure is 65psi so I filled them to 50psi. Found them to be quite and a smooth ride. Put the boat in on the sand and pulled it out on the sand with the 50psi in the tyres with no problems. Have had GG's and Coopers before but this tyre so far seem much better. Havnt taken them 4x4 ing yet, but will be next month. Paid $345 bridgestone campbelltown NSW.

Originally Posted by mattjtaylor2809

Hi All,

1st post on this site so pls take it easy!!

Anyway, I need to replace them soon & would like to know people's thoughts on a good tyre for city/highway for 90% of the time + dirt road & sand (Yorke Peninsula in SA). It's not to say that I'll never encounter mud but it would account for 1-2% of my driving.

I've been reading about the DT697LT's but I'm not sure I need such an "off road" tyre?

Any suggestions, help would be appreciated

Cheers
Matt

Matt,

First welcome!

secondly The DT697 would probably be a bit of overkill based on your use described above.

There are lots of threads about tires for you to search and read that discuss a wide range of tires.

For your use I would consider the Pirelli Scorpion ATR or something similar which might give you better on road performance, quieter ride, better economy and enough dirt and sand performance to be happy.

The LT style tire provides a tougher sidewall which gives better protection off road but can compromise on road comfort?

Hope this helps.

George

George after having the Bridgestone 697 LT's for a while now I can assure you they do not compromise on road performance. In fact I have found these to be better than a lot of AT's I have used in the past. Just my two bobs worth.

Cheers