Looking for 17" AT Tyres

[Vesko]

OK, I got the 17" rims, now what AT tyres to fit them with?

I am keen on the Geolandars A/T-S and found them for $275. The guy at my local tyre shop suggested Dueler D697 A/T for the same price... With so much choice I am confused.

What do you think, any other suggestions?

[354 chamberlain]

I have pirelli scorpians on my 17" rims that came with the wheels second hand, they were about 50% and have been used daily for the last 12 months as well as a trip from Darwin to eyre penninsular, york penn,Flinders rangers oodnadatta track and return to Darwin . They are at about 25 % now and I am waiting for them to wear out so that I can fit geolanders but they just keep hanging in .Now I am not sure if I will go geolanders or scorpian ,price may be the deciding factor . The duelers are a good tyre but dont handle gravel roads such as those found around the Top End and the Kimberly and tend to look like the rats have been at them after a while .
Doug

[mikehzz]

I've had the Geo's and the 697's. They are both good. The 697's seem to look tougher and have a slightly more aggressive pattern. Are you only going to throw them on for trips or use them permanently? I was going to try Grabber AT's next because the tread looks more aggressive again. Tough tracks need a good sidewall.
Also, for better off road get 245/65/17, still legal and better traction and clearance.

[Vesko]

Yes definitely 245/65/17 and I'll keep them on permanently, so the noise level and the comfort on tarmac should be considered. Also the fuel consumption. As I understand: the more aggressive tyres are noisier?

I’ll check the scorpions as well.

[Graeme]

I have the Yokos on LT245/70-17 on my D4. Whilst a slightly more open tread would probably be better in slippery clay I suspect I will get them again when these eventually wear out because they provide everything else I want in an AT tyre.

[mikehzz]

The Scorpions get a good wrap from lots of people but the tread pattern is too mild for me to have tried them. I've read they are particularly good on gravel roads. The Geo's and 697's aren't noisy in my opinion. You have to go to muddies to really start worrying about that. It's a difficult choice because you are stuck with them for near 80,000 kms I find I'm after something that can do reasonable mud and rocks without actually being a muddy. Plus it should be LT for strength.

[mikehzz]

Vesko,

There are new mod rules in place that would allow you to have 245/70/17 size tyres and be legal. It seems a diameter change of 7% is now legal. That size would give you around a 20mm lift.

Pat Callinan's 4x4 Adventures - NSW LIGHT VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS CODE OF PRACTICE

Others have that size and they say no rubbing anywhere but it would be tight. Read up on it.

[Vesko]

Vesko,

There are new mod rules in place that would allow you to have 245/70/17 size tyres and be legal. It seems a diameter change of 7% is now legal. That size would give you around a 20mm lift.

Pat Callinan's 4x4 Adventures - NSW LIGHT VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS CODE OF PRACTICE

Others have that size and they say no rubbing anywhere but it would be tight. Read up on it.

Thanks Mike, that's a really good news

[Vesko]

It’s done, I got 6 Geolandar 245/70/17 @$295 each. With them the car is visibly higher and appears in possession of some purpose – seems a bit more aggressive in a good way (just look at the difference in the tyres below).

The drive over the speed bumps is now more comfortable; it doesn’t rub anywhere; the speedometer equalised with the GPS reading and to top it up the spare fits perfectly (just, pressing hard against the plastics). I am very happy with the new tyres and can’t wait to try them off road.

Thank you guys for your input, helping me to find my way.

[Graeme]

That's a good price compared with the $430 I was quoted 2+ years ago that led me to importing them. From where did you get them?