18 inch tyres for touring while towing a camping trailer

[kenh]

Hi all,

Yes, much digital ink has been spilled on this topic, but forgive me as I spill some more... I've acquired a set of Tuffant steel rims (yay!) as a second set of wheels for some 2-3 week touring trips I plan to do pulling a camping trailer w/ kids + granddad in the D4. Planning to go outback Oodnadatta / Mereenie loop / etc and Fraser island, but not mud ruts or anything like that. They'll sit in the storage locker when not in use, and I'll go back to my 19s for looking good at school pickup in Manly.

I'm looking at 265/60r18, wavering between the BF Goodrich ko2 ($410) vs/ Kumho MT51 ($250). The BFGs are the gold standard, but gah the price, esp not for daily use! What would folks on the forum do?

[loanrangie]

Falken Wildpeak AT3, get a good rap worldwide and around $100 cheaper per tyre than a BFG.

[kenh]

Yes, they do get fantastic reviews. But not LT rated (114T) and the trailer is 1500kg.

Open for feedback on whether they'd still be more than adequate re: puncture resistance.

[John_D4]

Pretty sure that Falken do make an 18” AT in LT. the tyre shop quoted me the other day

[loanrangie]

They do come in LT rated but you'll find most don't opt for them.

[kenh]

LT in 265/60r18? I haven't found them anywhere, but agree they'd be a brilliant choice.

On Falken's site it looks like you need to go up to 65 aspect ratio for LT construction: https://www.falkentire.com/tires/lig...peaka/t3w-tire

[BMKal]

Toyo Open Country A/T II.

It's what I have been running since replacing the Mickey Thompsons on my Disco 4 and I highly recommend them.
Currently the most common tyre fitted to 4WD's in the mining industry throughout WA because they outlast just about anything else.
Mine have done well over 60 thousand km and still have plenty of life left in them. Don't even look half worn yet.

Not as cheap as some options out there, but nowhere near the price of the BFG's.

If you want something a bit heavier duty without going to a M/T - the Open Country R/T looks good. Is available in the same size and is LT rated (though I think that "Light Truck" rating is a load of **** these days anyway).

[DieselLSE]

Despite BMKal's scepticism, LT tyres should be significantly stronger in the sidewall, tread and load rating than similar sized XL tyres. Heavier and noisier too if talking off-road treads.
On my 18" alternate wheels I use MT51 265/60 R18 and have been very happy with them. Load index 119 (1,360Kg). Only used for off-road and trips and I will use them for any outback travel (towing a Tvan).
My 19" tyres are Pirelli Scorpion AT+ 255/55 R19 with a load index 111 (1090Kg). Whilst excellent tyres on any surface, I am always wary of sidewall damage on rocky tracks.

[trout1105]

Toyo Open Country A/T II.

It's what I have been running since replacing the Mickey Thompsons on my Disco 4 and I highly recommend them.
Currently the most common tyre fitted to 4WD's in the mining industry throughout WA because they outlast just about anything else.
Mine have done well over 60 thousand km and still have plenty of life left in them. Don't even look half worn yet.

Not as cheap as some options out there, but nowhere near the price of the BFG's.

If you want something a bit heavier duty without going to a M/T - the Open Country R/T looks good. Is available in the same size and is LT rated (though I think that "Light Truck" rating is a load of **** these days anyway).

What didn't you like about the Mickey Thompsons?

[scarry]

BFG have a new model called Trail Terrain,although the load rating isnt that flash in the size you want.
Its higher in some of the other sizes.

I have had many sets of BFG A/T over the last 20yrs,no issues,only a bit of a drone around 60 to 70Km/hr,on the D4.
Every other vehicle i have had them on,they were fine no noise at all.

Nitto are a very good tyre as well,but difficult to get at times.