Once again quick check on Tyre setup

Judgement · Sep 2, 2010

Sorry for the 10000th time, but I guess tyre topic is somehow always up to date...

I am about to buy a set of 18" Porsche Rims. Currently I have 5 17" Rims.

The idea was to get a street tire for the 18" Rims in stock size (Yes I live in QLD) and an AT/MT Tyre for off road. Theoretically I could also use the 18" off road and the 17" onroad, but then I would need another rim, nevertheless I would consider it. Most people have investigated for allrounders, but I bring this up because I can swap tires according to purpose: 1 Set for highway commuting (in OEM Size) and 1 set for Outback Touring (max possible size without rubbing and Mods) like your Simpson Desert Trip or Cape York etc.

I am looking for suggestions for both sets, MT can be an option too, but I guess there are still a lot of highway kilometers to drive before reaching the dirt tracks. Currently I am running 255/60/R17 Scorpion STR front and Dunlop Grand Trek (OEM) back. The STRs have done 20000 and maybe 1/3 used, The Dunlops are slicks and need replacement (unfortunatley the pre owner didn't rotate). Guess I can't finish using the STRs if I go bigger size on the 17s and need 4 new.

The Porsche Rims will come with 255/55/18 (Highway) Coopers and 40% left which I will use of...

So in short, and setup suggestions are welcome for street offroad set with 5x17" and 4x18"

Tim

pilottim · Sep 2, 2010

There are some on this list running the Hankook Dynapro ATM RF10 in either 265/60/R18 or 265/65/R18. I think they have a 50k or 60k mile warranty. Might be worth a look.

sumar · Sep 3, 2010

I'm running the Coopers ST 245/70/17 and they are fantastic for off road use I have 2 spares with me most time. Diameter is about 40mm oversize and no touching so far at all even in extrem situation, with the lift I have and you are getting you might even go one size up.

OILSLURPER · Sep 3, 2010

I have a set of Hankook Ventus ST's 255/55/18's excellent cond with no scuff marks, about 75% tread left. Brilliant tyres for road and wet and they comply with OEM tyre specs for rolling diameter. These tyres get rave reviews in the US and as good as Pirelli Pzero's I had on 19" Atheo wheels. I'm now running 18" Hankook A/T's...that's the only reason I took them off as I needed a dirt tyre. I'm close by if you want to check them out. Nominal price.

Personally, I'd use the 18's for the tarmac and the 17's for the dirt. You'll get more cost-effective tyre options on the 17"s.

Judgement · Sep 3, 2010

Doesn't look like there are any MT Tires around in 265/65/17, but the suggested 245/70/17 are available as MTs from Cooper and BFG.

What is the opinion on MTs for Outback Trips, any disadvantages off road compared to ATs, except the long highway drives to actually get to the dirt? Any pros or cons for Light Truck Design?

Would put them on before holiday trips or long weekends. So for off Road I consider now:

MT:

BFG Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 245/70/17
Coopers STT Armor Trek 3 245/70/17

ATs:

Pirelli STRs 265/65/17
Hankook Dynapro ATM 245/70/17
Cooper S/T 245/70/17

The Continental Page is useless, the only show the 15 and 16 Rim sizes.

Street Tires I haven't looked at yet.

OILSLURPER · Sep 3, 2010

I don't think there is a bad tyre in the list. Many here have them and went through a selection process on their needs. I was thinking some time ago about ripping wheels on/off with 2 x sets. Having 17's with dedicated tyres is not a bad idea unless they are a mud tread, in which case you'll not want to wear them down on the tarmac with everyday driving. You worked out the cost yet of the 2 sets? If money not an issue, then I reckon with 18's and 17's you'll have a win and be content. With A/T's you strike a happy medium and that's how I ended up wanting just one set. I think you need to sort out the driving mix, road v's dirt. It's not an easy thing to do

Judgement · Sep 3, 2010

OILSLURPER said:
I think you need to sort out the driving mix, road v's dirt. It's not an easy thing to do

I guess the precise use would be nearly impossible to find out. I know that I am commuting daily between the Gold Coast And Brisbane, which is why I want to have a pure street tyre.

Than I want to do Outback Trips and long weekend trips, but quiet frankly I haven't got a clue about what trips I want to do in the near future and what the conditions are like there except from what I read and hear.

The only thing which I can see at the moment that speaks against a MT is that if we want to do Cape York e.g. I would have to drive 2000km up north on the Highway before the dirt even starts, same with lots of other Outback Trips, but obviously I can't swap my sets at the beginning of the dirt track. Biggest risk is I guess that I buy these expensive tires and never really use them (a bit like the home fitness trainer some ppl buy and put them under the bed) because one of the main reasons why a lot of people buy these cars is the dream and the wish to be able to go out there even though the majority never makes it...

With only 20 days holidays in Australia, a family in Germany who wants to see me from time to time, and a family here in Oz with 2 year old child there is realistically not too much time left for the big trips but the dream is at the moment more alive then ever...(probably because the guys just did the Simpson Desert Trip).

Thanks for the feedback so far, more opinions especially in regards to MT vs AT are highly appreciated.

OILSLURPER · Sep 4, 2010

Judgement said:
The only thing which I can see at the moment that speaks against a MT is that if we want to do Cape York e.g. I would have to drive 2000km up north on the Highway before the dirt even starts, same with lots of other Outback Trips, but obviously I can't swap my sets at the beginning of the dirt track. [/QUOTE
My view is an all round tyre and you can get them. I had performance tyres and swapped them for A/T's with more than ample rod attributes and the Treg has lost none of its feel. I don't feel I lost out. I spent a lot of time selecting a tyre and I have no regrets about my choice. If I go down the M1 one day, the next I can go ush with no second thought about it. I think the risk is not planning your trip and doing a lot of research on conditions. Also, have spare/s same size.

Once again quick check on Tyre setup

Judgement

pilottim

sumar

OILSLURPER

Judgement

OILSLURPER

Judgement

OILSLURPER

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