GiDay,
My
Dunlop Grandtreks (265 / 70 / R16) are to be retired, and something more suitable is required. After much reading, observation and discussion, I have short listed the choice to either the Cooper Discovery ST or the BFG AT/KO. Before I make the final decision and run the rigmarole of the insurance company notification / approval etc, I would like the candid opinion of this
forum on a couple of issues that I would like assistance in understanding.
{ As background, I have a 98 GXL Petrol Prado, its basically stock standard. The type of 4wd driving that I like doing is up to the moderate level type of tracks, that are found in and around Victoria. (That’s the state where I live.) I have also done some trips to the
Flinders Ranges and parts of "outback" QLD and have at this stage one in the planning stages to Central Australia next year. Other than that, the 4wd is used mainly at weekends, but sometimes during the week as the "Taxi" for the kids and their friends. }
The 265 / 70 / R16 size is not a popular tyre in the AT / LT construction and it has been suggested that I move to a different size.
a) For the BFG AT/KO in either 265 / 75 / R16, or 275 / 70 / R16 I have been offered them at $239ea (cf 265 / 70 / R16 at $288ea - Its out of budget.)
b) For the Coopers, the only suitable profile is 265 / 75 / R16. (I've not checked the exact price, but understand it's on par with the BFG's.)
If I go to the 265 / 75 / R16 size tyre, I will gain approx 12 mm height, but will loose some engine braking on steep descents.
If I go to the 275 / 70 / R16 I will have a wider tyre, that may give better grip, in some circumstances, and not in others, but will retain the same engine braking on steep descents.
For the type I driving I like to do (can be wet / muddy / steep in the Vic Alps,), in your opinion, which size is the better compromise and why ?
If the consensus of opinion is the 265 / 75 / R16, which would be the better tyre, the Cooper or the BFG.
(Also, I would appreciate comments on the cost of ownership of the Cooper, eg, The Balance and Rotation scheme that is required to maintain the 80,000 km warranty.)
Thanks in anticipation.
Mal58