Tyres to use for Simpson Crossing?

Kate J2
You do not need a special tyre just for your desert trip. Just a LT. For any outback trip obviously better new or with plenty of thread left.
No need for muddies in sand. Even slicks will do, obviously AT's will be fine.

As mentioned, AT tyres are the go, probably for most 4WDn people do.

Important with ATs you are going to be deflating for sand and other driving, get good LT (light truck) grade, they usuallly have stronger side walls and elongate more when down to 12psi or so for desert sand, and don't bag out as bad sideways, which is more prone to having sidewalk stakings.

I say usually because the Federal Couragia ATs I have now bag too much even at 15, and I'm slightly worried about airing down lower for some regions if needed.
Even though mine are only 50% worn, I'm seriously thinks Ng of new ones for June Simpson Geo Centre / Geo Hill trip and keeping the Feds for spares.

We have been through the Simpson (French, WAA and Madigan) with both AT's and a heavier off road STMaxx set and didn't really notice any difference.

However personally, I wouldn't consider "muddies" nor slicks either. I know that was a tongue in cheek by someone (all cool mate).

Phil

A size or two bigger will still fit on a 17 x 7 inch rim. A tyre's ability to carry weight with less pressure is a function of its volume. You don't have to go a lot bigger to reap some rewards with a loaded patrol in sand. Last time I crossed the Simpson it was on mud tyres with no issue. I wouldn't go and buy them unless you were using them for touring only though. Some good AT's will do. Not necessarily LT rated, but load rated high enough. LT's generally score a bit more tread depth but lose out in comfort.

The desert isn't that tough on tyres, but the roads in and out can be. Depending on which tracks you take, there can be some pretty large sharp rocks on the road. I suggest a good AT in light truck construction.

With a bit of care - over the pressure and how you drive - passenger construction is fine. In the Centre HT is fine outside of mud, too.

Everyone says go for LT but it isn't necessary.

I've done the Simpson twice plus gravel and corro roads plus some gibber and embedded rock* with PC tyres that were labelled ATs but were more HT.

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* Oodnadatta, Perdika, Birdsville, Mt Dare-Finke-Chambers-Alice, Finke Gorge NP etc.

Use any tyres in the Simpson desert. Just need plenty of tread to prevent tread punctures on the tracks to and from the desert.

There's no point in sweating over distinct lugs as you can't bite in soft sand. You actually want the max rubber area in contact with it.

Added: but if you get rain over the Simpson you'll of course welcome a bit of chunky tread to get across the claypans.

Kate
"I currently have Dick Cepek Trail Country's on a general All Terrain (had them for 3 years and close to 80,000km)..."

My thoughts - stick with them if you are happy with them!

If you have got 80K out of them they are serving you well. And think of the overall use the tyre will be put to throughout its useful life, rather than focussing on one particular trip...

My experience with tyres suggests it is about as much as good luck as anything else, there are no puncture proof tyres, some might be better at the margin, but once you lower pressures and expose sidewalls you are at the mercy of the next stick or sharp protruding rock in your path, regardless of tyre choice...

Sand driving is all about technique and pressure management rather than tyre choice.

As for traction, for the type of driving you are outlining, AT's will be the most suitable.

Tyre management via correct pressures will be more important than actual choice of tyre and importantly, a good set of tyre pressure monitors to ensure you can identify a puncture prior to causing any damage to the tyre.

Apart from that, enjoy your trip.

Cheers, Baz - The Landy

Hi mate,

I would recommend you BFGs all-terrain KO2 or KM2 if you get 265s on your rims. They are awesome in mud and desert! Other than that I know that these one here are pretty good as well https://www.tyroola.com.au/hercules-terra-trac-at-ii-owl-25565r17-110t-tl-ty5584ec3cc8.html. Where do you live? Compare the prices also on ebay!