BFG A/T's in 305/65R18

[chimyz]

I'm not sure I understand why people are knocking the BFG ATs? It is a proven tire.

Mickey Thompson's were mentioned, and I've heard nothing but to stay away...and as far as Dick Cepeks go, I got a buddy with a set, nice lookin tires, but I don't think he is too impressed with them.

All that being said, I am a big fan of Interco tires, JB you gotta check them out. I have Truxxs MTs on my 80 series, and will probably get the new Super Swamper M16s when my BFGs run out on the 200...unfortunately, or fortunately that will be in a few years. If it isn't Interco tires, it would definitely BFGs again.

 

[chimyz]

BFG's: In Australia, very popular, but also very cheap. Noisy and poor wearing, chipping on the tread blocks occurs very easily on dirt roads, severe heal/toe wear on the outer edge of the tread block. I have used Coopers and even though I dislike them due to balancing and wear issues, I would recommend these over a set of BFG's any day.
The intent of my comment was to make you think, seriously about the tyre you fit to your truck. There are better choices for the same money out there then BFG. Its pointless starting a slanging match about tyre brand as its a personal choice, but think outside the box and have a good look around at the market.

Is it possible there is a difference from BFGs in Australia and North America? The reason I ask, is chipping tread blocks are not common for the BFGs up here, and the noise levels friends and I have experienced are minimal compared to a bunch of competitors. As far as the toe and heal wear...can't argue that. My buddy just blew through a pair because of poor toe wear (I still think it was the lack of rotation...but that is another story).

 

[JBHorne]

I'm not sure I understand why people are knocking the BFG ATs? It is a proven tire.

Mickey Thompson's were mentioned, and I've heard nothing but to stay away...and as far as Dick Cepeks go, I got a buddy with a set, nice lookin tires, but I don't think he is too impressed with them.

All that being said, I am a big fan of Interco tires, JB you gotta check them out. I have Truxxs MTs on my 80 series, and will probably get the new Super Swamper M16s when my BFGs run out on the 200...unfortunately, or fortunately that will be in a few years. If it isn't Interco tires, it would definitely BFGs again.

BFG A/T

Nitto Terra Grappler

Upon a closer look side by side, they do look more like an AT tire...but still not as "aggressive" as the BFG A/Ts.

What I would really like to hear is from people who have used BOTH tires on the SAME vehicle (not necessarily an LC200). I hate hearing "I had the xxx on my 1986 Chevy Pickup and hated them. Now I have the yyy on my 2007 Range Rover and they are a much better tire." Seriously??? You can't compare very unlike vehicles with varying tire choices.

BTW, DTT -- I'm not knocking the TGs, just would like some more info that it is indeed is a high-quality made tire that has all the ply's, glues, vulcanization processes, nylon, etc. that the more expensive BFG has.

 

[chimyz]

I've had both. Nittos are definitely quieter and more of a road tire. BFGs seem to be better in snow, and a little harsher ride. Both suck in mud.

 

[JBHorne]

I've had both. Nittos are definitely quieter and more of a road tire. BFGs seem to be better in snow, and a little harsher ride. Both suck in mud.

Yeah it looks like they are a bit tamer. I really only need a good dirt tire. Something that will do well on graded roads, rocks, and glamis sand

 

[chimyz]

Nittos sound like the way to go.

 

[Jonty]

Is it possible there is a difference from BFGs in Australia and North America? The reason I ask, is chipping tread blocks are not common for the BFGs up here,......

Same BFGs, but used in very different ways. Most off-roading in Aus (and SAfrica) is long-distance driving over unmade, rocky roads. The very hard compound of the BFG A/T doesn't suit these conditions and sometimes chips more easily than slightly softer compounds.

General (owned by Continental) tire make the Grabber AT2 which looks similar to the BFG but different compound and (some say) better made. Don't know if you get these in the US though?

The Nittos are great tires - those would be my choice.

 

[chimyz]

We get the General Grabbers up here. Not as popular as maybe in Australia, but guys do have them. Don't know much about them, but I have had Contis, and they were great!

 

[dirtdoc]

Sort of off topic, but wanted to pass along... just picked up a set of 295 70 R17 Nitto TG and they do not fit on stock height... will get them on with the 2" lift next week and update comments of the fit.

 

[chimyz]

Sort of off topic, but wanted to pass along... just picked up a set of 295 70 R17 Nitto TG and they do not fit on stock height... will get them on with the 2" lift next week and update comments of the fit.

That tire is over 33"s isn't it? That is a big wheel for stock.

 

[Tools R Us]

...
BTW, DTT -- I'm not knocking the TGs, just would like some more info that it is indeed is a high-quality made tire that has all the ply's, glues, vulcanization processes, nylon, etc. that the more expensive BFG has.

I have run both, IMHO the Nitto is better in every category, they work well in AZ desert terrain. They suck in mud, as all A/T's do, but we have little real mud, mostly wet sand/mix, have only briefly run them in snow, so have no comparison, but I wheel in AZ, so it's not a priority.

They are the most popular tire in the Copper State Cruisers (local Cruiser Club), many have switched to them after seeing them work on the trail. My advice is to go to a club meet or better, on a trail run, talk to owners and watch what works in the local terrain.

Tires are relatively terrain specific, the best tire for crossing the Sahara, aren't going to be the best in gumbo mud and nether is going to be the best in our relatively dry desert rock.

 

[JBHorne]

Sort of off topic, but wanted to pass along... just picked up a set of 295 70 R17 Nitto TG and they do not fit on stock height... will get them on with the 2" lift next week and update comments of the fit.

Not off topic at all! Please remember to post your results when you are finished!

That tire is over 33"s isn't it? That is a big wheel for stock.

The 295/70R17 is 33.2" inflated. (~33.5")

The 285/70R17 is 32.76" (~33")

The 305/70R17 is 33.98" (~34")

Kind of interesting they make a tire that is less than .5" difference...

 

[JBHorne]

And by the way: You guys are all talking about LT tires with D and E ratings and not P-metric, correct?

Does anyone use P-metric tires on their LC?

 

[chimyz]

Not off topic at all! Please remember to post your results when you are finished!



The 295/70R17 is 33.2" inflated. (~33.5")

The 285/70R17 is 32.76" (~33")

The 305/70R17 is 33.98" (~34")

Kind of interesting they make a tire that is less than .5" difference...

It's a rim thing...285s are for 8" wide rim, 295s are for 8.5" wide rim and 305s are for 9" rim.

 

[chimyz]

And by the way: You guys are all talking about LT tires with D and E ratings and not P-metric, correct?

Does anyone use P-metric tires on their LC?

No... you probably should, but no.

 

[JBHorne]

No... you probably should, but no.

No to which question. Sorry...I'm stupid. Do you use an LT or P-metric tire?

 

[chimyz]

No to which question. Sorry...I'm stupid. Do you use an LT or P-metric tire?

Sorry bout that...I use an LT tire.

 

[dirtdoc]

Lift and 295 70R17 worked out very well, no rubbing at all. Will post pics as soon as I figure out the technology.

 

[dtt255]

Part of me cannot wait till my current nitos run out so I can get the 33's.

 

[dirtdoc]

Here are the pics from this weeks work. Lift, tires/wheels, sliders, winch and ARB Sahara. Stoked

Tom