Bias-Ply Vs. Radial Tire

[Greezy]

Need a set of tires for a five thousand-mile rally from Budapest, Hungary to Bamako, Mali. The 15-day race will start on pavement, but be mainly on dirt roads with about three days of soft sand south of the Atlas Mountains.
Speed is less of an issue than reliability for this event.
So I talked with a 4X4 tire dealer and he tells me that I should buy a bias-ply tire because it is more resistant to punctures and will last longer than a radial.
Is this good advice or was he just sellin’ me his tire (Super Swampers)?
Thanks for the advice,
Given the nature of this project, can you recommend a specific tire brand and model?
BTW, this is a low budget deal.

 

['74 UA FJ]

Swampers are tough. If it is only pavement, dirt roads, and sand, a radial tire might suit you better, though.

 

[spartan]

Super Swamper mud tires would be a really poor choice for soft sand and dirt roads. You will be better off with radials all said and you prolly need six tires. Cooper ST. My next choice for a set of tires.

 

[Greezy]

Thanks for the quick response. I'll check the Coopers. Definately six tires.

 

[ThaiCruiser]

x3 on radials. I'd go with BFG or Yokohama Geolandar. Never used Cooper personally.

Good luck with the race. Keep us update with some cool pictures when you can.

 

[alkaline747trio]

BIAS BIAS BIAS...you want durable? Get bias... If you don't go with Bias ply tires, go with some military michelins or goodyear military tires. You will eat up radials like a cupcake at weightwatchers.

 

[Elijah]

BIAS BIAS BIAS...you want durable? Get bias... If you don't go with Bias ply tires, go with some military michelins or goodyear military tires. You will eat up radials like a cupcake at weightwatchers.

x2. That's what I was thinking as well. Unless the radials are the BFG's they use in the baja racing. I think the baja is 99% sand though isn't it?

 

[Greezy]

In my search on this subject, I came across a thread that recommended these monsters.

The Michelin XZL can run with or without a tube; is tall and narrow when inflated; but deflates wide for the sand.

What's your take?

 

[uberhahn]

Toyo M55. Very tough tire. High load rating. Very stiff however and may not be suitable for sand deflation needs. Aside from BFG, I used the Toyo M55 on my Diesel heavy truck. Very common tire for logging industry, mining, etc, due to high load rating. Only downside is stiffness, and it's a bit heavy.