Do I need new tires for this trip?

[Ocho77]

We are taking a 6 week, 6,000 mile overlanding trip this summer. We will be doing the Heart of the West Adventure Route, through CO, UT, NV, ID, MT, and WY. About 2500 miles of the trip will be two track/fire roads. My current tires are Hankook Dynapro ATM's with about 20k miles on them. I'm concerned about the sidewall strength of these tires for that much "off road" travel.

Should I be worried enough to replace the tires with a MT? The truck is loaded down with a roof rack, RTT, awning, fridge, drawers full of gear, 2 adults, 1 kid, and a golden retriever. No aftermarket bumpers.

This is my first overlanding experience with the 80, so input is welcome.

Cheers!

 

[tag3]

What does the tread depth look like??

 

[Corbet]

What he said^

 

[Ocho77]

Tread depth is approximately 11/32" - new I believe was 16/32. Approximately 70% tread remaining.

 

[Brentbba]

How old are the current tires? Tread depth seems good, but age, greater than 5-6 years, perhaps then.

 

[Corbet]

Sounds like you're fine. You don't need more aggressive tires for the trip. If your looking for an excuse for new ones let me know and I'll edit this post.

 

[patrickfinley]

I don't think you'd be happy with MT tires for a 6,000 mile road trip.

 

[Ocho77]

Sounds like you're fine. You don't need more aggressive tires for the trip. If your looking for an excuse for new ones let me know and I'll edit this post.

You read my mind...

I had KM2's on my Rubicon that I used for extensive travel and overlanding, and they didn't bother me at all. Just don't want weak tires to be an issue...if I can fix it before I leave, I would rather. Thanks for the input!!

Cheers

 

[Corbet]

I did not look up the route to see exactly where you plan to go. But generally speaking the only time a MT tire really is needed out here is when the clay soils gets wet. You can find yourself pretty immobile real quick in those conditions. Otherwise an AT does the job, maybe not as well but it does.

Personally with the time of year I'd be focused on making sure your cooling system is 100%

 

[tag3]

Put a wad of cash in the ashtray, if you have a problem with one tire(spare is in good shape, right) replace them all when nec.

 

[Ocho77]

Thanks again for the input! Yes, the entire truck is currently being gone through by a Land Cruiser specialist (Ryan Bascom) - and definitely making sure the A/C is prepped Now I need to find an a/c unit for the RTT!

Thanks again for the thoughts!

 

[freepowder]

I<snip>
But generally speaking the only time a MT tire really is needed out here is when the clay soils gets wet.
<snip>

In my experience with the clay soils of the eastern La Plata mountains near Durango, tread design is mostly for looks 'cause this stuff is uber sticky and within ten feet or so you're running on slicks. Even rompin' on the gas and spinning the tires won't clean out the treads. This even with BFG M/T both the old and new tread patterns. The only way the tread cleans is at about 50 on the highway and then it sticks to the body requiring about $40 at the quarter car wash. The trick is to find the harder spots, rocks and failing that, speed.

Jus' sayin'.

 

[rubicondon53]

I've run KMs since we've been doing this ( 20 plus years ) last month I sold the KMs.. as we have drawers, heavy bumpers, winch, dual batteries, lots of tools and gear,,, and drag an off road trailer behind us, loaded with 25 gallons of water, 10 gallons of gas, yeti 75, etc etc, I elected to go with BFG AT "E" rated tires.. Good for 99% of all trails in N America.. You are heavily laden with gear as well, and all on 4 tires instead of 6. Are you're tires "E" rated? I think you'll be fine with what you have now, but I'd suggest looking into "E" rated tires in the future,, just my humble opinion..


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Ocho77]

Yes, tires are 285/75/16 and "E" rated, good to 85psi. Think we'll be good - the MT's look cool, but I can't justify it

 

[paflytyer]

Yes, tires are 285/75/16 and "E" rated, good to 85psi. Think we'll be good - the MT's look cool, but I can't justify it

You don't want to be near 85psi on the highway, in the heat, loaded down. FWIW, that is a popular tire size, Colorado and Utah have tire shops all over the place and you wont have trouble finding a good tire out here. I'm assuming you'll be passing through here first? If so, you can buy new meats in Colorado if you feel it's necessary. Discount Tire is pretty popular out here and I have always been happy with their prices. http://dt.know-where.com/DiscountTire/#_ga=1.252300425.164997340.1403104808 Les Schwab, Big O, Tires Plus and even Costco are plentiful as well.

Come join Rising Sun 4x4 Club for a meeting and/or a run. We are a family friendly club and can suggest great routes and things to do in our area. http://www.risingsun4x4club.org/

 

[rubicondon53]

Yes, tires are 285/75/16 and "E" rated, good to 85psi. Think we'll be good - the MT's look cool, but I can't justify it

Yeah, I just got older and a bit wiser, those MTs cost more, and chew up more fuel. I very rarely fill mine up to more than 36lbs, locally without gear 32 to 34..

 

[rubicondon53]

Thanks again for the input! Yes, the entire truck is currently being gone through by a Land Cruiser specialist (Ryan Bascom) - and definitely making sure the A/C is prepped Now I need to find an a/c unit for the RTT!

Thanks again for the thoughts!

Oh by the way, here is a link to a really cool idea I may do someday to use in our tent. https://robotfun.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/swampcooler/

 

[mr jits]

I ran the atm's on my first 80 and typically ran 47# (loaded with five days worth of gear, two adults, and three kids the truck weighed 5900#) on the freeway and 20# when we left the concrete. The sidewalls are so soft on the atm's that they need more pressure (plus you should be adding air as you add weight).

 

[Ocho77]

I ran the atm's on my first 80 and typically ran 47# (loaded with five days worth of gear, two adults, and three kids the truck weighed 5900#) on the freeway and 20# when we left the concrete. The sidewalls are so soft on the atm's that they need more pressure (plus you should be adding air as you add weight).

Thanks! I have been researching air pressure. I haven't weighed the rig yet, but I'm guessing we are over 6K, and am currently running 45 in the rear and 42 in the front. I'm going to try and weigh it today and will adjust. The soft sidewalls of that tire are my concern.

 

[iwashmycar]

So they are the P ones? E's would really feel better both on and offroad, but having a quality spare (or 2) patches and air will go a long way.

Given the current condition of the tires I would bet you will be just fine.