Taking the LX470 overseas... Tire dilemma

[Gman509]

Yes another tire thread. Done plenty of research, but stuck in analysis paralysis, need advice to push me over the edge.

Problem: I am moving overseas this summer with the family for work (Dominican Republic) and I am shipping my 2001 LX470 there as well. Currently I have on stock Michelin 275/70R16s with great tread left, but I just happened to find a thick nail in the edge of one tire... Close enough on the side wall that it is not plugable, yet I am not losing any air. However it needs to be replaced if I am to depend on the tires and honestly I thought that instead of buying just one replacement tire, this was a good excuse to upgrade for something a bit better looking and in the 285/75r16 size. Also I obviously want tires that can handle the bad roads as well as offroads on the beach or in the mountains when the mood hits.

I've run BFG ATs in the past on Bronco and I also had a 98 LC with a set of BFGs that I took to Africa. They did well and I never had an issues (but I did avoid the deeper mud when possible), but I was thinking of something different this time.On the flip side, I don't want overly aggresive mudders as the wife will be the normal day-to-day driver (I have a work car) so noise and on road performance are factors.

Current thoughts:
1) Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ. ($224 ea from tire buyer.com)
2) Cooper Discover S/T Maxx. ($230 ea / tire buyer.com)
3) GY DuraTrac ($203 ea from tirerack.com). *concerned about reports of weak sidewalls
4) Toyo Open Country ATII. ($216 ea / tread depot.com). *great warranty, but quite honestly not as aggressive looking as other choices, and let's face it.... Looks sometimes matter (but should they matter this much)

Leaning towards the Mickey T's. Anything else in this category I should consider?

*not considering the GY MT/R do to balancing complaints/concerns.

Thanks!

 

[maxse01]

I'm surprised you didn't get any responses, OP. I hope someone with tire knowledge can help us both.

I wanted to post in this thread instead of starting a new one, as I am in a similar dilemma.

I have a 2005 LX470 with the stock 18's and 275/60-18 Michelins I use every day. I am picking up a set of stock LC 16's for weekend abuse and I need some tire advice. I figure since I'm not doing any serious off roading that stock size would be ok, but I'm thinking instead of working out my AHC (putting it in high all the time) I could just go a little larger on tires to help my ground clearance. Can any advise the pros and cons to going to a 285/75-16 or any other size?

Thanks guys.

 

[murf]

The Toyos for sure imo. Slightly better build quality than the MT and Cooper, in my humble opinion.

Duratracs are thin and damage easily

 

[VidereStudios]

I would recommend a good all-terrain tire and call it good. I like Toyo's and have a set of M-55's on my LX470. You can't go wrong with their ATII.

Stay with a narrower tire in the 31"-33" range on the 16 rims. The generous sidewall will allow you to air down and more easily traverse the sand that you are sure to encounter. When I visited the DR, I didn't get much up into the mountains, but I can imagine that it would get quite muddy, which could be problematic for AT's. The M-55's (more for rocky mud) or MT's (slippery mud) would be good bet if you foresee lots of driving in those conditions. Otherwise, I would stick with the AT's.

Sounds like a wonderful opportunity...I would love to get back there and visit again. Maybe rent a motorcycle and go check out some of the more remote places. Anyway... Good luck with your choice and safe travels!