So fella's.....
Up for a new set of tyres
. I have 17 inch wheels (did the TRD / Prado brake upgrade).
I have decided on either Mickey T ATR (5 Ribs) in a 265/70/17 or Bridgestone D694's in a 265/65/17.
Both good tyres IMHO as i am realistic about what I REALLY do with the vehicle (drive it to work
) as opposed to what I would like to do with it ....
The only thing that stops me from going straight for the MT's is the extra 5% in diameter (they do not come in a 65 section). I am not really concerned about rubbing and whether they will fit but am more concerned about the effect on gearing. I currently have 265/65/70 Cooper ATR's and already have trouble pulling my camper tailer with the 30.5 inch tyres. I can't imagine that adding another 5% to my final drive ratio (which is effectively what I would be doing....) is going to help this at all.
I know many of you guys run 32's and bigger, but for me I think that would be a bad call. For example i have only just solved my auto trans overheating issue when towing. Again this will not be helped by an increase in overall gearing.
I am not up for having two sets either!!!
I love the look of the MT's and like the fact they look a bit "Tougher" but i am concerned that I am sacrificing performance to achieve nothing more than asthetics.
So is anyone running a 31.5 inch tyre and If so what has your experience been? do you tow with them?
Just to contribute something to the tyre discussion, I am not all that happy with the Coopers (ATR's) as they only really lasted 35000kms. They have now done 40000kms and they are bordering on illegal.
They have a 60000km warranty but it is a "Pro rata" situation meaning you only get credit for the portion of the mileage warranty that you did not get to use. It's not like they give you a new set if they fail....Even then the "credit" can only be used to buy another set of Coopers. As I have not had a good run with the first set I can't imagine that buying another set is a good plan! even at a price which is effectively discounted because of the warranty credit.
40,000 kms is not all that bad, I suppose I just expected a bit more out of a tyre that i paid a premium to get into because I thought they would last longer. Lesson learned!!!