On Fri, Jan 28, 2011 at 5:42 PM, <Gullyraker@aol.com> wrote:
Hi folks
I did a heap of research a few months ago to find the right 15 inch tyre and came up with the Firestone Destination A/T 205/75 R15. They have the correct load rating and don't upset the gearing as much as larger tyres.
This size is hard to get in most brands, but Ford ran this tyre on their off-road Falcon utes a few years ago, so there were still a couple of hundred left in NSW when I bought mine.
They are a very quiet tyre compared to the BFG's a formerly ran.
So far I am very happy with them. Went everywhere at Shallow Crossing [except underwater - sorry Roger].
They ride, brake and handle exceptionally well, even an emergency on a wet road - I missed the kamakaze P plater. Just like a passenger tyre.
I guess the only downfall would be in really extreme off-road conditions [compared to BFG's] but they haven't let me down yet.
I even noticed an improvement in rolling resistance.
I posted all the specs on an earlier post. Shouldn't be too hard to find in the archives.
They get rave reviews on most websites - check out www.tirerack.com and follow the links to customer surveys, AT tires.
Another tyre I considered was BFG Long Trail AT. I ran them on a 2WD Caravelle and they were a superb road tyre, but the tread pattern is a bit on the mild side.
Happy hunting, Roger [beetle].
Thanks Roger. I was at Tyrepower today and that is the tyre they recommended to me.
Many thanks, Peter
I bought the Firestone Destination tyres off my local independendent dealer - $198 each fitted. They are distributed through Bridgestone outlets - try Jax or Bob Jane. They well and truly exceed the load carrying specs at 103S, diameter 689mm.
Other tyres that meet the minimum load rating of 97 are;
Goodyear Wrangler ATR 205/75R15, load rating 97T
General Grabber2 205/75R15 load rating 97T 681mm diameter [Similar pattern to the old BFGAT before the sharp edges]
BFG A/T 215/75R15, load rating 100, 706mm diameter
Yokohama Geolander AT/S 215/75R15, load rating 98S
Falken LA AT 195/80R15 load rating 103L
Maxiis Bravo 751 195R15C, load rating 106, 694mm diameter [also available in LT 101 or 103 load rating, same diameter].
Maxiis 771 205/75R15 688mm, unknown load rating.
Kumho KL78AT - this looked the goods, but is no longer available. Might be some old stock around.
Pirelli Scorpion 205/75R15
Toyo Open Country 215/75R15
You might remember that Firestone got some really bad publicity for crook tyres several years ago. Luckily for us they lifted their game and installed the latest technology. Google them on the U.S. websites - they now get rave reviews.
Best of luck, Roger [Beetle].
On Sat, Jan 29, 2011 at 12:08 AM, <Gullyraker@aol.com> wrote:Hi Francesca - you should have dropped in.
I bought the Firestone Destination tyres off my local independendent dealer - $198 each fitted. They are distributed through Bridgestone outlets - try Jax or Bob Jane. They well and truly exceed the load carrying specs at 103S, diameter 689mm.
Other tyres that meet the minimum load rating of 97 are;
Goodyear Wrangler ATR 205/75R15, load rating 97T
General Grabber2 205/75R15 load rating 97T 681mm diameter [Similar pattern to the old BFGAT before the sharp edges]
BFG A/T 215/75R15, load rating 100, 706mm diameter
Yokohama Geolander AT/S 215/75R15, load rating 98S
Falken LA AT 195/80R15 load rating 103L
Maxiis Bravo 751 195R15C, load rating 106, 694mm diameter [also available in LT 101 or 103 load rating, same diameter].
Maxiis 771 205/75R15 688mm, unknown load rating.
Kumho KL78AT - this looked the goods, but is no longer available. Might be some old stock around.
Pirelli Scorpion 205/75R15
Toyo Open Country 215/75R15
You might remember that Firestone got some really bad publicity for crook tyres several years ago. Luckily for us they lifted their game and installed the latest technology. Google them on the U.S. websites - they now get rave reviews.
Best of luck, Roger [Beetle].
> there are now just 27 of these tyres left in the country.What happens if you damage one and the 27 have been sold?
----- Original Message -----From: plander@optusnet.com.auSent: Friday, January 28, 2011 5:18 PMSubject: Re: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Tyres
> there are now just 27 of these tyres left in the country.
What happens if you damage one and the 27 have been sold?
stocks in Aus may be replenished. It seems availability of 15-inch AT
tyres of the right spec are limited full stop, so I'm just glad to
have got some good ones, and wanted to pass info on. I would have been
interested in the Kumhos, for example, but they're NLA in Aus,
according to Roger. Francesca.
On 1/29/11, plander@optusnet.com.au <plander@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
>
>
>
>> there are now just 27 of these tyres left in the country.
>
> What happens if you damage one and the 27 have been sold?
>
Thank's for your comprehensive tyres list,I'm still chasing some
Kumho ones,otherwise I might as well go with Firestone Destination.
Cheers Theo
205 section tyres have become a bit of a dinosaur and will be harder and harder to find as time goes by. As other members of the group have suggested, it's probably a good idea to buy six and rotate them, so that you will still have a spare if you trash one.
As fashions change, 15" AT LT tyres are gradually going the way of their 14" ancestors. Next thing is we will all be importing 16" rims just to keep our vans on the road.
Or maybe we'll be organising a group purchase of imported tyres next!
Cheers, Roger Beetle.
> Or maybe we'll be organising a group purchase of imported tyres next!
>
> Cheers, Roger Beetle.
On Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 5:20 PM, <Gullyraker@aol.com> wrote:
No wurries Theo.
205 section tyres have become a bit of a dinosaur and will be harder and harder to find as time goes by. As other members of the group have suggested, it's probably a good idea to buy six and rotate them, so that you will still have a spare if you trash one.
As fashions change, 15" AT LT tyres are gradually going the way of their 14" ancestors. Next thing is we will all be importing 16" rims just to keep our vans on the road.
Or maybe we'll be organising a group purchase of imported tyres next!
Cheers, Roger Beetle.
----- Original Message -----From: Francesca ColesSent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 4:23 PMSubject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: TyresHi,
We had our Firestone Destination ATs fitted today. Rims and tyres look very good and drives well, at least as far as I've been able to test them out so far, driving short distances on suburban streets at 60 km/h. As I had Theo hot on my heels today, I let him know the good news that the spare miraculously fits underneath in the clam shell - phew! I thought others of you may wish to know this piece of info too. I was a wee bit disappointed that I didn't need a ladder to climb up into the cab exactly, but new springs would make all the difference. I may look into those Van Cafe mini hub caps as it looks a bit 'agricultural' as is.Thanks again for all the advice,Francesca.
On Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 5:20 PM, <Gullyraker@aol.com> wrote:
No wurries Theo.
205 section tyres have become a bit of a dinosaur and will be harder and harder to find as time goes by. As other members of the group have suggested, it's probably a good idea to buy six and rotate them, so that you will still have a spare if you trash one.
As fashions change, 15" AT LT tyres are gradually going the way of their 14" ancestors. Next thing is we will all be importing 16" rims just to keep our vans on the road.
Or maybe we'll be organising a group purchase of imported tyres next!
Cheers, Roger Beetle.
On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 4:28 PM, Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@bigpond.com> wrote:
We need some photos Francesca.For all those that cant follow you around.Bloody hell its hot!Cheers,ScottSent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 4:23 PMSubject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: TyresHi,
We had our Firestone Destination ATs fitted today. Rims and tyres look very good and drives well, at least as far as I've been able to test them out so far, driving short distances on suburban streets at 60 km/h. As I had Theo hot on my heels today, I let him know the good news that the spare miraculously fits underneath in the clam shell - phew! I thought others of you may wish to know this piece of info too. I was a wee bit disappointed that I didn't need a ladder to climb up into the cab exactly, but new springs would make all the difference. I may look into those Van Cafe mini hub caps as it looks a bit 'agricultural' as is.Thanks again for all the advice,Francesca.
On Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 5:20 PM, <Gullyraker@aol.com> wrote:
No wurries Theo.
205 section tyres have become a bit of a dinosaur and will be harder and harder to find as time goes by. As other members of the group have suggested, it's probably a good idea to buy six and rotate them, so that you will still have a spare if you trash one.
As fashions change, 15" AT LT tyres are gradually going the way of their 14" ancestors. Next thing is we will all be importing 16" rims just to keep our vans on the road.
Or maybe we'll be organising a group purchase of imported tyres next!
Cheers, Roger Beetle.
Hi Francesca. Well done on getting new footwear at last. Every girls dream!!!!
I took the plunge and have ordered 6. They should be here tomorrow (this is a Regional Australia problem with delivery). With any luck they should be on tomorrow or the next day. Amazing that the spare fitted. My current 14” spare only just fits so it will be interesting to see what happens.
I also took another plunge and ordered those centres. The photo from Theo looked great and the guys at Van café were on the ball. I will be doing a photo or two once all is in place so we can complete the picture of this group purchase deal. Has been a real learning experience.
Cheers, Peter from Port
PS. Very hot here as well!!!!!
On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 4:31 PM, Francesca Coles <fcoles6@gmail.com> wrote:Right you are. I will wait for my photographer husband to do it justice. It's been disgustingly hot in Melbourne too, but a cool change has saved the day. Glad to hear your Blue Beauty is back on the road - what a headache!F.On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 4:28 PM, Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@bigpond.com> wrote:
We need some photos Francesca.For all those that cant follow you around.Bloody hell its hot!Cheers,ScottSent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 4:23 PMSubject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: TyresHi,
We had our Firestone Destination ATs fitted today. Rims and tyres look very good and drives well, at least as far as I've been able to test them out so far, driving short distances on suburban streets at 60 km/h. As I had Theo hot on my heels today, I let him know the good news that the spare miraculously fits underneath in the clam shell - phew! I thought others of you may wish to know this piece of info too. I was a wee bit disappointed that I didn't need a ladder to climb up into the cab exactly, but new springs would make all the difference. I may look into those Van Cafe mini hub caps as it looks a bit 'agricultural' as is.Thanks again for all the advice,Francesca.
On Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 5:20 PM, <Gullyraker@aol.com> wrote:
No wurries Theo.
205 section tyres have become a bit of a dinosaur and will be harder and harder to find as time goes by. As other members of the group have suggested, it's probably a good idea to buy six and rotate them, so that you will still have a spare if you trash one.
As fashions change, 15" AT LT tyres are gradually going the way of their 14" ancestors. Next thing is we will all be importing 16" rims just to keep our vans on the road.
Or maybe we'll be organising a group purchase of imported tyres next!
Cheers, Roger Beetle.
On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 5:09 PM, Francesca Coles <fcoles6@gmail.com> wrote:I completely rescind any complaint about the weather here. I've just had a look at Yasi in the making on YouTube and it's terrifying stuff. Hartmut, I am in agreement with you about our climate being out of balance. We are talking here about potentially the most powerful cyclone that Australia has experienced in recorded history. Those poor people!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em9fbjCh2n0&feature=related
On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 4:31 PM, Francesca Coles <fcoles6@gmail.com> wrote:Right you are. I will wait for my photographer husband to do it justice. It's been disgustingly hot in Melbourne too, but a cool change has saved the day. Glad to hear your Blue Beauty is back on the road - what a headache!F.On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 4:28 PM, Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@bigpond.com> wrote:
We need some photos Francesca.For all those that cant follow you around.Bloody hell its hot!Cheers,ScottSent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 4:23 PMSubject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: TyresHi,
We had our Firestone Destination ATs fitted today. Rims and tyres look very good and drives well, at least as far as I've been able to test them out so far, driving short distances on suburban streets at 60 km/h. As I had Theo hot on my heels today, I let him know the good news that the spare miraculously fits underneath in the clam shell - phew! I thought others of you may wish to know this piece of info too. I was a wee bit disappointed that I didn't need a ladder to climb up into the cab exactly, but new springs would make all the difference. I may look into those Van Cafe mini hub caps as it looks a bit 'agricultural' as is.Thanks again for all the advice,Francesca.
On Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 5:20 PM, <Gullyraker@aol.com> wrote:
No wurries Theo.
205 section tyres have become a bit of a dinosaur and will be harder and harder to find as time goes by. As other members of the group have suggested, it's probably a good idea to buy six and rotate them, so that you will still have a spare if you trash one.
As fashions change, 15" AT LT tyres are gradually going the way of their 14" ancestors. Next thing is we will all be importing 16" rims just to keep our vans on the road.
Or maybe we'll be organising a group purchase of imported tyres next!
Cheers, Roger Beetle.
If these 15" tyres fit under, then I'm guessing it's a 70 profile tyre, which dimensionally probably equates near enough to the original 14" 75 profile tyre, so achieving similar original ground clearance plus little/no loss of gearing output for hillclimbing.
All good, so long as maximum ground clearance afforded by a 15" 75 profile tyre isn't the top priority.
Enjoy.
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Coe <peter@coeconsult.com.au>
Sent: Tuesday, 1 February 2011 5:07 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Tyres
[The entire original message is not included]
----- Original Message -----From: Francesca ColesSent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 4:31 PMSubject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: TyresRight you are. I will wait for my photographer husband to do it justice. It's been disgustingly hot in Melbourne too, but a cool change has saved the day. Glad to hear your Blue Beauty is back on the road - what a headache!
F.
On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 4:28 PM, Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@bigpond.com> wrote:
We need some photos Francesca.For all those that cant follow you around.Bloody hell its hot!Cheers,ScottSent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 4:23 PMSubject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: TyresHi,
We had our Firestone Destination ATs fitted today. Rims and tyres look very good and drives well, at least as far as I've been able to test them out so far, driving short distances on suburban streets at 60 km/h. As I had Theo hot on my heels today, I let him know the good news that the spare miraculously fits underneath in the clam shell - phew! I thought others of you may wish to know this piece of info too. I was a wee bit disappointed that I didn't need a ladder to climb up into the cab exactly, but new springs would make all the difference. I may look into those Van Cafe mini hub caps as it looks a bit 'agricultural' as is.Thanks again for all the advice,Francesca.
On Sun, Jan 30, 2011 at 5:20 PM, <Gullyraker@aol.com> wrote:
No wurries Theo.
205 section tyres have become a bit of a dinosaur and will be harder and harder to find as time goes by. As other members of the group have suggested, it's probably a good idea to buy six and rotate them, so that you will still have a spare if you trash one.
As fashions change, 15" AT LT tyres are gradually going the way of their 14" ancestors. Next thing is we will all be importing 16" rims just to keep our vans on the road.
Or maybe we'll be organising a group purchase of imported tyres next!
Cheers, Roger Beetle.
Francesca,
Do you have the pressed metal ‘clamshell’ or the rectangular reinforced carrier?
Les
From:
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Francesca Coles
Sent: 01 February 2011 16:23
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia]
Re: Tyres
I let him know the good news that the spare miraculously fits underneath in the clam shell - phew!
Francesca.
On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 8:19 PM, Les Harris <leslieharris@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
Francesca,
Do you have the pressed metal ‘clamshell’ or the rectangular reinforced carrier?
Les
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Francesca Coles
Sent: 01 February 2011 16:23Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Tyres
I let him know the good news that the spare miraculously fits underneath in the clam shell - phew!
Francesca.