Tyres for Towing
 

I am currently in the market few new tyres especially when towing. Apologies if this has been covered [couldn't find anything] but I am after A/Ts [around 265/60/18s] that are a good fit when towing.

I won't be doing any rock climbing or heading to the Cape [leave that to talented drivers] but we are intending hitting several of the outback roads/tracks [Plenty, Oodnadatta, Birdsville, Dowling] in the next 18 months in our Overland and 3.2t Lotus caravan.

Been looking at BFG KO2s and ST/Maxx but concerned about noise and overkill for my needs. I previously had 697's but lasted less than 25000 when towing. Have also looked at Mickey Thompson Deegans and Wildpeaks.

Opinions appreciated.

I use Toyo A/T's 265/65/16's 'Open Country' on my hilux and they are a good all rounder and importantly they are not heard inside the cabin. They are very capable both in the gravel and in the mud and have a fairly stiff sidewall which resists being damaged.

I have STMaxx, they handle ok, fine on wet roads, and indestructible sidewalls despite hitting plenty of rocks and kerbs, but yeah they are noisey, and getting them balanced can be a challenge. Looks like I'll be getting 40-50k out of them, no towing.

The hankook dynapro ATMs are popular, I'm thinking these or KO2s for my next set.

i run hankook dynapro 265/60/r18 . i've currently done 25K on them and they look brand new

If your towing a 3.2T van a lot I would be looking for a LT construction tyre at least on the rear but really for best wear and rotation on all corners. Unfortunately for you there's not many LT construction tyres in your size. If you can fit the BFG 265/65r18LT 122/119S I would say that would be one of your better options. Expensive though. On the cheaper side maybe the Toyo AT in the same size, it's not an LT though so it's just not going to deal with high loads as well. Don't get confused with LT and TL one is a type of construction the other just states the tyre is tubeless.

Hi there,

We also tow a 3.2 tonne van and it is also a Lotus (Freelander!) Are you on the Lotus Caravan Owners Facebook Page? Great group with lots of travel and tips.

The L/T can be sourced in Bridgestone Duellers 697s. As far as I'm aware, they are the only L/T in the 18s. Lots of A/Ts, including Pirelli, BFG, Cooper, etc.

Cheers,
Sally

Love that Jeep/Lotus Combo! :p

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/...pssb7bdhpu.jpg