The Rover-Landers of BC

I am looking at my options to replace the tires on my 2001 D2. It currently has Geolanders (HTS model) which have been quiet on the pavement, pretty good in snow and great on ice but horrible in mud. Problem is that after only 20k miles they are out of round and sound terrible on the highway above 55 MPH and the manufacturer won't warranty them. This truck is an everyday driver - go to work, drive to town, haul stuff, go on road trips, play on the logging roads and a little off-road stuff (I would really like to successfully climb the hill at next year's Founder's Day) and hopefully if all goes well it will pull my boat and trailer (5500lbs) to and from the launch ramp. Oh, and I can't lift it up more than about 3 inches total otherwise it won't fit into my garage :cry:

I realize that tires are going to have to be a compromise as nothing can do it all well but given the parameters I am wondering what the best option is and I'm hoping to hear from the Disco crowd to get an idea about what is working on their rigs. So far my options are:

Local tire shop wants me to buy Hankooks 245/75R16 (all-season semi-agressive tread) about $1000 all in and installed or Geolanders (more agressive ATS style) for about the same money... I am leary of the Geolanders considering the current Yokohamas I am running have failed after not alot of miles - Hankooks seem OK but are not snow rated (only All-season).

Nanaimo shop suggests Wranglers with a more agressive tread and Kevlar - about $1100 all in (again, 245/75R16s)

Used tire guy has BFG ATs (used) for $500 but they are 265/75R16s (I had 245/75 AT on an RRC and was pleased with them but the 265/75 seems too big for a non-lifted or trimmed D2.... am I right?)

Maybe a set of Mattracks.... hmmmm, $15000 and won't fit in the garage, maybe not... :wink:

I was wondering if anyone has tried 235/85R16s on a D2 - had some on an RRC and thought the ride height was pretty good but the tire shops are saying they will cause too much sway on the highway.

So, brand, model, size - what is working for you right now and what would you recommend for my circumstances?

Regards, Rob

Out of round thumpy tires on a d2 = worn out, likely OEM shocks. Replace the shocks before you replace the tires.

I've had 235/85-16 BFG AT & MT, and now have 255/85-16 BFG MT. The ATs lasted about 75,000 km, the first set of MT lasted about 20 and had an out of round vibration/noise similar to what you describe. I put new shocks on with the ATs.

I have 2" extended springs and purchased shocks with similar extension. (started with 2" aluminum spacers, which worked very well for 4 years). Nothing else is done to the suspension except removal of front and rear sway-bars. (That's why I won't let anyone else drive it!)

I've never had a complaint about the BFG MTs, I always get them siped at install, and they are as quiet and well mannered on the highway as the ATs, but they are much superior off-road.

cheers, Dave

I've got AT's on a Disco 1. I've put about 60,000 kms on them and still have more that half the tread. Bit noiser than the street tires it came with, slight loss of mileage (might just be my right foot).

I did make it over the the course at founders day, right at the end. :lol:

Just my 2 cents


Roger

I think the BFG At should be on your short list. I have always run them when not running my MT's. AT's do alot of things well plus they are well priced.

What about the cantire roughrider M+S, they are really aggressive, just soft enough for serious offroad and are really cheap. Have a look:
http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/005 ... eviews.htm

Thanks for the feedback everyone and as it would happen I did get the roughrider tires from Cdn Tire. The local store in Duncan is relocating and clearing out stock so I was able to put all new boots on the Disco for about $600 all in... tried them out a few days later on our hill 60 run and they were great... only one who didn't have to get towed out of the snowbank :lol: !!! Little noisey on the road but that's to be expected, not a bad tire for the money so far though I hear they are discontinued so there might be some clearance deals on the remaining stock!

Regards, Rob
Ladysmith
2001 D2 - former mall cruiser reclaiming it's Rover heritage

Sounds good....price is decent for sure. I think your only slight concern maybe for any future need to replace a single tire due to warranty or damage due to the fact a replacement may be impossible to find, with a discontinued tire.