AT TYRE TEST #2
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Manuel Reis ReisParticipantThank you for the much-wanted tyre test. Tyre tests come too seldom. The significant effort by the SA4x4 team for this test is much appreciated.
For overlanding, I agree with your criteria for selecting tyres. If not overlanding, then grip, longevity and comfort (and road-noise) are my key criteria for selecting tyres.
Having owned and driven 4×4 SUVs since 2005, and done 290 000km on four sets of tyres (two HTs, two ATs), my experience has been as follows.
On tar, my experience with Michelin Latitude HTs was excellent. I valued their superior performance on tar (especially their braking and handling in the wet), their comfort and low road noise on tar and gravel, and their durability. If I buy HT tyres again, it will be Michelin tyres.
I travelled 3500km through Namibia, fully laden with four people onboard, mostly on gravel roads on BF Goodrich AT tyres, without any punctures. On gravel, the BFGs performed well, but on tar they were poor performers in terms of braking, grip in the wet, road noise and fuel consumption.
I may buy them again for the peace of mind while travelling Namibia or other neighbouring countries with rough roads. If overlanding/travelling in SA only, I may choose another AT tyre. Considering that 95-97% of the distance I travel is on tar, I should buy HT tyres, but I’ll be returning to Namibia later this year and the peace of mind from a high-strength (tougher) three-ply sidewall AT tyre may be worth the compromise and a higher price.
In 12-15 000km I will be buying a new set of tyres: if HTs, it will be Michelin; if ATs, I am undecided and will be considering General Grabber AT3 or Michelin LTX AT2 (in two-ply), or Dunlop Grandtrek or BF Goodrich (in three ply).
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