AT Tyres or Keep OEM

[fatty boy Member Find all posts View Profile Close fatty boy]

I am thinking of driving to/in the outback NSW sometime this year. Also, going to snow this year as well.
So, is it better to keep OEM till their life is over or get a proper ATs to replace them?
For AT, I was looking at BFG 18s as I've got factory 18" rims. Looks like there might a problem with them in NSW on mine?
Also, saw XHILER8 ZR in 17". I didn't know that it is possible to downgrade the rims.

[ROY07 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ROY07]

Replace them straight away you might be able to get some money as trade on a good set of AT's

[zzsstt Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zzsstt]

I am thinking of driving to/in the outback NSW sometime this year. Also, going to snow this year as well.
So, is it better to keep OEM till their life is over or get a proper ATs to replace them?
For AT, I was looking at BFG 18s as I've got factory 18" rims. Looks like there might a problem with them in NSW on mine?

The factory tyres are OK, even for light off road work. For more serious off road work you need to upgrade, both to improve off road traction and to reduce the likelihood of punctures in rough country. Almost any increase in tyre aggressiveness will also result in poorer roadholding (especially in the wet), increased noise and increased fuel consumption. The degree of each, whether they are even noticeable, and whether they are acceptable to you, depends on the tyre in question and your personal preference.

NSW has strict laws (which many people ignore or simply don't know about) and legally you can only fit tyres up to 15mm larger diameter than standard. That rules out most/all mud tyres, but does give some AT tyres at least on the 17" rims. You can change rims+tyres to anything that was used as a factory fitment, and also change the wheels and tyres within the guidelines supplied by the RMS (ex-RTA), but the main problem is the 15mm diameter limit. You can get an engineering certificate to cover a larger increase, our local engineer charges $1000+GST (including all labour and the RMS fees) to test and approve a "sensible" oversized tyre fitment. Alternatively you can simply fit bigger tyres and hope nobody notices, which is what most people seem to do! Be aware that your insurance company are within their rights to invalidate your insurance, and the police can give you a defect notice, if you have made illegal modifications to your vehicle.

Many tyre dealers will give a trade in on an un-used spare tyre, but tend not to want to know about anything with any wear - other than charging you for disposal! You can, of course, sell them privately.

[DGW Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DGW]

If you want to stay legal, only purchase tyres that are the same size as factory. Any bigger in NSW, they need to be engineered, like mine.

Depending on what you want to do with your Prado will determine the tyres for you. The factory tyres are OK but would I trust them on a decent trip off the bitumen, NO. As zzsstt said, it is a compromise and only you can decide which way to go.

Me, I went MTZ's and had them engineered. These tyres are not for everyone for reasons already explained but I would go any LT rated AT tyre over the Grandtreks and let the debate continue

[K & M McF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close K & M McF]

If you are only going on normal public roads (albeit dirt), then keep using the standard tyres.

[fatty boy Member Find all posts View Profile Close fatty boy]

Thanks all. Looks like I'll keep OEMs for now - till the time comes. Till then, I can spend some $$ on BBQ. Looking at snow peak fire pit from drifta. Looks good

Btw - regarding the noise, can you really notice much thru diesel engine noise .

[jonc Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close jonc]

got 55000k's out of the original tyres including the outback loop to Birdsville. let your tyres down to 26lbs and they will take the bad SA roads and rocks.

put Cooper AT3's on after that trip and have done another 40000klms. (including Gibb river Road & the Tanami) only probably 20000klm left in them. very good ride on the black top and only a slight increase in road noise. they have also worn very evenly and not a puncture yet. not a lot of choice in 18 inch. so will probably go for another set