Input on tire choices

N

Newyorker2LA

New member
Hello Everyone,

I've been a watcher for about a year and this is my first post. I have a 2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition that I need to upgrade before I head down to Latin America with it for a couple of years. I've added some SW rock sliders which I love. I was also able to purchase the OW 2.5 lift kit just as they were going out of business. I should have it installed in the near future. I also plan to buy some UCAs, probably light racing or Icon. Additionally, I'm replacing my wheels with the MHT Fuel Offroad 17" Octanes. Overall, I think this will be a decent set-up.

So now my finally questions for all you seasoned veterans out there. The roads are pretty hellish where I'm heading so I want quality tires that can handle the road conditions. I'll be driving on torn up roads, on undeveloped beach roads and in some decent mud. I was hoping to get your input on which tire you feel would be best for the environment:

Mickey Thompson MTZ 285/70R/17

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2

D*ck Cepek Radial FC-11

Nitto Trail Grappler

I'm also open to other suggestions if you have any. I often drive on payment as well so nothing that's going to drive me crazy during normal driving. Thanks in advanced for the input!
 
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KM2's by far, they are probably the best radial mud terrain I have owned that wasn't a purpose built off road tire. Even returned 40,000 mile life on a 2500HD
 
Thanks for the quick reply Rebelbowtie! The manager of the shop here in Virginia who is doing the work on my 4Runner, also seemed to lean towards the KM2s. So far they seem to be the front runners.
 
harper7 said:
BFG KM2's or GY MT/R's with Kevlar are known to be 2 of the toughest.
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Thanks Harper, my friends and I have had some quality control issues with GY tires in the past. I don't have any experience with their MT/R's but their image is tanished with me. But glad to see you approve of the BFG KM2's as well and I appreciate the feedback.
 
If you're considering the MT Baja MTZ (which is a fabulously capable tire) you might also want to consider the Cooper Discoverer STT. Both tires are made on the same Cooper carcass and only differ slightly in tread block design. Both are tough as nails, balance well and give good service both on and off pavement.
 
Discoverer ATP is what I have on my 17inchers. 50k warranty is a nice extra. Won't have a good off road review though until after the FJ Summit in July.

Okki
 
For your purposes KM2s or GY MT/R.

Are you going down there to adventure, or humanitarian aid work or something?

I would keep the bling wheels at home though. I would recommend getting a set of steel wheels. If you damage one you will be able to find a replacement quickly, and no one will want to steal them.

Just a suggestion.

The Latin America region gets the 4Runner so finding replacement things and service probably won't be too much of a problem. The mud in South America is unbelievable. If your budget allows I would get a winch and a front ARB locker. I would also get some other recovery equipment and take a recovery class if you do not have much experience. In some places, if you leave your vehicle to seek help when stuck, it is fair game.

Be safe down there.

P.S. I hope you are not going alone.
 
TOPDECK said:
For your purposes KM2s or GY MT/R.

Are you going down there to adventure, or humanitarian aid work or something?

I would keep the bling wheels at home though. I would recommend getting a set of steel wheels. If you damage one you will be able to find a replacement quickly, and no one will want to steal them.

Just a suggestion.

The Latin America region gets the 4Runner so finding replacement things and service probably won't be too much of a problem. The mud in South America is unbelievable. If your budget allows I would get a winch and a front ARB locker. I would also get some other recovery equipment and take a recovery class if you do not have much experience. In some places, if you leave your vehicle to seek help when stuck, it is fair game.

Be safe down there.

P.S. I hope you are not going alone.
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I'm going down there to work at one of the U.S. Embassies. The good thing is that it shouldn't be too hard to get replacement tires/wheels if needed. We have a special mail service to get us supplies.

As far as the recovery equipment, I agree. I went with the Overland Warehouse 2.5 kit so I can add the front bumper and winch system, probably a shrockworks bumper. I need to research the front locker as well. Man, it's easy to start spending money once you get the gear bug!

P.S. No, won't be going alone, I have some good support. And I certainly appreciate the well wishes!
 
pawzitiv said:
If you're considering the MT Baja MTZ (which is a fabulously capable tire) you might also want to consider the Cooper Discoverer STT. Both tires are made on the same Cooper carcass and only differ slightly in tread block design. Both are tough as nails, balance well and give good service both on and off pavement.
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Thanks for the recommendation. Does the Discoverer STT have any benefit over the MTZ's?
 
Steelies can be repaired, alloys can't. And you probably don't want your truck looking nice down there anyway.

I'd go so far as to suggest you leave it stateside and pick up an old Landcruiser once you get down there. Less likely to attract attention or grow legs, easier to maintain, easier to find parts, and you won't care if it gets friendly with a tree or another vehicle...

If you haven't yet, get over to Expeditionforum.com and read up on some of the central and south american trip reports.
 
KidVermicious said:
Steelies can be repaired, alloys can't. And you probably don't want your truck looking nice down there anyway.

I'd go so far as to suggest you leave it stateside and pick up an old Landcruiser once you get down there. Less likely to attract attention or grow legs, easier to maintain, easier to find parts, and you won't care if it gets friendly with a tree or another vehicle...

If you haven't yet, get over to Expeditionforum.com and read up on some of the central and south american trip reports.
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Where I'm heading it would probably be tough to get the steel rims repaired, at a quality standard. I should be able to get any replacements sent down to me relatively quick. As far as the old Landcruiser idea, that is where I was heading originally but I got restricted to having to ship a vehicle no older than 5 years old. I got a 2010 Trail Edition at a good deal so it was a better deal for me than a 5 year old Landcruiser. I made sure to pay off the 4runner so it doesn't sting so much if (when) it gets dinged. Again, I appreciate the information.
 
Newyorker2LA said:
Where I'm heading it would probably be tough to get the steel rims repaired, at a quality standard. I should be able to get any replacements sent down to me relatively quick. As far as the old Landcruiser idea, that is where I was heading originally but I got restricted to having to ship a vehicle no older than 5 years old. I got a 2010 Trail Edition at a good deal so it was a better deal for me than a 5 year old Landcruiser. I made sure to pay off the 4runner so it doesn't sting so much if (when) it gets dinged. Again, I appreciate the information.
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These are the wheels I'm going with on another 4runner, they're not too blingy. And at this point I'm leaning towards mounting the KM2s on them based on the recommendations at this point. Thanks again to everyone and your feedback.
 

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So my shop in NOVA quoted be nearly $1500 for four BFG KM2s. I checked out Discount Tire Direct and got them purchased for $1135 out the door, including stems. Definitely not a bad way to go for tires!

Now the tires are shipped, light racing UCAs shipped and rear coils shipped. I'm just waiting for the rest of the OW 2.5 kit to be completed and sent out...and the Fuel Octane wheels.
 
Thank you for the tire suggestions. So far I'm very happy with the results.
 

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