Tire letter to Toyota

[pmdata]

I just sent out a letter to Toyota regarding my disappointment in their choice of the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 840 as OEM equipment for the 4Runner. I told them that the wet traction characteristics for the tires were poor and that it was an ill-suited choice for the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner. If you notice the official website, pamphlets and brochures for the 4Runner, they all depict moderate off-road situations that the 840's are not designed for. At 1000 miles I had a flat, not due to a road hazard and I have had the ABS kick in at low speeds on wet, non-painted pavement. For a SUV that runs around $30,000, I feel that this is unacceptable. I've also had my 4Runner on sandy, slightly torn up back roads and had no confidence my tires.

I requested a credit on the 840's for a better A/T tire of my choice to be installed at a local dealer. It's a long shot, but I'm going to keep pressing the issue. I'll let everyone know the results.

Has anyone here formally requested anything similar from Toyota Corporate?

TIA
Pete

 

[malmgren]

Would you mind passing on a non-verbatim copy of that letter in PM? I'd like to send one in myself.

 

[pmdata]

Would you mind passing on a non-verbatim copy of that letter in PM? I'd like to send one in myself.

No problem. It will have to wait until Monday/Tuesday since it's on my work machine. Email or pm me your email address.

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

With how many millions (or is it billions) in cash reserves, I think Toyota will laugh at your letter.

Unfortunately, Toyota has a whole teams of lawyers, and if they did this for you they would have to potentially cough up millions for so many others.

While I applaud your effort - it's not gonna happen.....

 

[brad6841]

You know they choose the BFG Rugged Trail for the Tacomas.....I don't understand why they put such terrible tires on the 4Runners.....

Mine are the Dunflop GrandTrek.....and I dislike them thoroughly......probably going to have to replace them before winter....

 

[pmdata]

With how many millions (or is it billions) in cash reserves, I think Toyota will laugh at your letter.

Unfortunately, Toyota has a whole teams of lawyers, and if they did this for you they would have to potentially cough up millions for so many others.

While I applaud your effort - it's not gonna happen.....

You're probably right. But I'm going to keep pushing it. If it were a $500 option to get the best tires at the time of purchase, I would have paid it.

These tires are for the RAV4. Maybe the Highlander. But the 4Runner? Anyone know what the Landcruiser gets for OEM tires?

EDIT:
The Bridgestones may work on the 4Runner for the dry street, no snow, zero off-road crowd. Most of those should have bought Highlanders.

 

[XJeepguy]

I have had these on several 4x4's I've owned . Hard to beat these . Not sure if Michelin makes this model anymore . But they sure last a long time and have really good traction ! Little more money but a good tire

http://www.epinions.com/auto-Tires-All-Michelin_LTX_A_T/display_~reviews

 

[brad6841]

I have had these on several 4x4's I've owned . Hard to beat these . Not sure if Michelin makes this model anymore . But they sure last a long time and have really good traction ! Little more money but a good tire

http://www.epinions.com/auto-Tires-All-Michelin_LTX_A_T/display_~reviews

Yes they do......sorta......it's been redesigned......

Been waiting for someone to buy a set to see how the redesign works. My dad had the old design on his old 4Runner and he loved them.

 

[XJeepguy]

Dont know why they go and mess with a good design . Your right ,need to hear some feedback on those first . Not sure if it is that photo or not but they sure look more shallow in tread depth than the old reliable AT's

Yes they do......sorta......it's been redesigned......

Been waiting for someone to buy a set to see how the redesign works. My dad had the old design on his old 4Runner and he loved them.

 

[sharp4runr]

I've taken my truck to Rausch Creek park and through the mud there with some other members. My truck came through with the stock dunlops with about 25k or so miles on there (don't remember actual mileage). I'd say it was moderate off road driving conditions so the tires definitely can handle it. The tires are ok for what they are and they can handle moderate conditions, but heavy mud will get you stranded for sure. Toyota understands that the majority of the owners will hardly ever take their vehicles offroad, and for the small percentage who do, they know that there are already plans to replace the tires. So with that in mind, they get a quote from the tire manufacturers and get the cheapest tires that will do the job.

I've heard a lot of complaints about the stock tires on the 4Runners, but I don't hear of people careening off cliffs because the tires lose traction or blow outs like the Fords used to have. They are stock tires, take them for what they are.

Also, I'm at about 39k and I'm looking to replace them this winter depending on how much snow we get.

 

[Even Steven]

Engineers tend to focus on lower rolling resistance (for better fuel economy), low noise (for a more comfortable driving experience), and good street oriented performance, rather than focusing on the offroad ability of an OEM tire.

If you are like many of us here, you'll find the OEM tires marginal at best, and swap them out well before they are worn out. Many tire shops will give you cash for your original tires toward the purchase of a new set. But that's only if you swap them out before they get a lot of miles on them. If you're beyond that point already, you can always swap them out and sell your original set on ebay or criagslist.

 

[pmdata]

I've taken my truck to Rausch Creek park and through the mud there with some other members. My truck came through with the stock dunlops with about 25k or so miles on there (don't remember actual mileage). I'd say it was moderate off road driving conditions so the tires definitely can handle it. The tires are ok for what they are and they can handle moderate conditions, but heavy mud will get you stranded for sure. Toyota understands that the majority of the owners will hardly ever take their vehicles offroad, and for the small percentage who do, they know that there are already plans to replace the tires. So with that in mind, they get a quote from the tire manufacturers and get the cheapest tires that will do the job.

I've heard a lot of complaints about the stock tires on the 4Runners, but I don't hear of people careening off cliffs because the tires lose traction or blow outs like the Fords used to have. They are stock tires, take them for what they are.

Also, I'm at about 39k and I'm looking to replace them this winter depending on how much snow we get.

I agree that you haven't heard many horror stories regarding the OEM tires. I believe that is because that those who are smart about the tires that came with their 4Runners don't push the limits and don't want to get stranded. On the other hand, those that have no clue, and have tire failures on the trail or elsewhere, probably aren't smart enough to post the results here.

Either way, the 4Runner doesn't deserve a below average tire.

 

[sharp4runr]

Well I guess we can agree to disagree. I don't think the stock tires are below average for OEM tires, seem on par for what other manufacturers are putting on their vehicles. If there was anything for Toyota to skimp on the 4Runner, I'm glad it would be the tires. The tires are easy to replace. The rest of the truck is just great.

 

[pmdata]

Well I guess we can agree to disagree. I don't think the stock tires are below average for OEM tires, seem on par for what other manufacturers are putting on their vehicles. If there was anything for Toyota to skimp on the 4Runner, I'm glad it would be the tires. The tires are easy to replace. The rest of the truck is just great.

I agree with you. No complaints with the rest of the truck, and the tires are easy enough to replace.

The CRV gets the same Dueler H/T tires as OEM. Seems strange to me.

It's not a huge deal, I just don't like the choice. If there was a TRD 4Runner that included the Revo's for tires, I would have gone that route.

 

[shootmymime]

well seems like we are talking about tires and letters to the steelers i mean dealers this is my story, i have 2 4runners, 1996 and a 2003,

about 4 months ago i had 2 letters come off the tail gate, (back door) so i talked to the dealer and they just blew me off... so i wrote a very strong feeling letter (i let them have it, but nicely) and the next day i got a reply that said something like this "sorry pat for the inconvenience, take this letter to the dealer and eveything will bbe straitend out" soi didn and what do you know the dealer was more than welcome to take car of my car for free... but no if and or buts...

still hate the dealers! gotta love the 4runners tho!

and sorry i dont have the email

 

[riverwolf]

The CRV gets the same Dueler H/T tires as OEM. Seems strange to me.

I've seen this posted in a couple of threads now and have to point out that it's not quite accurate. The CR-V, at least pre 2007 models, get a different model of Dueler, the 6xx series, maybe 684? something like that. And it is a different creature entirely. I've got 40+k on my 4R Duelers and plenty of tread life left; the wife's CR-V is ready for new tires at 25k.

-Brent

 

[pmdata]

I've seen this posted in a couple of threads now and have to point out that it's not quite accurate. The CR-V, at least pre 2007 models, get a different model of Dueler, the 6xx series, maybe 684? something like that. And it is a different creature entirely. I've got 40+k on my 4R Duelers and plenty of tread life left; the wife's CR-V is ready for new tires at 25k.

-Brent

Interesting. Thanks.

It seems like I'm one of a few who's not happy with the tires on their 4Runner.