Member Since: 25 May 2011
Location: oman
Posts: 22
Middle East Tyres for my D3
Hi all,
I have a 2008 D3 SE currently shod with Michelin Latitudes.
The tyre size is 255/60R18 112
The existing rubber is OK but the fronts are showing some degradation, with the tread surface breaking up after a couple of years use. (tramlines??)
This is my first experience of the Michelins and I am disappointed about how they have worn and that they feel spongy when cornering.
So hunting around for a new set of rubber I came to the conclusion that not many companies make this size and my options are therefore limited. Also, living in Oman there isn't a lot of choice...
I am looking for a tyre that is good on road and on sand and, can also cope with the odd foray onto rock. It also needs to cope with high temperatures and has almost zero chance of seeing mud or snow.
I have had good experience with Bridgestone in the past but the only type that will fit is the Dueller HP Sport - has anyone tried these??
Recommendations gratefully recieved
Jd
29th Aug 2013 7:49 am
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23812
I can vouch for how good Pirelli ATR's are on road and rocks, but I've not used them on sand or in extreme temps.
Having used both ATR's and MTR's on the same tracks in Exmoor, I found the less aggresive tread pattern of the Pirelli ATR to work better on slippery rocks than the Goodyear MTR's which have an aggessive open tread pattern.
I think that some people here have used the ATR's in Morroco, so hopefully they'll comment on their ability in sand. I've heard and read, that on sand aggressive Mud Terrain tyres are a hinderance as they tend to "dig in".
29th Aug 2013 12:43 pm
jdflute
Member Since: 25 May 2011
Location: oman
Posts: 22
Thanks for the recommendation but they are outside my price range at the moment
Looked at goodyear/continental/michelin/pirelli but these are between GBP176 to GBP226
The cooper's are 265/60/R18 114T whist the toyo's are 255/60/R18 112H which is LR spec.
Am I going to have a problem with the dealer if I fit the Coopers? at 10mm extra width I doubt there would be an issue with rubbing.
Any opinions about the two? remeber I live in a hot country with a fair amount of sand
I also like the Cooper At3 but these have a 110T load rating
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73066
LT wrote:
I can vouch for how good Pirelli ATR's are on road and rocks, but I've not used them on sand or in extreme temps.
I've seen ATRs in use in Tunisia and they did fine in the sand and rocky sections. Only tyres that were doing better in the sand was my road tyres. They got a puncture or two from thorns but no more than those on MTRs or me on roads. Temps were up as high as 42c. Would live to be going back there.
Gratuitious pic of D3 playing in the sand.
Click image to enlarge
31st Aug 2013 12:29 pm
PSC
Member Since: 01 May 2006
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 255
Re: Middle East Tyres for my D3
jdflute wrote:
I have had good experience with Bridgestone in the past but the only type that will fit is the Dueller HP Sport - has anyone tried these??
I had these on my D3 - They are a Summer - Sport tire - which appears to fit your weather - they should be OK in sand and make a good highway tire (they have the same tread pattern as a RE050)
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They got a puncture or two from thorns but no more than those on MTRs or me on roads. Temps were up as high as 42c. Would live to be going back there. 
