Big Jim wrote:I think I have a different view point . I expect AT tyres have pretty strong sidewalls , but a puncture there , which I have had on a car , and it's time to buy another . I think the amount I use the truck I would reach their 7 year life before I wear out the tread . How much offroading do you all do ? I am pretty limited , only having 2x4 so for 99% of the time a road tyre is good for me .
True - sidewall punctures are pretty much game over. A friend in the US managed to plug a huge hole for long enough to drive out of a desert - but side wall repairs are for emergencies only.
However, one point about the stronger sidewalls is to prevent sidewall damage in the first place, especially when aired down.
Even though you have 4x2 you could still benefit from having more aggressively tread pattered rear tires. With the weight of the camper over the rear axle and probably a limited slip differential, couple that with something like Cooper Discoverer STTs on the rear and you would probably have more offroad capability than an unladen 4x4 truck on road tyres. Something to consider when you have to change tyres.
Even if you don't intentionally plan to drive offroad, the ability to get yourself off a wet sloping campsite or a grass verge is really useful. A few weeks ago we camped at a site where the grass was very soft. We drove onto and off of the grass in rear wheel drive, with the rear all terrain tyres giving us all the grip we needed. A couple in a van-based camper got instantly stuck and had to be winched off.
Steve.
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