Back when I bought my current four wheel drive, the Big Dog, I thought I'd do the responsible thing and retain the existing factory-fitted tyres until they wore out rather than changing them right away like I would normally. Changing them right away would have meant losing their value as they're pretty much worthless to resell, even when new, plus the $2,000+ hit for the new set. I thought I was being responsible.
Each year I'd look at those tyres and think, replace them now? But each time there was life left in them and I decided to keep them for a little while longer.
The problem with the factory tyres is that they're not as capable as what I'd eventually put on the vehicle and are on-road tyres. On tarmac they're great, comfortable, quiet and grippy, but in off-road situations they're simply inadequate so I had to think twice before getting into the rough stuff and drive accordingly when I did. I figured it was worth that compromise to get some value out of the tyres though, what's a few years of putting up with that huh?
Five fucken years later and I still had those factory (shit on-road) tyres fitted.
With the 2020 shenanigans I didn't do the trips I had planned and so the tyres simply haven't had the running time. Besides, I bought the vehicle brand new in April 2018 just for doing trips not daily driving, and it's still only got 36,000 kilometres on the odometer (22,300 miles). I've been itching to get the new tyres fitted but the responsible side of me kept winning the argument. Yes, I argue with myself sometimes, doesn't everyone?
Anyway, today my responsible self finally lost the argument and the big dog got rubbered up, the original tyres were looking pretty bad and I figured I'd wrung the value out of them.
As always, I fitted BF Goodrich off-road tyres, the K02 in particular in the 285/60R18 size suitable for my vehicle of course. That's the width (285), tyre-wall aspect ratio (60) and rim diameter (R18). Above you can see the factory fitted tyres and to the right the new BFG's.
They're not a full mud tyre, muddy's are very noisy on the road and I hate them, but the tread-block pattern on the K02 is way more aggressive than a normal on-road tyre which is what provides the off-road capabilities in mud, sand, snow, rocks and other such terrain. They have an extremely tough construction on the face and sidewalls to prevent staking and the sidewalls are designed with a staggered tread block to provide better grip and manoeuvrability in soft sand, dirt and snow. The tread pattern is also designed to throw out mud, snow and sand from the tyre tread so the tread blocks can bite into the terrain which provides the traction.
They can also be aired-down to low pressures as needed, something I do a lot. It increases the footprint of the tyres on soft surfaces for more traction and also provides a better ride in tough terrains, like rocky surfaces in creek beds. On tarmac roads they run reasonably quiet due to the sipes cut into the tread-blocks which prevent them slapping on the road as the tyre rotates which reduces the noise of course; these are the thin lines cut through the tread blocks shown close up in the collage above, top right.
Overall, they're the best off road tyre I've used, and I've used a lot, and are well worth the exorbitant price one needs to pay for them.
When I purchased the vehicle, I began to squirrel cash away in an envelope now and then knowing the tyres would need replacing eventually and what they'd cost me so I've had the money sitting there ready to pay for them for a few years now.
I've always done this as it makes sense to plan and save for known costs ahead of time. (Unknown too). At $440 per tyre, (I get five because I replace the spare also), plus the wheel alignment at $70 my pocket was a lot lighter today. I know that $2,270AUD ($1,512USD) is a lot to fork out for five rings of rubber, but for where I go in my vehicle and what I ask it to do, there can be no compromise. Getting into trouble in remote areas of Australia can be deadly and the right equipment is critical to safety.
Despite my pocket hurting a bit now, and certainly being much emptier, I'm happy that I've got Big Dog's new rubber on. It means I can get out on some tougher tracks and terrain with confidence knowing the big fella will be more sure-footed with his new boots on. I'm looking forward to pulling on my own boots and hitting the trails in the wilderness, it's where I feel most alive, and know I'll get a few years of use from today's costly tyre-event.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default; tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind - galenkp
[All original and proudly AI free]
Any images in this post are my own.
Haha, I am terrible for tyres and keeping them until they are barely legal.
Those look like corkers that you put on though! Worth the dough
I tend to be the opposite, play it safe and change the tyres just before I need to although probably left it too long with the Big Dog. I've had a blow out whilst doing 120kph and it wasn't any fun so I'm a little cautious.
These BFG's are the business huh? Such capable tyres. I'm pretty chuffed with having them on now.
If that was the blowout I remember seeing it was quite the shredded thing! Tyre looked worse than a newborn horses hoof!
I had a "perished looking" tyre according to my mechanic that I should think about getting replaced. One month later it just popped. Fortuantely I was parking but that was a pisser.
They really are. Proper tyres!
That's the one. I was lucky to get away with it so lightly, it could easily have gone far worse...and that wasn't even an old tyre. I've always been careful with tyres, check pressures weekly and visually inspect, seems prudent.
That image is a newborn horse's hoof? Ye gods!
I saw a clickbaity video which I clicked saying newborn horses gives are like alien monsters and they were right, they really were!!!
I guess you have to with the driving you do. I check mine every few weeks for pressure as I know it shags the mileage if they are too soft. With my old monster I need the best consumption I can get!!
I just googlerised it...WTF, who would have thought. Fucken wacky horses man. (Nature is weird though right?)
Nature is weirder than a baboon's ass!
To get 5 years of service out of your first set of tires is very good, but the upgrade looks amazing. I am sure "Big Dog" will be able to handle whatever terrain you challenge him with now. Enjoy it!
Yeah, five years is a long time but it's only 36,000km so not too amazing. I should get a lot more out of these new BFG's.
well thats some real tyres you´ve put on here. You should have done some donuts to wear the others off quicker ;)
I´m in australia now and really wanted a real 4x4 this time but they went up in price so crazy that I bought a "normal" car again as it wasn´t worth it for a few days of off road during that year.
have fun in the mud with your new tyres :)
Lol, yeah a mate of mine said I should have shredded the old ones.
Oh cool, you're in Aus! I hope the weather is turning it on for you wherever you are and you're enjoying it.
Yeah why not :)
we´re on the sunshine coast but will soon do a trip up north. weather is good now but was pretty shitty a couple of days ago. cold kicked in from one day to the other. what should i say, i simply love your country :)
Ah cool, the Sunny Coast...I have a mate who lives in the hinterland above Coolum Beach about half way to Yandina.
It's a beautiful country man, and I hope you see as much as possible. I just gave you a follow so I don't miss any. You're not getting to South Australia?
cool, know the area pretty well. we used to stay in maroochydore and buderim but this time we live in Marcoola, bit more chilled and not so busy. A friend lives in coolum
It is and we enjoy every minute. Trying to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
I don´t think so. Maybe a bit further south in summer but I guess we won´t make it further as southern nsw
Enjoy your time up there and ranging around the area. Get onto Fraser Island if you can, (4x4 required) even if it's on a tour, you'll not regret it.
Thanks, we will. Been on Fraser years ago with a tour. Think I´ll lend a friends 4x4 this time an go by ourself
Those are some nice tires. My friend has a set of those on his Silverado if I remember correctly. With the chrome rims they look really sharp. My other friend has some pretty aggressive tires on his Jeeps that he takes rock climbing. I was going to get some new tires for my 2500, but I am sticking mostly to road tires since we use the truck to pull our trailer on the highway. Tires with a better tread pattern would be nice in the winter though. I usually just throw some chains in the bed of the truck and cross my fingers!
I've seen those rock climbers in action, aggressive tyres aired way down and all...looks like fun. We have an event here for it, but not in my State so I've not seen it live. It looks good though, dangerous and fun.
2500 (Ram I guess). Nice trucks. We have the Ram model range here too, also the Chevrolet equivalents and I'd really like one. I went for the Landcruiser instead simply for something different as I've always hat trucks but I'll go back to a truck eventually. I tow with it too, had a GVM upgrade and did a 2" lift on it, off road suspension and other mods also. There's a few more things I want to do as well although it's capable as it is.
I get what you mean with the tyres. Running on the tarmac mostly calls for on-road rubber, no doubt. Many run two sets here, swapping them out as needed like in Finland where my brother is. They have spiked tyres for winter. Here a person might have a set of muddy's to bolt on when heading out and off road. It's a costly way to go, but saves money over time.
I don't think I could afford to have two sets of tires. I have all the stuff to swap them out. My buddy has a lift too, so I can always head over there. My truck is a GMC Sierra. I had a 1500, but it got squirrelly towing our travel trailer, so when it blew a cylinder, I upgraded. That friend I mentioned just went out to Moab Utah and did a bunch of rock climbing with his restored Jeep Willies. He has a Hive account I created for him @a4xjeeper. It sounds like you made a smart fecit with your vehicle and did some awesome upgrades to it.
Now I'm a little jealous...but happy for you. Lol.
Legit.
More legit.
Added that account to favourites in case he posts.
I will have to get on him!
Indeed, crack the whip...in the nicest possible way.
Well spent money if your ever in a situation where they are needed. Better to have them and not need them, than need them and not have them. I always say Australia is one place I would love to visit, but it seems like everything there seems to kill you if it bites you 😀.
I'm usually in a situation when they're needed, off-roading for fun, camping, hunting or whatever.
It's a pretty awesome place but yes, there's a lot that will kill someone who isn't a little prepared and educated on things.
Ha, yeah, meant a situation where you REALLY STUCK needing a good off-road tire and not the tires you had. Been there with my truck before. Although it is not a 4x4, it had some smooth road tires and I got into some soft dirt once and got stuck. After that I was done with that. I bought some better tires meant for some more rugged work. It is a pampered baby now and just got painted, so will probably never see mud or dirt again, but still has those tires becuase they last. I also like how they handle on the road when it is wet, unlike the smoother road tires it had.
Hope to see some pics of the Big Dog in action later on.
Yeah man, it wouldn't do to get caught out somewhere with those factory shitters. It's amazing the difference the right tyres make
I've had vehicles like this so I understand.
Possibly, when time permits. The problem is that most of my off-road adventures are solo, just my vehicle so there's no one to take the shots. Parking up in a precarious position and getting out for photos isn't always viable. It'll happen though, no doubt.
Yep... Gotta keep the boots fresh
Mustang just got rebooted about a month ago. Around $1400 usd. Alignment included. Ya gotta line em up if ya gonna dance with new boots on.
Maybe someday the old Dodge will get it's 38 interco swamper/boggers. But it is pretty far down the wants and needs list.
I just got a DeWalt battery operated grease gun. So I am looking for grease fittings.
Can I stop by and lube you up buddy..? Har Har Hardy Har.
Or would you rather I did some routering for you. Tools and Tires, a campfire and a girl person...
The rest of the world can now EFF off thank you very much.
New boots for the 'Stang and DeWalt stuff in the same month? Jeez man, you're fucken spoilt! I like it!
One must be routered dude, of that there is no doubt.
I'm on my third set of tyres on a car that's got 56,000KM.
I enjoy acceleration and corners. :D
Haha, I was thinking when I read it, *yep, that's a lot of tyres for those km's. Then you clarified and I'm like...Gran Turismo 7 player.
They've all been supersofts, bro :D
(Apart from the factory Michelins that were on there)
Then there was a set of Pirellis, now there's a set of Goodyear.
Lol, yeah the supers are always fast, but just don't last.
I had Pirelli P-Zero's on an Audi A5 Coupe I had. Grippy as fuck but they lasted 13,000km. Never bought them again.
(Bugger the race is cancelled this week huh?)
With how little driving I do, it doesn't really matter. The rdate on the tyre reaches 5 years before the tread expires. :D
I certainly don't know anything about vehicles, it's not my forte but what I do know is that with this renovation and acquisition you will be able to go to more places to enjoy and of course I want pictures!
I am glad and congratulate you for this achievement and improvement, for the places to see and enjoy that feed the soul!
Hugs @galenkp!!!
There's always pictures. 😊
I'll be waiting for those photos!
Haha... We all argue with our inner selves and it is cool and frustrating at both times😁😂😂.
Thankfully, Big Dog looks good and new.
Yep, self-argumemts happen...it can be frustrating when the multiple personalities simply can't agree though right? 🤣
Haha... Yes, it is. It makes you want to sit down and have a very long conversation with yourself🤣🤣🤣.
Indeed...in fact, I think I'm going to go chat with myself over a cup of coffee with now.
That's perfect. Hehe, have fun with coffee and greater fun with the chat.
Wow! Solid boots! With such it is not scary to get into any dirt on the road.😉
Yeah, I asked Big Dog if he likes his new boots and he reckons they're bloody excellent! 😆
Very smart. Unfortunately I'm not good at planning like that, but luckily my wife is, so we get by. It's made better by the fact that I hate spending money on anything and usually don't unless I have to, so that kind of balances out my inability to plan purchases.
Hope the new tires work out well for you!
I grew up without having much at all and have worked hard to have a few things over my life. I learned to plan ahead, even though I don't know I'll make it into the future...so far I have, and that means I look at big rock type things that I know will come up and squirrel away some funds. Actually, in general I'm good with money and forward-planning. Just makes sense to me.
They tyres will perform well, I've had many sets before on other vehicles and they've not once let me down.
I'm not a tire expert, but I do know that Big-Dog is truly spectacular!
36000 kilometers are nothing, it's really new, but the years of the damned covid have to be recovered!
In any case, I often talk to myself, I ask myself questions, I answer myself, sometimes I scold myself, sometimes I compliment myself... but I have a really good dialogue with myself... I'd say that I understand myself immediately eh eh!
Haha! Yeah, I finally the same man, it's probably quite normal. We all have an internal dialogue, scolding, chastising, praising, questioning and so on...Sometikes InjiY talk to myself because no one else wants to listen. Lol.
Yes true, it happens to me too... when no one wants to listen to me I have nice big talks to myself dehihihi!
Wow!
$2,270 is no small money for just tyres. I understand it is as a result of your engagementy and environment though, but I still find it surprising.
It's a lot of money, but remember, I'm in Australia not Nigeria, so it's probably difficult for you to comprehend how the amount relates to my income and in respect of the financial situation in the very affluent country in which I live. I don't want to get into the figures of course, however if you were to see it in perspective it may make more sense.
I'm not saying it is not a lot of money because it actually is, but when looked at objectively with all the information it looks a little different.
That's it, Australia and Nigeria. I know so much about the financial aspect of your country. I know what it means to go for the needful, I am not disputing the fact that those tyres are worth it. Within me I had to analyze that if that amount can easily go for tyres then, there's a lot more coming in as your income.
It's just like we spend time(years) or months accumulating just what can be obtained in just a day, month, who knows.
I had to see it your way for a realistic view.
Paying $2270 for car tyres is a whole lot. Also, why did you name your car the Big Dog? Are you a fan on Roman Reings? I know him as the big dog. Hahaha
I'm the G-dog, the car is big so it's Big Dog. I've just added the name to this image to cover up my license plate numbers.
when I hear Big Dog I always have to think of Duane Chapman the Bounty Hunter :)
I don't know who that is. Looks like an idiot though, or a reject from the Conan the Barbarian movie.
😂 well he looks a bit goofy. it was a tv series about a bounty hunter...I did not watch it, learned about it on south park years ago and could not get it out of my head
Haha, well, South Park is good for something then, one never knows what one will learn.
$2,270 for tyres it seems like you really love your car.
Well, the post clearly explains why I paid that much, I'm not inclined to go over it again.
very interesting name of your car, I like it big dog 😉 I am happy to see that your recover it.
Excellent.
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i love toyota cars nice photo my friend
Excellent, thanks.
$2,270 for tyres it seems like you really love your car. Paying $2270 for car tyres is a whole lot. Also, why did you name your car the Big Dog? Are you a fan man. I know him as the big dog. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I'm the G-dog, the car is big so it's Big Dog. I've just added the name to this image to cover up my license plate numbers.
Man that girl is copying comments and sharing it like she wrote.
Check @jhndvdcnbrl, @rafzat's comments
This user is cut and pasting other people's comments? Can you send me a link to some? And what do the otter two users you mention have to do with it?
@soneyatoma copied @jhndvdcnbrl and @rafzat's comments. If you check these comments you can see that girl's comment is copied from these 2 users.
It'll rain downvotes then, I'm not tolerant of that sort of nutbaggery.
https://ecency.com/hive-188409/@soneyatoma/re-cthings-2023519t1962875z
https://ecency.com/hive-194913/@soneyatoma/re-dbooster-2023517t114942387z
https://ecency.com/hive-127788/@soneyatoma/re-creativemary-2023517t114336497z
Take a look at the other comments under the posts and you will see what I mean.
All good, that account will never earn another cent here.