Tire options

[jwfchase]

I know this topic has been covered in a few different places on the site (though sometimes a bit tricky to find- perhaps this topic qualifies as a FAQ: I'm sure most first-timers end up having to get new tires when their Deli comes off the boat)

Anyhow, from what I've read on here, it seems the BFG A/T is the runaway favourite tire. I'll leave the winter/ vs AT debate out of this question.

What are some tire recommendations from you resident tire experts that cross this site? I love the looks and apparent performance of the AT tires BUT... I know for my wife and I, our soon-to-arrive Delica will be used now and again for some decent off-roading, however most of the time it will be commuting highways and making little road trips to places like Moab UT (Delica fest '09 anyone?) trundling down Interstate Highways. I'm a little concerned about the effect on fuel economy of those big meaty tires, but I don't want a "road tire" that will get us into trouble in the dirt.

Suggestions please!

[jwfchase]

By the way, I meant to post this in "General Discussion" Ooops.

[MardyDelica]

Hi, i used yokohama geolander, ats radial tire, i like the tread pattern,not the ats 2 model, its quite in the highway & good in snow & ice, some off roading is also fine.
check the tread pattern if you like.
hope you got the right one for you.

[PolyTek]

My Delica came with a great set of Yokohama Geolander AT/S tires on the front, and I replaced the rears to match. I have not yet put any road time in on these tires yet, so unfortunately my opinion is yet to be formed. I went with these this time around to keep my budget down, as I only had to buy 2.

I can say that I drove on Bridgestone Deuler AT tires on my 4x4 Toyota van and was reasonably happy with their all-around performance, however I found that they wore out way too quickly, and consequently, I wouldn't buy them again. I replaced the Deulers with Nokian WRs which are rated for extreme winter conditions while carrying a (pro-rated) 80,000km treadlife warranty from Kal Tire. These tires performed very well in snow (fresh & compact), reasonably in icy conditions, and quite well in wet/dry. Road noise was much quieter than with the Deulers. Can't really comment on how they live up to their treadlife warranty as I only used them for about 4 months max. I'm not sure if the Nokian WRs are available in a "C" load range, but they do have a Sport Utility series.

Check out TireRack.com for opinions and ratings of all kinds of tires. I use them all the time for research & sizing.

BTW, the Geolanders I bought (235/75R15) were priced at $196 EACH (incl. mounting, balancing, valve stem & cap) at National Tire Wholesale. I ordered them from TireRack for $101.50 shipped to Blaine, $11 in tax at the border and $31.50 for mounting, balancing and new valve stem, for a grand total of $144 EACH. That's about $50 per tire, so $200 on a set of 4.

Food for thought.

D

[jwfchase]

Thanks Polytek! Tire Rack does seem to be a good site. Here's another question for those of you out there- I know things like offset add a wrinkle, but generall, how big a tire can a Delica fit before you have to start lifting things/ removing trim etc.?

[Green1]

generally people talk about up to 30" as is, 31" with minor mods (removing mud-flaps and side steps, maybe hammering flat a seam or 2) and anything larger seems to require a lift.
Another thing to note is rim width, stock Delica rims shouldn't be used for tires over about 29"

[joedelica]

Look for tires at http://www.tiretrends.com; they are in Maple Ridge and I have picked up two sets of Yoko Geolander's for my Element for $156 a tire. Soon to purchase another set for my Deli coming in Friday at Japanoid, Yeehaw! I have put 123,000km on a set and will continue to buy these.

[PolyTek]

Does that price include tax, mounting and balancing as well?