This is a basic outline of the advantages and disadvantages of the three tyre types explained previously. It is obvious that no one tyre will be able to handle every 4wd condition encountered with 100% success.
Suggested pressures are listed with the All Steel Radials & Bias tyres. These come from our experience and have worked very well for a fully laden Defender 130.
Keep in mind the context of this comparison;
STEEL BELTED RADIALS
General performance
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| Fullfil all legal requirements | Thin sidewall construction |
| Good floatation potential | Steel belts prone to rusting if damaged |
| Wide price range | Not all sizes available in outback areas |
| 3 classes of tyre to choose from | Sidewalls prone to tearing when damaged |
| Tubeless & Tubed tyres | Too many tyres to choose from |
Damage summary
Conclusion
Obviously if you intend to use Steel Belted Radials Off-Track then be prepared for some extra costs. Steel Belted Radials are great for On-Road & Off-Road and that is where they should be used.
ALL STEEL RADIALS - 14 Ply
General performance
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| Very stable On-Road | Poor traction in wet conditions Off-Road |
| Long wear life, deep tread depth | Only available in "narrow" sizes |
| High weight ratings | Lower speed rating than standard tyres |
| Quiet On-Road | Highway tread patterns generally |
| Thick strong sidewall construction | Harsher ride quality |
| Resists staking extremely well | Limited availability |
| Sidewalls do not tear when damaged | Most suited to Split Rims |
| Good floatation | Steel belts prone to rusting if damaged |
Damage summary
Conclusion
All Steel Radials are the middle ground between the common Steel Belted Radial and the old-fashioned Bias tyres. If you intend doing only Off-Track work in the sandy deserts then the All Steel Radial is the way to go, but they will need major repairs done eventually.
BIAS PLY TYRES - 12 & 14 Ply
General performance
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| Impressive stake resistance | Will consume more fuel 5% - 10% |
| Good weight ratings | Low speed ratings |
| Flexible, strong tyre carcass | Suited to Split Rims |
| Highway & traction tread patterns | Limited selection available |
| Inexpensive | Only available in "narrow" sizes |
| Should not require major repairs | Floatation can be a problem |
Damage summary
Conclusion
Obviously the advantage is all with the Bias tyre in regard to damage & repair. Due to their construction they simply outlast any Radial tyre while travelling Off-Track. In fact over the last two years none of our Bias tyres have required a major repair at all. That adds up to quite a saving when you consider that the Bias tyres are inexpensive to purchase initially, and the cheapest tyre to maintain during and after extreme travelling conditions such as Off-Track in the western deserts.
Food for thought......
* Off-Track performance is basically stake resistance to punctures. Australia's deserts & semi-arid country are some of the worst in the world on tyres. Off-track, your number one priority is to keep your tyres inflated. The stronger cased tyres outlast all others.
MICK HUTTON COPYRIGHT 2006
BEADELL TOURS
Mobile : 0408 841 447
Email : Beadell Tours
ABN : 40 947 959 130