T5 Tyres 17" what is available in OZ

[T5gal]

I have been reading this thread with interest. After bad experiences travelling North in 2013 on the original Dunlop Sport. First one went at 15,500km, changed at Katherine, second at 16,000, back to Katherine, third went in the Pilbara and changed at Tom Price. Not much choice out there and I was told these were the only tyres available for this vehicle. 2012 VW T5 Transporter campervan. Had to wait for week for tyre to be sent from Nsw. The second time I bought 2 of them. Glad I did when the third one went.
I tried everything to minimise the stone punctures. Deflating, inflating at every change of road surface. Crawling along at snail pace when on the gravel. Very frustrating.
I have been somewhat put off and hesitant to go off bitumen now. I am considering the Hankooks. Are they available in SA, I am in southern districts. Are they the best for me and my vehicle and my dirt road travelling?

[Tig-uan]

If your priority is driving over sharp stones, you might get only a marginal improvement with Hankooks over Dunlops. To make a real difference, you would need to swap your 17" rims for 16" as there are many heavy-duty van tires in the 16" size. Have a look on Gumtree for 16" rims.

But, you would also need to accept the negatives associated with moving away from Dunlop: the ride, traction and nose level will not be as good.

To stay on 17", consider Michelin Premacy ST 235/55R17 103W, i have had them for about a year. While they are not special in terms of puncture protection, they give extremely supple and quiet ride, so at least you'd be comfortable between tyre repairs

[T5gal]

Thankyou. I need the reassurance of a tough tyre. Reassurance would override noise issues for me. Maybe I need to consider the rim change. However, have you heard any reports of the Michelin on gravel roads?

[Tig-uan]

I think any car-derived tyre in 17" (Dunlop, Michelin, Hankook) will be close together for gravel performance, with Hankook being slightly better since it is rated for mild off-roading.

I think your only option for serious gain in the regard, is to downgrade to 16" rims, and get any of the "van" or "light truck" described tyres, these are designed to take a hit. If you are not fussy about the cost of 16" versus 17" rims, then just walk up to any tradie with a 16" transporter and I think they's be happy to swap the rims with you on the spot.

[Transporter]

Reassurance would override noise issues for me.

I thought that too. But, after one week driving on noisy tyres I've changed my opinion on that. The noise combined with how hard the GoodYear Cargo Vectors are is unbearable. It's like driving on solid rubber wheels.

So, think twice before you spend your cash.

[Tig-uan]

"GoodYear Cargo Vectors are is unbearable. It's like driving on solid rubber wheels."

Yes, I had Cargo Vectors on my other van on 16", (on Renault Trafic van), they are exactly like solid rubber wheels.
I now use Continental Vanco 2 on the Renault, the improvement is huge, these ones approach a car tyre in ride and noise.

[T5gal]

I thought that too. But, after one week driving on noisy tyres I've changed my opinion on that.

So, think twice before you spend your cash.

Oh dear. Thanks for that, still not sure what I will do, though I will consider all of that, Transporter and Tig-uan.

[bobf]

I drive a 2010 T5 campervan, touring weight about 2850kg. I use the dreaded Goodyear Cargo Vectors, as fitted to the Tracka Ats, and although noisy and a bit hard I have found them to be the ducks guts for outback travel - have done Birdsville, stretzleki, Savannah Way, and countless outback tracks on corrugated/stony/rough roads without a puncture, chip etc so travelled far more relaxed on those roads than I ever did with highway tyres.
I use 45 psi on the blacktop and 32-34psi on the gravel, and find the ride acceptable at those pressures and load weight - the Koni shocks probably help as well. Current set of tyres have done 35k and about 50% down and wear is even across the tread. I would love a quieter, softer ride like the original Michelins (lasted 12k under my use) but am prepared to forgo the comfort bits for the reliability and extra load capacity (109 load rated, LT construction)of the Vectors for outback travel.

[Transporter]

It's good know that some people are happy with the Vectors. I saw mine when they were fitting them and the tyre fitter pointed out the strength of the side wall - he couldn't compress it with hands, so I have no doubts that it's the strongest tyre out there for the off road use.

If anyone in Adelaide is thinking about getting the Vectors, I have the spare that was never driven on and can offload it for $150 within 3 months when I get my next set of tyres.

[T5gal]

I drive a 2010 T5 campervan, touring weight about 2850kg. I use the dreaded Goodyear Cargo Vectors, as fitted to the Tracka Ats, and although noisy and a bit hard I have found them to be the ducks guts for outback travel - have done Birdsville, stretzleki, Savannah Way, and countless outback tracks on corrugated/stony/rough roads without a puncture, chip etc so travelled far more relaxed on those roads than I ever did with highway tyres.
I use 45 psi on the blacktop and 32-34psi on the gravel, and find the ride acceptable at those pressures and load weight - the Koni shocks probably help as well. Current set of tyres have done 35k and about 50% down and wear is even across the tread. I would love a quieter, softer ride like the original Michelins (lasted 12k under my use) but am prepared to forgo the comfort bits for the reliability and extra load capacity (109 load rated, LT construction)of the Vectors for outback travel.

Now that sounds hopeful. I'll put that one on the list to ask about. Thanks.

[bobf]

The original GY Cargo Vector 215/60R17c, 109T, have now been replaced with GY Cargo Vector 2 - euro reviews report them to be a bit quieter and better ride than the originals, tread pattern less aggressive, but similar load rating and c (LT) construction. Max. psi at max load is 70 psi - don't even think about anywhere near that pressure, I use the formula ....actual tyre load (weigh bridge) divided by tyre load rating (1050), multiplied by max. psi (70) , less 25-30% on the rough stuff. Seems to work out about right, A few less psi from that certainly increases ride and handling, and in my experience hasn't caused any uneven tread wear.

[Transporter]

The original GY Cargo Vector 215/60R17c, 109T, have now been replaced with GY Cargo Vector 2 - euro reviews report them to be a bit quieter and better ride than the originals, tread pattern less aggressive, but similar load rating and c (LT) construction. Max. psi at max load is 70 psi - don't even think about anywhere near that pressure, I use the formula ....actual tyre load (weigh bridge) divided by tyre load rating (1050), multiplied by max. psi (70) , less 25-30% on the rough stuff. Seems to work out about right, A few less psi from that certainly increases ride and handling, and in my experience hasn't caused any uneven tread wear.

Let us know your impressions when you get the new GY Cargo Vectors. Though I can't imagine myself buying them again.

[Tig-uan]

T5gel: looks like bobf found the solution for you, Cargo Vector 215/60R17c is the only tough tyre in 17", so you won't need to change the rims.

Goodyear Cargo Vector 2 Tyres

[T5gal]

Yes, That's great. Will let you know how it goes when it happens and I next go off road. Fingers crossed. Thanks bobf.

[lemmiwinks]

I got some Maxxis MAP1 tyres fitted a couple months ago. Very quiet tyres and good handling.

I previously had the Goodyear cargo vectors on the same van as well. The sidewalls on those tyres are definitely the toughest sidewalls I've had on my van over the years. Although they're also the NOISIEST tyres I've ever had.