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20" Tyre Thread

99K views 389 replies 73 participants last post by  BobT 
#1 ·
Just when I thought my Khumo (korean for crap) were going to last more than 20,000km, it appears they will need replacement in the next few weeks.

I am hoping that we can get some ideas on what we can get locally and imported for our cars. This thread is only for the 20" tires, as the 18" have more selection.

Can people who have non OEM tires report they success/failures on replacement tires for our cars.

I am after road tires, not offroad, but this thread is for all types.
 
#82 ·
#83 ·
They are great and if you can get them fitted and balanced for $350 each, you are doing very well. I called up 4 places and all were $400. Managed to talk one down to $395.
They grip well and seem to be as quiet as the OEM Khumos.
 
#84 ·
Hi Enforcer,

Thanks for the review, I found the Coopers cheaper than the crapola std Kumho Ku 21s at $389 each , Dreaming !

I was Quoted Toyo proxes st 2 @ $459 and Pirelli strs @ $600 each:mad:

The Coopers varied from $499 for the Ltzs ,to $350 on sale for a set of 4 for the Ht Plus :thumbsup:

So Coopers it is

Cheers

Phil
 
#85 ·
Just a note on different tyre diameters and speedo error, when I changed tyre's my speedo seemed pretty much right, just thought I was lucky, but found out from the Jeep guru I go to they have a list of several different tyre diameters they can load to correct the speedo or at least get it close.... Clever huh!
 
#121 ·
Indeed that is clever and this also answers my question about how the Tire Pressure Sensor adjusts to larger tires I'm guessing. I was a little displeased at the flashing display when I took my recent test drive. The tires required a little air but the Jeep had also been setting in freezing temps so the tires had to warm up I guess to register correctly.
 
#86 ·
Aqua planed at 120kmh twice today:eek::eek::eek::eek: Time to change the Khumo's (that at 38k are still 1mm to 2mm from the wear strip). I've lost all confidence in them in the wet. With the rainy season ahead, the likelyhood of being upside down in a ditch is a no-brainer.

Me thinks Cooper LTZ's. Any advice?
 
#87 ·
Glenn,

At least you managed 12k more on your tyres than I did. My Kumhos only lasted for 26k.:mad:

Have you looked at the Nitto Terra Grapplers? I recently replaced all four for $265 each from a dealer in Sydney.:thumbsup:

Surprisingly tyre noise is barely noticeable, slightly more than the Kumhos but with the windows up I can't tell the difference. Steering, however for the first few hundred k's seem a bit heavy. Probably due to the more aggressive tread.

They also come in an OEM size, 265/50/20. Could have gone to the next size up but was afraid of rubbing when vehicle is in park mode.

Tyres are also great at preventing rim rash as the tyre sits a few cms further out from the rims than the Kumhos. I'll post some pics tomorrow for you if you like.
 
#90 ·
Glenn,

At least you managed 12k more on your tyres than I did. My Kumhos only lasted for 26k.:mad:

Have you looked at the Nitto Terra Grapplers? I recently replaced all four for $265 each from a dealer in Sydney.:thumbsup:

Surprisingly tyre noise is barely noticeable, slightly more than the Kumhos but with the windows up I can't tell the difference. Steering, however for the first few hundred k's seem a bit heavy. Probably due to the more aggressive tread.

They also come in an OEM size, 265/50/20. Could have gone to the next size up but was afraid of rubbing when vehicle is in park mode.

Tyres are also great at preventing rim rash as the tyre sits a few cms further out from the rims than the Kumhos. I'll post some pics tomorrow for you if you like.
I'm looking into these, love to see your pics.
 
#88 · (Edited)
I am favouring a more aggressive tread pattern, but I am mainly looking for a good wet weather performance. My drive to and from work uses country roads with relatively poor drainage. Losing grip at speed has made whats left of my hair turn grey and fall out!!!I have been following the US Grappler thread and they do look the business, but there are also some good reviews on the Coopers here in Aus. I might find a dealer that stocks both.

PS, thanks for the reply and $265 a corner is a great price!!
 
#91 · (Edited)
Goodyear Adventures do a 20" with a km warranty. Waiting to hear on Mickey Thompson STZ's. (Do they come out of the Coopers factory?).

Edit, What about a Cooper LTZ 285/50/20? Apparently the 285 fits on the 8" rim no problems. Bit pricy at $400 per corner but might be better quality than the Goodyears?
 
#92 ·
Good Afternoon fellow owners.

I am about to change over from OEM Kumhos, 34K 's to Pirelli's. Have on order for fitting in January 2014.
One question arises is what did you do about the TMPS . Was there any issues with resetting etc. Not sure what the protocol is with it when changing over to new tyres.
I would appreciate any advice about any experiences you may have had or any additional requirements needed.

Regards

Strategy
(Wayne)
 
#93 ·
The TPMS are attached to the valves so it's just a straight tyre change and no changes to the valves unless the TPMS batteries are flat. I believe the batteries should last for at least 5 plus years.

There wasn't anything to reset. Just drive the car for an extended period above a certain speed and the sensors will read the new tyre pressures (someone tell me if I am wrong here).

I've tried Coopers in a previous 4x4 but was very unhappy with them. Mind you they were Cooper HT tyres but I kept getting them punctured. They were annoying as they were so noisey and provided no grip in the rain. They felt unsafe when going around roundabouts during the rain so I had them replaced by Michelins.

Pity Michelins don't do 265/50/20s.

I've attached a few pics below showing the car at full height and in parking mode. Some of the pics show how the Terra Grapplers extend well beyond the rims (more so than the Kumhos) so they provide alot of rim protection.

Its been raining in Canberra and the tyres have been excellent in the rain. I originally had the tyres at 40psi but the ride was a bit harsh so now have them at 36psi and the ride is sweet as. Also the tyres are either made in the US or Japan and you can choose which side to have facing out as the lettering is different (bold vs stripped filled).
 

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#95 ·
Some have mentioned that certain tyres extend beyond the rim more therefore provide more protection for the rim. That's great for street but bad for off-road. One of the reasons LT tyres are favoured for off-road is that they don't bulge as much and therefore the sidewalls are less vulnerable to punctures. As you know, a sidewall puncture means a tyre destroyed.
 
#96 ·
A true blue 4by showed me an another example of negative effect of having too wide a tyre set at too high or too low pressure, each scenario leading to uneven tyre tread contact on the road during normal highway driving. Basically pointed out if the pressure is too low, the tyre will tend to wear on the inner and outer edges evenly with little wear in the centre and visa versa if the pressure is too high. He recommends sticking as close to OEM 265/50/20 as possible even though a 285/50/20 is within tolerance. :confused::confused::confused:
 
#97 ·
Re LTZ's, My 285x50x20's have racked up 60,000km and are wearing well but are becoming so noisy I'm starting to hate them, seems the more they wear the louder they get.... Also had a large stone go straight through one of them, took 3 plugs to even slow the leak, they look tough but maybe they're not.... but, guess any tyre can get a puncture......
 
#100 ·
Good mileage there, but I know what you mean about noisy.
I had a set of Kumho's (different tread pattern, but still aggressive looking) on my old Territory in 20" and after 20K they were as noisy as all hell, couldn't wait to get rid of them.

Whilst the Cooper Zeon LTZ's have an aggressive looking tread pattern, they are still only a passenger construction tyre. If you were doing any mild off roading I'd be looking at an LT construction, but I doubt there are any in the 20" size.

If I get a bit more financial next year I'm going to pick up a set of 18's and fit some decent LT tyres for off roading, and keep the 20's for the daily drive.
 
#98 ·
Anybody know of a Nitto dealer near Brizzy?
 
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#99 ·
Sorted. Didn't realize Khumo's and Nittos come from the same factory. Local Khumo dealer can source and install 265's for $300 a corner.
 
#101 ·
Nittos fitted this Friday. I had my Khumo's checked out and got a confirmation "they are an accident waiting to happen" with the outer treads no longer having sipes to disperse the water. That accounts for the aqua-planing.
 
#102 ·
Glenn,

Who told you that Nittos and Kumhos come from the same factory?
I've been told, by a Toyo dealer, that Nittos are manufactured by Toyo Tyres in the US or Japan. Kumhos on the other hand are made in Korea, however, the Kumhos on Oz Jeep GCs are made in Vietnam.

One thing I have found out with the more aggressive tread is that the tyres will tend to "bite" into the bitumen in the car park for really tight full steering lock turns.

My Kumhos were worn right down to the thread indicators only after 26,000kms. The risk of aqua planing around Canberra roundabouts during the rain was too high.:eek:
 
#103 ·
Glenn,

Who told you that Nittos and Kumhos come from the same factory?
I've been told, by a Toyo dealer, that Nittos are manufactured by Toyo Tyres in the US or Japan. Kumhos on the other hand are made in Korea, however, the Kumhos on Oz Jeep GCs are made in Vietnam.
I stand corrected. I was at a Toyo Gold Star dealer who is fitting the Nitto's. :thumbsup:. He also reckoned the Kuhmo's did pretty well to survive 40k but went on to show me where I had actually reached the wear indicators. I thought I had a mm or so to go. Roll on Friday.....
 
#105 ·
Solid side out?
 
#107 ·
Just noticed the speed rating on my Nitto's is "S" meaning I'm somewhat limited above 180kmh. Better watch the speedo from now on. Load rating is 111 which is greater than the stock Khumo's. Not sure if this qualifies as an LT tyre?
 
#110 · (Edited)
My Bridgestone D697s are LTs with a rating of 110S. This is near enough to yours so maybe they are LT but it should say so clearly on the sidewall.

Ironically the LT (Light Truck) designation does not relate to load rating. A passenger tyre is constructed in such a way as to make it relatively squishy and balloon like, ideal for comfort in low centre of gravity passenger vehicles. On a high centre of gravity commercial vehicle, such a tyre could produce dangerously high body roll. A more stable tyre is needed. A squarer cross-section is used with thicker rubber and more plies. Next time you drive side by side to a truck, look at the tyres and see if you can see any load deformation. You won't see much. A side benefit of LT construction is that the tyre becomes less vulnerable to punctures in both the tread and sidewall, therefore ideal for off-road. A disadvantage of all that rubber is that heat builds up quicker and dissipates slower. For this reason LT tyres have lower speed ratings AND lower load ratings. Yes, you read right. For a given tyre pressure, a passenger tyre has a higher load rating than an LT tyre. However, because of the tough construction, an LT tyre can withstand higher tyre pressures and therefore able to carry heavier loads. To reiterate, the purpose of LT construction is stability under load, the purpose of passenger construction is comfort.
 
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#111 ·
Good write up. Cheers Bob.
 
#112 ·
20" Nitto Terra Grapplers fitted today.

First Impressions : -


  • They look GREAT. Have certainly added a bit of testosterone to the appearance. Jeep looks like it could climb the north face of Mt Everest!
  • Immediate improvement on-road grip!
  • Noisy! A bit surprising based on reviews of this tyre. More noticable "roar" up to 80kmh, then gets lost with wind noise thereafter. The TPMS is showing 3bar that I think is high. (42psi). The tyres are rated to a max of 50psi, but I wonder if high tyre pressure might add to the noise?. (ie they are not running flat)
  • An alignment was carried out after the tyre change, with significant adjustment to the toe angle. Interestingly, the report shows the caster is way out but cannot be adjusted. But here's the question, as I jumped in the car, the suspension was set accidentally or otherwise to ORI. If the alignment was done at this height, could the report be incorrect....ie does the set up change as the car is raised and lowered?
Anyhow, I'm going to drop a few PSI on the way home and see if the noise quietens down.
 
#115 ·
If the alignment was done at this height, could the report be incorrect....ie does the set up change as the car is raised and lowered?Anyhow, I'm going to drop a few PSI on the way home and see if the noise quietens down.
The height definitely affects the geometry but whether it's significant enough, I can't say. Put your car in Sport Mode and park it on a flat surface. Get the missus to raise it to ORII and down again while you watch the tyres from outside. You will see them squirm a bit as they adjust to differing geometry. Anyway, I wouldn't leave it too long for another wheel alignment. Off hand, I don't know what the manual says but I would guess it stipulates a specific height at which the alignment specifications are to apply.
 
#114 · (Edited)
Did yours quieten down after a few 100kms? I dropped my pressure down to 36psi and the noise increased. I put a bit more air in (39psi) that seems to have quietened them down somewhat...seems to be a happy medium however I have only done 30kms on them. Apart from the noise...and maybe I am being a little sensitive in this area..(its really only just a mild hum, pretty good for a chunky AT)....I am wrapped with the transformation.
She's lost the "soft roader" look and her...sorry his balls have eventually dropped!!
 

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#117 ·
Managed to squeeze 40k out of the OEM Kuhmos. Changing them tomorrow for the Xeon LTZs. I got them for $345 each fitted.
 
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