We enjoyed a happy weekend in the forest, the Lucky8 rock sliders worked perfectly in rock sliding and log crossing and the new winch was successful all day.

Unfortunately, while pulling free a compatriot in a Range Rover while the Defender was sitting in a rocky creek, I neglected to clear the load path to ground (should have turned the wheel to place the treads against the rock or put a flat rock against the side wall) and so instead punctured the side wall on a rock point -- one more OEM Goodyear base AT tire in the trash.

I will attempt to not make the same mistake in the future ..... Enjoying the adventure !!

Movies included .....


a clear through puncture, air escaping from the front, driver's side tire ....

 

I've got 5 of these Q78-16s with steelies for sale on Craigslist right now -- PM me for a special deal. Sidewalls are about an inch thick, seems like. (Shown next to a 34" KM2)

 

Very funny.... I think I would need a ladder to step into and out of the vehicle !

Plus, I am not sure they would meet my low noise desires -- I am trying to find the most quiet 255/70 R18 LT tires able to carry 2800 lbs/tiire on the market which can be easily balanced. So far the BF Goodrichs KO2s are said to be quiet, but balance and vibration seems to be worse than others. Then there is the Yokahoma Geolander, which is quet and balances, but is not rated for the specified weights.

Any suggestions?

 

Trio, I did AT3W but went to 275/65R18 and they have been perfect, no rub in any height on my P300. They are quiet and because they are LT, they are 3415 in terms of weight. I recommend them

 

I went with the same size in Nitto Terra Grapplers. Very similar experience. No issues with the fit, no noticeable change in ride/noise, and carry the higher XL weight rating. It seems like most 275/65R18 tires are fitting on the OEM 18" wheels, and open up more options.