Bridgestone Dueler A/T 697 285/65R17LT -V- Mickey Thompson Baja STZ - 275/70R17

[krisandkev]

I have the Bridgestone Dueler A/T 697 285/65R17LT currently and need to replace them soon before our next big trip.   
The tyre centre has suggested the Mickey Thompson Baja STZ - 275/70R17 tyres, apparently a stronger and better mileage tyre?  They are a bit dearer but currently have a cash back special.  Does anyone have the Mickey Thompson's on their 200 series Cruiser?  We will be towing a Bushtracker caravan next year for a 12 month trip and the tyre guy said the Mickey would also be better for heavy towing? Any thoughts?  I have searched the Landcruiser owners web site but could not find out about the Mickey Thompson Baja STZ tyres.  The Mickey's are also slightly larger in height so not sure if that is a problem.  Thanks guys,  Kevin

[P3T3R]

Hiya, Kevin. I'm in the same position as you in regards to current tyres and needing to replaceme them. The tyre guys I have spoken to have said the extra height is still legal but will effect the accuracy of the speedo but not much. I have heard that if you treat them well and keep the correct tyre pressures and they will not let you down. A bit pricey though.

I like the Mickey Thompson's but for me I also had the cooper ST/Maxx in mind.

Was that a typo for the width? (275). Standard is 285.

[krisandkev]

No, correct width,  275.  Not much difference with the original I suppose.   Kevin

[idc1970]

There's an app you can get called tyretool. You put in your standard size tyre and then enter the tyre you're thinking of getting.

It'll tell you how much bigger the tyre will be plus how far out your speedo will be.

[Black Diamond]

Will the STZ give you more mileage.  - No
Is the STZ more durable? No the 697 has a far superior carcass.
Will the STZ perform better? Definately not.
Will a few others disagree? Yes but I can tell you what the majority of feedback is.

Not bagging the STZ, it serves well but the 697 is a tad better and throw the BFG in as well.
Unfortunately the STZ doesn't share to many attributes with the ATZ or MTZ.

285/70R17 is a great size for the 200.

[idc1970]

I've never had the STZ, but I currently have the 697 on a hilux and I'm very happy with them.

I've had the BFG's AT in the past on a L/C 79 series along with Dick Cepek FCII. The 697's offer the best in wet weather, and I've never had a flat. I drive about 40% on dirt roads, some are rough and rocky.

Just my two bobs worth.

[bodgie]

IMO you won't go wrong with a Geolander AT/S either, they are wearing well for me, I've not seen any chipping and they've done some pretty decent mileage on rocky dirt.

Plus they come with a road hazard warranty, although it is more restrictive these days.

I'm not sure they come in a LT construction though. FWIW, If you have the right pressures for the conditions you won't have any puncture problems and a slightly better ride.

Jason

[chester ver2.0]

is 6th gear still a problem in the 200 if you oversize too much???

[JCOJ]

I went the D697's over the STZ (which I personally thought were a bit to wussy compared to the D697's) and also the ATZ P3's (which I thought were that little too aggressive).

I know a lot of the Bushtracker owners use the D697's too.

I have the 285/70/17's on my 200, no problems getting into 6th.

[Jacko]

I went the D697's over the STZ (which I personally thought were a bit to wussy compared to the D697's) and also the ATZ P3's (which I thought were that little too aggressive).

I know a lot of the Bushtracker owners use the D697's too.

I have the 285/70/17's on my 200, no problems getting into 6th.

Just gotta watch out for rail spikes! 

[brickiematt]

Just gotta watch out for rail spikes! 

[GanG]

I have owned MTZ and ATZ Mickeys, wouldnt buy them again, did not wear at all well on my patrol or cruiser.

My brother has had a great run out of his bridestones on his Triton, and a mate has them on a wrangler with no complaints.

[krisandkev]

Thanks for the replies.  Going to stick with the Bridgestone's.  Our Bushtracker is on order and they also recommend the Bridgestone's and this way they all will match and I will have 3 spares (Bushtracker has 2) and can leave our cruiser's second spare at home.      Kevin