T5 Tyres 17" what is available in OZ

[IN2VWS]

I had the Nankangs on my van also, but I felt the mileage I got out of them was not good enough. $38,000km.
I paid $120 per tyre for those.

After some work colleagues were get getting well over 100,000km from their Hankooks, on VW T5's, I decided to try them too. I paid $195 each fitted for the RA23 tyres.

[Zaskar]

Did you also get 100000 km on the RA23?

I had the Nankangs on my van also, but I felt the mileage I got out of them was not good enough. $38,000km.
I paid $120 per tyre for those.

After some work colleagues were get getting well over 100,000km from their Hankooks, on VW T5's, I decided to try them too. I paid $195 each fitted for the RA23 tyres.

[Transporter]

After some work colleagues were get getting well over 100,000km from their Hankooks, on VW T5's, I decided to try them too. I paid $195 each fitted for the RA23 tyres.

Was that recently and where? I'm due for the tyres very soon.

[IN2VWS]

Was that recently and where? I'm due for the tyres very soon.

In July.
Widetread Tyres in Ferntree Gully, Victoria.

[IN2VWS]

Did you also get 100000 km on the RA23?

Not yet. Only had them on for 20,000km so far.

[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.