![Twisted Evil :twisted:](./images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif)
![Twisted Evil :twisted:](./images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif)
The history behind this.
In 2012 I fitted 4 brand new Goodyear Wrangler AT/SA (265/70x16) on the Hilux just before our trip to Epupa Falls.
On this trip we encountered 2 flat tyres.
1) Rocky road between Puros and Orupembe claimed a sidewall - tyre destroyed
2) Glass shard in Opuwo in the tread - tyre plugged and still in use as a spare.
Next trip to Mabuasehube in 2013. Here we encountered
1) Dirt road between Griekwastad and Postmasburg puncture on the edge of the sidewall - Plugged with 2 snotplugs and made it to Postmasburg. Here it was plugged with a mushroom plug.
2) Had to replace this same tyre at Kang after it got punctured again. Didnt even bother to look for the hole, just replaced it with the spare. - Tyre written off by X-Sure as the original puncture was too close to the edge of the tyre.
Trip to Richtersveld/Fish River Canyon 2014
1) Dirt road between Eksteenfontein and Khubus. Tyre punctured and destroyed because I didnt realise I had a flat and there was no safe place to change tyres. I had to drive the vehicle to a safe spot on the flat tyre (about 300m).
2) Dirt road, very smooth and drivable, between Hobas and Ai-Ais... Got a puncture left rear. A brand new Hankook Dynapro AT/M was fitted. This must have been a fluke shot as there was a hole right in the middle of the tread which I managed to plug with 2 snot plugs. - Puncture fixed by Carleys Motors in Karasburg with a mushroom plug. This tyre will become my 2nd spare.
So in 3 trips we had 6 punctures. This seems a bit excessive.
The Hilux and the road/driving conditions.
1) It is never "overloaded". We are only 2 people, and according to my calculations we dont have more that about 450 kg of kit loaded when we go on a trip.
2) I have not adjusted my driving style since I got the Vigo, and I stick to the tracks as far as possible.
3) We always drive with 4x4 engaged on dirt roads.
4) I do not deflate my rear tyres on dirt roads, specifically because it would expose the sidewalls to stones and rocks.
As you can imagine I am a little bit gatvol of replacing tyres after every trip, and also of getting changed into my cleanest dirty clothes to crawl in underneath the Hilux to jack it up. The first couple of times was an adventure but it is becoming a bit much now.
Now I would like to know from the guys who drive their Vigo's on dirt roads, with more or less the same type of load and in more or less the same conditions, what tyres are you using, what are your experiences. I dont have the time or money to experiment with different makes to find the one that works. I also have to bear in mind that I use the Vigo 70% on tar roads, so going hard-core muddies is not really an option, although I am at a stage where I am prepared to do that.
I need tyres that can take us on a trip over some bad dirt roads and bring us back. It doesnt have to be quiet on tar, it doesnt have to have exceptional road holding in the wet, it does not have to give me 100 000 km's, hell I am used to 3000km's.. I think you know what I am looking for..
Also, please give advice on what I might be doing wrong based on the history above. I might also be at fault here.