D697's

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

Hi all,

Just replaced my worn BFG's with a set of D697LT's. BFG's gave 95000km's of faithfull service. I was initially considering a heavier tyre (BFG or Dick Cepeck Trail Country) however these where $80 per tyre more expensive. Got 5 tyres aligned for $1320. The D697's are LT's (8 ply not 10) but when I lifted the worn BFG casing, it was significantly heaver than the new D697's so they're obviously not as strong.

The car handles much better on the road and accelerates much better with a lighter tyre.

If you're experiencing heavy steering, tram lining or wear on the sides of your tyres, definately get the alignment done. I regret not getting this done earlier. My car is a totally different beast after having the alighnment corrected. The previous alignment was in spec however the tyre shop was able to make changes within the factory specified tollerances to achieve a better drive feel, stability and hopefully wear.

Running 40PSI in town. The D697's are much more confortable at 40PSI compared to the BFG's.

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

We run them on our fleet Hiluxes and Colorados. They don't get much more than maybe 50K due to kerb impacts and nobody cares too much about tyre pressures. The fronts on the Hilux scrub out horrendously due to alignment issues which is not the fault of the tyre. On my Colorado they do perform well out in the gravel roads and sand tracks that I spend a fair bit of time on. Certainly a lot tougher than the 693 and 694 they replaced. The majority of fleet vehicles out here in the mining sector either run the Bridgestones or BFGs.

[johna Member Find all posts View Profile Close johna]

Just replaced the 694's with 110,000 k's on them, and still about 30000+ left in them, with the 697's and the vehicle is totally different,
much quieter on all surfaces, and softer ride. Only changed the 694's due to age and hairline cracks starting to appear.
Also change tyres on the 2500 kg van every 5 years with around 20000 k's on them. Never had a puncture and cheap insurance.

[waltec Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close waltec]

Hi gxl_d4d,

Can you tell me where you got your D697s from, I'm due to replace my D694s, and that's seems to be a good price.

Thanks
Matt

[abcxyz Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close abcxyz]

Bob Jane catalogue running til the end of Jan 14 had D697LT (116S) in 265/65/17 at $269 each. That's only $5 more per tyre than gxl_d4d's price. JAX will usually come to the party if you have a decent one nearby.

[johna Member Find all posts View Profile Close johna]

Tyre centre and fuel service station on left of First Av, Bribie Island. Cant remember the name unfortunately. Nice blokes to deal with as well..

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

Bridgestone valley

[braddo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close braddo]

Hi all,

Just replaced my worn BFG's with a set of D697LT's. BFG's gave 95000km's of faithfull service. I was initially considering a heavier tyre (BFG or Dick Cepeck Trail Country) however these where $80 per tyre more expensive. Got 5 tyres aligned for $1320. The D697's are LT's (8 ply not 10) but when I lifted the worn BFG casing, it was significantly heaver than the new D697's so they're obviously not as strong.

The car handles much better on the road and accelerates much better with a lighter tyre.

If you're experiencing heavy steering, tram lining or wear on the sides of your tyres, definately get the alignment done. I regret not getting this done earlier. My car is a totally different beast after having the alighnment corrected. The previous alignment was in spec however the tyre shop was able to make changes within the factory specified tollerances to achieve a better drive feel, stability and hopefully wear.

Running 40PSI in town. The D697's are much more confortable at 40PSI compared to the BFG's.

How are the D697's a couple of months down the track? Have you tested them out off road much?

I was going to replace the Pirelli Scorpions with BFG AT's but I am considering the D697 as I've read that it's better on the road (particularly in the wet) that the BFG but more aggressive than the Scorpions which have been great on the road and sand but not in mud or on rocks.

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

I havn't had them offroad yet. I've done 3500km of town and 2500km of highway so far. The road performance is much much better than BFG's.

If you're considering a P construction tyre, definitely give the D697's a go. For similar money you'll get an LT tyre.

[braddo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close braddo]

I havn't had them offroad yet. I've done 3500km of town and 2500km of highway so far. The road performance is much much better than BFG's.

If you're considering a P construction tyre, definitely give the D697's a go. For similar money you'll get an LT tyre.

Thanks for that, I'm getting the new tyres next month so I'm still undecided. I want the BFG's but I think that the D697's may be a better compromise for my wife driving the kids around in suburbia as well as the highway driving. Definitely want an LT construction and something more aggressive than the Scorpions though.