Upgrading Stock 2018 Hilux for Long trips on extremely bad roads in Africa

[Fula_Toro]

I travel a lot in west Africa for work. We are acquiring a couple of new hilux trucks with the 2.4L D4D engine and I have been doing a lot of research on suspension kits and tires.

We take 900km trips very couple of weeks on roads with mostly potholes with some stretches requiring some off-roading (sand with moderate corrugations).

The 900Km usually takes us 20-24 hours on a regular 4x4 vehicles due to the need to slow down a lot for many kilometers.

We are trying to shave down on those hours. I settled on an ARB BP51 suspension upgrade to improve ride comfort.

My questions is what type of tires would be recommended for dealing with a lot of large potholes that will improve ride comfortably, not require us to slow down too much while still being resistant to high heat (113-120F).

I was planning on getting BF Goodrich KO2 tires (265R17).

I was given advice that tall narrow tires would work better with this type of terrain and provide more comfort with potholes. As such, the KO2 are available in

Do you agree? What size tires do you recommend? The vehicle Max load would be about 300-500kg (600-1000lbs).

Any other recommended upgrades?

Thank you.

Moussa

 

[gsujake]

The BFG KO2 are what I would recommend. If you wanted to upgrade the suspension, King, or Icon would be the 1st two that I'd look at.

 

[Gs WK2]

What is the stock size? 265/70 R17? For sure a tall side wall to protect against pot holes, may want to look at 255/85 (75?) R17 for a taller option. I sold my KO2s due to poor wet traction and now have Cooper STT Max.

 

[NoDak]

BFGoodrich KO2 are great and also Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx, Toyo Open Country MT are all good tough tires. Something with a lot of sidewall like 255/80 or 285/70 to soak up hits from holes and washboard.

I'd stick with stock suspension before I'd put any brand of US made brotruck suspension on a truck that is used seriously in Africa. The BP51's I think are a better choice.

I've done a fair bit of distance driving in Africa. Mostly western and northern Africa in stock Nissan Patrols and LC 105's running 235/85R16 tires.

 

[Fula_Toro]

The stock is 265/65R17. Rims are 7.5jx17 ET30. With a 255/85R17 would the stock wheels still work or will that likely need to change as well... Pardon my ignorance. Last, the BP51 provide 40mm of lift so would that be enough to ensure there are no issues with higher wall tires?

If we can increase our average travel speed from about 35mph (60kmh) to even 50mph without too much discomfort it would be very good.

 

[NoDak]

Stock wheels will work with the 255's. They aren't a drastic increase in size over a 265 so 40mm should be more than enough to clear them and actually being a slightly narrower tire should keep them from rubbing.

 

[NoDak]

Thinking more now about the weight you will be carrying I might opt for the 265/70R17 BFG KO2 in load range E just to avoid any clearance issues and keep the unsprung weight down which will also help with ride comfort. They still have enough sidewall.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I'd stick with stock suspension before I'd put any brand of US made brotruck suspension on a truck that is used seriously in Africa. The BP51's I think are a better choice.

Are BP51 common throughout ARB/OME distribution globally?

 

[NoDak]

I have no idea.

 

[lugueto]

Thinking more now about the weight you will be carrying I might opt for the 265/70R17 BFG KO2 in load range E just to avoid any clearance issues and keep the unsprung weight down which will also help with ride comfort. They still have enough sidewall.

Pretty much all 255/85 tires are load range e's, so no problem with added weight there.

The simple OME lifts should be able to hold up very well in harsh conditions. They work for us down here and our roads are crappy as can get. Hitting large potholes at 50-70 when unavoidable haven't yielded in broken shocks yet.

We normally use 265/75R16 or 285/75R16 tires. Usually Load Range E. 255/85 tires are neat but for us they're hard to find should you puncture or damage one. Use sizes that are readilly available in the countries you'll travel.

 

[Fula_Toro]

Thinking more now about the weight you will be carrying I might opt for the 265/70R17 BFG KO2 in load range E just to avoid any clearance issues and keep the unsprung weight down which will also help with ride comfort. They still have enough sidewall.

Pretty much all 255/85 tires are load range e's, so no problem with added weight there.

The simple OME lifts should be able to hold up very well in harsh conditions. They work for us down here and our roads are crappy as can get. Hitting large potholes at 50-70 when unavoidable haven't yielded in broken shocks yet.

We normally use 265/75R16 or 285/75R16 tires. Usually Load Range E. 255/85 tires are neat but for us they're hard to find should you puncture or damage one. Use sizes that are readilly available in the countries you'll travel.

Great advice on the availability of tire sizes. That is indeed on issue. I think the consensus seems to be around a 265/70R17 or 265/75R17.



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[Fula_Toro]

Thinking more now about the weight you will be carrying I might opt for the 265/70R17 BFG KO2 in load range E just to avoid any clearance issues and keep the unsprung weight down which will also help with ride comfort. They still have enough sidewall.

Thank you. I think that is sound advice. With that being said, for best ride experience would higher or lower tire pressure handle the potholes better.?

Moussa

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[NoDak]

I would run pressure on the higher side to prevent tire sidewall and wheel damage from hard hits.

Pretty much all 255/85 tires are load range e's, so no problem with added weight there.

The simple OME lifts should be able to hold up very well in harsh conditions. They work for us down here and our roads are crappy as can get. Hitting large potholes at 50-70 when unavoidable haven't yielded in broken shocks yet.

We normally use 265/75R16 or 285/75R16 tires. Usually Load Range E. 255/85 tires are neat but for us they're hard to find should you puncture or damage one. Use sizes that are readilly available in the countries you'll travel.

Thank you for clarifying that. I just meant the overall size of the 255 might rub if there was load and a bit of sagging. Good point on the availability of replacements.

 

[lugueto]

Lower pressure will make the tire more prone to sidewall slices and blowouts, specially when added weight.

I normally run around 32-35psi depending on how heavy my truck is.