Toyo 19" Tyre Review (Darwin to Adelaide and back)

[PaulG]

I've now got a nice new shiny set of Toyo H/T Open Country tyres on my Grande. I've started this thread so that I can review these tyres for you and to share our holiday adventures as we cross the country from north to south and back again.

We plan to leave Darwin (actually Palmerston - Darwin's satellite city 20k's south) on Sunday 20th December and arrive in Adelaide on Christmas eve. While it's possible to do this 3000km+ trip in two days, we'll be taking it a little easy to conserve fuel and of course the kids will be wanting to stop to pee every five minutes.

The new tyres replace the stock Bridgestones that were very well worn at 37500kms. The Open H/Ts were $400 a piece up here, and so I only got a set of four, and kept a Bridgestone as a spare. I intend to maintain a pressure of 275kPa (40PSI) and sit on 110km/h (indicated speed - real speed about 105km/h). Road temperature is expected to be VERY HOT.

Here's a photo of the tread pattern:

The two circles indicate where I'll be measuring the tread depth. The outer tread measures 8.3mm, and the inner 9.1mm (I'm using a fairly accurate vernier caliper to measure).

Anyway, I aim to keep you informed of how the tyres wear, road comfort, and other travel tips I think of along the way.

Paul

[holmesie]

Good thread - thank you Paul

Are the Toyo's the same width and profile of the Bridgestones?

Hope you have safe trip

[Hado]

PaulG

Looking forward to your report on the tyres.

Carbon Black have only 2 reviews and they are mixed:Carbon Black Consumer Reviews

Let's hope they wear better than the Bridgestones - 37K seems far too low.

Drive carefully

Hado

[Blackkluger]

the oem is 8mm new, how deep is the tread on the Toyo?

[holmesie]

The two circles indicate where I'll be measuring the tread depth. The outer tread measures 8.3mm, and the inner 9.1mm (I'm using a fairly accurate vernier caliper to measure).

Paul has already already measured it for you BK B)

[PaulG]

Trying to figure out how to carry all our luggage. One suitcase is full of christmas presents! Luckily we are not travelling alone - the in-laws are travelling in convoy with us - in a 2008 diesel 4x4 hilux - so they are carrying lots of stuff in their tray for us.

The Toyos I had fitted are the same profile as the stock - 245/55 R19 (is that right?). I should also mention that I had a wheel alignment done at same time. Car is handling very well so far, and tyre noise seems very low. We also had our 40,000 service done (at 38,000 on clock). Local dealer have finally agreed to replace inner door panels (cracked armrests - on all four doors), and to fix the steering shaft clunks.

I didn't know about the oil line recall (haven't got a recall notice) when I took the car in for service. So I was blissfully unaware of this issue until browsing this forum. Embarking on a 7000km round trip with a dodgy oil line is a little disconcerting.

[holmesie]

IMHO you should be OK - from what I know the issues come with much higher k's than 40,000. The suspect piece is easy to inspect just by popping the bonnet and pulling off the engine cover for a look (you could even leave the cover at home if you are really worried and want to check it regularly). It could even be your Kluger is like mine with the proper all metal line already fitted?

Cheers

[Kesawi]

Paul,

From the informaiton under your avatar, your model is a 2007 and I don't think the change happened before mid 2008 so you will definitely have the rubber oil line.

[PC XT]

It will be interesting to see how these go as they were slightly more expensive that the Stockies I replaced at 36,000Kms, Im running Nitrogen now and 40+PSI and had a 4 wheel alignment.....and unfortunately I will have to have my pipe done as I have an old New Kluger

[PaulG]

Day 1

Palmerston to Wyclifffe Wells - around 1100kms. Left just after 6am and stopped at Katherine for fuel. Although Katherine is only 300kms south of Darwin, it has the cheapest fuel in the Territory (why? that's another story) so we topped up here. Fuel consumption on this first leg was 10.9, but that was with a 100kms of urban driving before we left. We are sitting on a speed of 110km/h (by the speedo).

Next leg was Katherine to Three-ways (a fuel stop just north of Tennant Creek) - this was a real test of the range of the Kluger's 72L tank. Total distance 643km, refilled with 69L of fuel - that's just 3L left in tank. Consumption was 10.1L/100km. It was sitting on 9.9, but we did the last 200kms at 120km/h. We have been using the cruise control the whole distance. Stopped for lunch during this leg at Daly Waters pub (photo)

Stopped off the road to let this fella through:

Three-ways to Wycliffe Wells - arrived safely at 8:30pm - about 14.5 hrs on the road.

Car is traveling sweet. Family is not too cranky yet.

[PC XT]

Insurance company "you were hit with a what?" a house :D

[PaulG]

Day 2

Wycliffe Wells to Marla - about 900kms.

Got up early at 5am and left family sleeping - drove back to Devil's Marbles (around 40kms) because we missed the sunset as we came through. Hoping to get some sunrise photos instead. Light rain and overcast meant pretty poor sunrise light. Snapped a few good shots anyway. Here's one with Kluger and rainbow - all together "awwwww, pretty"

Back to Wycliffe Wells to pick up family. Wycliffe Wells is known as an alien hot spot. We didn't spot too many. Here's a shot of this wierd little place. The hilux is our support vehicle - the in-laws car.

Drove through to Alice Springs for another fuel stop and lunch. Still using 10.1L/100km on cruise control at 110km/h.

Left Alice with a tank of Opal - low aromatic fuel. Didn't use cruise control for first 80-100kms or so, sat on 105km/h and consumption was down to 9.3L!! Not bad for a fully loaded Grande.

Dinner at Kilgora pub just north of SA/NT border, and through to Marla - 180 kms into South Oz. Staying here tonight.

I will fill in more details later - very worn out right now...

[Guni]

Looking good mate!

How long will the whole journey take roughly ??? :)

[Kesawi]

Great write-up and photos so far, I look forward to reading more

The difference in fuel consumption between 105kph and 110kph is noticeable. I've begun sitting at a slightly lower speed on long distance drives now.

[PaulG]

Day 3

Marla to Port Augusta - only a short run today 750kms or so. Managed to sleep in a little longer - adjusting to South Oz time. Stopped at a little place called Glendambo for fuel and lunch - essentially a pub and two service stations - the obvious benefit of this place is two service stations means cheaper fuel as they compete with each other, $1.39 I think we paid.

Fuel consumption is still just on 10L/100km. Topped up the cold air pressures before I left Marla this morning. Weather conditions were HOT and dry with an easterly cross wind - 40-41 deg C on the outside temp guage most of the day.

This photo is a rest stop 50 km out of Port Augusta.

I am getting to grips with the fuel consumption meter on the Klugers. Unless there is something wrong with this meter, I'd be taking the consumption figure on the meter with a grain of salt. When the car is stopped and engine running, when the instantaneous reading goes full-scale to 30L, this number is integrated into the average reading. We can be sitting at servo after a refuel with engine running and reset the display, after leaving car running for a few minutes will we run the airconditioner and stuff around getting kids buckled in and comfy. When we hit the highway, the consumption takes about 60-80 kms on the road before it slowly changes down to read low 10's. There should be some sort of algorithm built into this thing a prevent to instantaneous reading going to fullscale when stopped. Does everyone's do this?

Explains why the figures I get around town are wildy different - 12L, 15L - depends on how many traffic lights you stop at.

Anyway, I'll have some real fuel consumption figures in a day or two. I'm recording the amounts we refill with and distances. Just need time to sit down and calculate them. I'll also measure the tread depths of tyres once we get into Glenelg tomorrow.

[Taka]

Drive safely when you come back. Pretty nice outback Australia isn't it? I should explore Australia more with my Kluger. Your trip is very interesting.

I have a few question if you don't mind

How are they in terms of noise, comfort and grip otherwise?

What are the pressure you have on those tyres?

I opted for some Bridgestone Atenzis made from the US. I will do some picture and review tonight.

[ss--ss]

I just completed a 2000klm trip & average consumption was 10.8, I usually sit around 5 to 10 kph over the limit. Mine is an awd so a rwd would show better figures.

The Klugger is pretty fuel efficent as I did the same trip in a awd territory a year or so ago & averaged 12.2l..

[PaulG]

Haven't been able to update my travel journal so far - a little thing called Christmas and New Year got in the way...

Day 4

A short run (about 300kms) from Port Augusta to Glenelg in Adelaide completes to Darwin-Adelaide leg. Driven in very hot conditions (42 deg C). Kluger has performed faultlessly from go to whoa so far.

Days 5-12

Spent a week in Glenelg exploring Adelaide city and suburbs. Mostly city driving. Every major road seems to have a 60km/hr limit. Someone forgot to put a freeway through this place.

Day 13

200km drive to Wallaroo on Yorke Peninsular

Day 14-21

Spending a week in Wallaroo exploring the small towns on the Yorke Peninsular on day trips. Weather is hot one day, cold the next.

Here's a pic of my niece (left and daughter (right) collecting shells/flowers at Port Victoria

Tomorrow we head to Tununda in Barossa Valley for a few days.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Here's some fuel consumption numbers so far (calculated from each fuel load at each refuel)

69.63L 644kms - calculated economy 10.8, indicated economy 10.2

58.01L 581kms - calculated economy 10.0, indicated economy 10.2

45.58L 448kms - calculated economy 10.2, indicated economy 9.9

49.42L 483kms - calculated economy 10.2, indicated economy 9.8

39.85L 400kms - calculated economy 10.0, indicated economy 9.9

58.87L 529kms - calculated economy 11.1, indicated economy 10.8

I've left out a couple of refuels where we forgot to write down the numbers.

TYRE PERFORMANCE

Handling of the car is excellent with the Toyos on bitumen and small sections of dirt that we've been on. Wet bitumen road handling is also excellent. Ride comfort is excellent at 40PSI. Tyre noise is perhaps a little more than the stock Bridgestones.

I've measured the tread depths again here in Wallaroo.

We have travelled a total of 4258kms since tyres were fitted.

Tyes are wearing evenly.

Front tyres are losing a little more rubber than rear (to be expected from FWD?)

Front outer tread depth average - 7.7mm (new 8.3mm)

Front inner tread depth average - 8.3mm (new 9.1mm)

Rear outer tread depth average - 7.9mm (new 8.3mm)

Rear inner tread depth average - 8.7mm (new 9.1mm)

OTHER ISSUES

The dash rattle has become evident on rough road surfaces.

We now have the rotten egg smell when accelerating to overtake. Not evident at all before last service.

And here's a new problem that I haven't seen discussed before:

The rear door glass hatch gas strut mounts have come loose (the mount on the glass end). these mounts are only held on with one screw and have now started slipping around when opening/closing hatch. Most annoying as we are using the glass hatch quite a lot to load/unload gear whilst we are in 6 seater mode. Have tried tightening, but they are still becoming loose.

Edited January 5, 2010 by PaulG

[Taka]

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Here's some fuel consumption numbers so far (calculated from each fuel load at each refuel)

69.63L 644kms - calculated economy 10.8, indicated economy 10.2

58.01L 581kms - calculated economy 10.0, indicated economy 10.2

45.58L 448kms - calculated economy 10.2, indicated economy 9.9

49.42L 483kms - calculated economy 10.2, indicated economy 9.8

39.85L 400kms - calculated economy 10.0, indicated economy 9.9

58.87L 529kms - calculated economy 11.1, indicated economy 10.8

I've left out a couple of refuels where we forgot to write down the numbers.

TYRE PERFORMANCE

Handling of the car is excellent with the Toyos on bitumen and small sections of dirt that we've been on. Wet bitumen road handling is also excellent. Ride comfort is excellent at 40PSI. Tyre noise is perhaps a little more than the stock Bridgestones.

I've measured the tread depths again here in Wallaroo.

We have travelled a total of 4258kms since tyres were fitted.

Tyes are wearing evenly.

Front tyres are losing a little more rubber than rear (to be expected from FWD?)

Front outer tread depth average - 7.7mm (new 8.3mm)

Front inner tread depth average - 8.3mm (new 9.1mm)

Rear outer tread depth average - 7.9mm (new 8.3mm)

Rear inner tread depth average - 8.7mm (new 9.1mm)

Your calculated method is hard to know if it is accurate (no offense). I will trust the dash motoring. I will tell you why.

When you fill up to the full. The pressure of the hose stop and you stop filling. Well I can vary my fill, even in the same hose, by as much as 3-4L. So I guess it is inexact science. The distance should be a touch off. You have a 255/45 right? :)

The dash fuel consumption is calculated by fuel trim and duty cycle. So they will know how much fuel it is delivered to the engine. The distance is still off because of the new tyre. But the method of fuel calculation is kind of more accurate.

Considering you have done lots of highway miles - the thread ware is minimal.

Disappointed about tyre noise though.. the OEM tyre is noisy enough.

[PC XT]

Nice Pics....you love that car

My dash no longer rattles ;) http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/inde...50&start=50

[Kesawi]

Days 5-12

Spent a week in Glenelg exploring Adelaide city and suburbs. Mostly city driving. Every major road seems to have a 60km/hr limit. Someone forgot to put a freeway through this place.

There were plans for quite a few freeways in Adelaide (see http://www.ozroads.com.au/SA/freeways.htm), but for some reason Adelaidians don't like change (which is why I left).

Keep up the posts as I'm enjoying reading them

[PaulG]

Before leaving Wallaroo we went for a drive on North Beach for a refreshing swim. In this picture is our 2007 Kluger, the in-laws 2008 Hilux, and me uncle's 2009 Landcruiser Sahara.

Days 21-23

Left Wallaroo, Eyre Peninsular for Tanunda, Barossa Valley and had a wonderful stay at a bed-n-breakfast. Spent the time exploring the towns in the Barossa and wine-tasting and antique shopping. Also picked up the keys to the Kingston Estate (the mother-in-law works for the owner)for an exclusive look at this old sheep station. Fans of Mcleod's Daughters may recognise this property as Drover's Run.

Day 24

Drove back to Adelaide for one night in Semaphore. Now very hot again in Adelaide. Went for a swim at Semaphore beach at 7:30pm. Beach was packed full of like minded people. Sun still hadn't set by 8:30pm when we left. Seems weird to us tropical folk.

Day 25

Left Semaphore for Murray Bridge which will be our base for a few days. We found a Freeway! the M1 Princess Highway to Murray is a freeway. Very hot in Murray Bridge today - 45 deg C according to BOM. our in-car temperature gauge got to 48 deg C!! Can anyone claim a higher reading?

Day 26

To escape the heat, we used the Kluger as our air-conditioned lounge and did about 250kms exploring the Murraylands, back to Barossa, down to Handorf, and back to Murray Bridge. Temperature got to 45 deg C again in Murraylands.

The Kluger continues to perform well. Motor temperature remained steady even in extreme 45 deg temps. We have negotiated quite a few dirt roads off the regular tourist roads without a problem. Toyo tyres seem nice and solid on the dirt. We even managed a few steep dirt inclines (and declines) without any hint of wheel spin.

Edited January 11, 2010 by PaulG

[PaulG]

Day 27

Did a day trip to Birdwood - a little town which is home to the National Motor Museum. Only spotted a couple of examples of Toyota vehicles - a Tiara (precursor to the corona) and a Troopy. Was amused to see a lovely example of a Datsun 120Y (my first car) and a Yamaha RD400 (my first motorcycle). From Birdwood we drove to Gumeracha site of the Toy Factory and a huge Rocking Horse.

The weather was cold and wet - 15 deg C at 2:30pm - 30 degrees cooler than yesterday!!! This photo shows the weather conditions from a lookout in the Adelaide Hills

The Kluger is a joy to drive through the winding Adelaide Hills back roads, and the Toyos handled the wet roads excellently. Sometimes I had to rein in my speed as I went through the Hills, I was feeling like I was driving a sportscar.

Day 28

A short drive from Murray Bridge to Montaro - a open range zoological park - Giraffes, Rhinos, Lions that kind of stuff. Worth a visit. Then another short drive to Mannum - a beautiful Murray River town - for a picnic lunch by the river. The highlight of the Mannum trip (for the Kluger that is) was a river crossing by cable ferry as seen here in this photo:

We've now done over 5500kms since the new tyres were fitted and we still have plenty more to go!

[PaulG]

Day 29

Spent the day exploring Victor Harbour and the little towns around that area. Took a horse drawn tram over the bridge in Victor Harbour to Granite Island to see some penguins. Went for a swim in Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot. Fell in love with picturesque Strathalbyn. Then back to Murray Bridge via Tailem Bend for our last night here.

Pictured here is Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot

Day 30

Back to Adelaide suburb of Semaphore for our last night before heading back to NT. Managed to fit in a final drive to Tanunda in Barossa for a look at a Hot Rod car show - over 250 cars lining both sides of main street in Tanunda.

Day 31

Left Semaphore and started long haul home. Stopped by in Woomera to check out the rocket park and museum. Staying at Glendambo motel tonight as first stop (about 700kms from Adelaide)

Pictured here is Woomera rocket park. Yes the Kluger is there in the picture. Can you spot it?

[PaulG]

Day 32

Glendambo, SA to Kulgera, NT - another 700 or so kms today. Stopped for lunch at Cooper Pedy and toured an old opal mine and underground home. Did a quick side trip up the Oodnadatta track to the Moon Plains. This amazing landscape has been used in quite a few movies requiring an alien or desolate landscape. This picture shows the ground after recent heavy rains. Can't wait to get some time to photoshop this picture to put the Kluger on Mars (pink sky) or the Moon (black sky).

Day 33

Kulgera to Alice Springs - only 370kms in total today - We planned to travel much further today but got sidetracked going to Stanley Chasm and Simpson Gap. The desert savannah in central Australia is amazingly green and lush after recent rains! Fabulous time to travel through this country. Ended up at a cool motel where we hand-fed Rock Wallabies just outside our door!

Pictured is Simpsons Gap.