Back from safari: Swampers didn't hold up

[Expat]

Well, I just got back from my first major safari in the CTD. I covered about 2,500 kilometers (Kampala to Nairobi to Lake Turkana on the Sudan border and back). Caught some nice Nile Perch. About half the trip involved four wheel drive. Overall, the truck performed spectacularly, particularly in the mud and water crossings. I carried the spare diesel and water, and for about 500 miles through bandit country I carried six police with AK-47 and G3 rifles in the bed.



The Swamper TSLs were great in mud, as expected. The problem was in the volcanic rock at Lake Turkana. With only a moderate load in the back, I had two bad flats due to rock punctures. The tires that didn't have flats were still literally having lugs ripped off them. I have a mix of both the old C and new E rated swampers. Earthroamer had more or less the same experience with his BFG MTs and warned me about this.



My local tire expert is suggesting Michelin XML tires in 325/85/R16. He says the XMLs are the toughest tires around (used on tactical wheeled vehicles and armored vehicles) and that they will last forever. At full inflation they're rated to about 10,000 lbs. per axle. The only problem will be harsh ride and very limited top speed rating (62 mph). Earthroamer used similar Michelin XZLs and loved them.



The problems my tire guy didn't mention are cost (incredibly expensive by the time they're delivered in Africa) and fitment. I'll have to order them in, so I won't be able to test fit them. 325/85/R16 should work out to be about 37. 8 x 12. 8, but Michelin's website says they're 38. 7x12. 9. Has anyone fitted 37s or 38s? What kind of lift did they require? I'd like to stick with my stock 16x8 rims. It looks to me like a 38 might fit, and I'll get out a tape measure, but I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has fitted 37s or 38s. I do go off road, so clearance is a real issue. Any other suggestions for really tough tires with an extremely aggressive tread are appreciated.



Cheers!

Don T.

 

[GKR]

I'm running 37's on a 10 inch wheel (American Racing Atlas-4 5/8 backspacing). The only contact I get is while partially turning and hitting a bump, I get a slight rub on my air dam. I'm using the superlift 5" front springs and the 3/4" leveling lower spring pockets on both sides. I also have custom control arms and have moved the axle forward about 3/4 of an inch. The ride is just a bit smoother that the springs you're running now. I know it means more money but the Dick Cepek lift has been re-released. Top notch hardware, probably the best on the market for big lifts (6 inch) and will clear 38/15. 50's. Good luck in your adventure.

Greg.

 

[Ramboy]

Don,

Sounds like a great trip. Where did you catch the Nile perch and how big were they. I saw some really nice ones (20 - 30 lbs. ) come out of the river just south of Murchison Falls. Also was told that fishing was good in Lake Victoria. Do you have any pictures to post?

Phil

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Sorry to hear about your tires, Don.



How about some pictures of your trip?

 

[BCFAST]

Seems to me there ought to be some sort of military tire that would hold up to the punnishment you're putting them thru. Might be worth looking into.

 

[The patriot]

Man, sounds like fun. Pictures... pictures!!!

Eric

 

[Expat]

Pictures will be delayed for a few weeks because my normal computer is broken and I will be in the U. S. visiting family for about two weeks. I'll post some as soon as I can, though.



For those who asked about the fishing, I was at Lake Turkana and the largest we caught was weighed in at 70 pounds. Our guide was disappointed that we didn't get a 100 pounder as he said that is not unusual. My personal goal was a fish that outweighed my girlfriend (105 pounds). Maybe next time.



I regularly fish Lake Victoria and they see some nice fish, but sizes are starting to decline due to overfishing and poor management. Fish in the Nile River at Murchison Falls are on the whole usually smaller than in the lakes, but they fight much better. I am planning to get to Murchison soon, so I can give a firsthand report at some point. The problem at Murchison and Turkana is that there are some very large crocodiles waiting for unwary fishermen. It's kind of interesting to be fishing and be reminded that we're not at the top of the food chain...

 

[Ramboy]

I would worry as much about the Hippo's as the Croc's.

 

[Devildog]

I have fished deep in the Amizon's Ventuare, Orinoco and thier tributaries, I know the feeling of being watched:



I tried looking up the Michelin XML tires and couldn't find anything...



ps. Everything in the Amizon has teeth except the women

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

XZLs no longer available

Expat, I don't know if you read the latest TDR issue but Bill Swail discussed his tires in his ATS transmission article. He ruined one of his tires because he was in a hurry and went too fast and overheated it. He was unable to replace it because Michelin stopped producing them. I don't know about the XMLs though.



Vaughn