thornbirds

[tjworld]

just wondering what people's experiences with thornbirds are?
I moved to the beach and lot of the jeeps i see around here have these tires. just wondering if there is a big seceret about these tires. they look meaty but i don't think they would last long with the large tread pattern. anyways, just wondering...
Tristan

[lonegpr]

My understanding over the years of listening to folks with them is that they look cool, but really suck as a tire on the street and off the street.

On the street they don't shed water well when it rains.

Offroad they don't get any real traction, tending to clog up in mud.

Again, this is all heresay, since I don't have any personal experience with them. I did have TSL's on my '97 TJ. They work great offroad. Air them down to about 12 pounds and they work good in sand too. Which is the key anyways for wheeling in sand.

[Warlock]

And from what I hear, they don't last long. No where near as long as BFG, or even Goodyears. But this is also heresay. The only experience I have with them is changing them out.

[Paulwpetrea]

Well, although Interco seems to make some pretty durable tires, they 'screwed the pooch' on this one. I have seen them now, on several Jeeps, while wheeling. I am not impressed, to say the least. I guess, in short, these tires are Interco's ... Pinto? :)

I don't intentionally mean to put anyones tires down. I just am going by the performance I have seen, while on a trail, with other Jeeps.

I know one person, who seems to be fairly happy with them. However, he did get stuck at Tellico too.

Personally, I wouldn't go with them, myself.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

[jeeper_john]

I've heard nothing but bad things about these tires.

[tjworld]

Thanks for all the info, i just wanted alittle more information before i decide on what tires to buy. i am leaning towards SS TSL Radials. Anyone had bad experieces with these tires?

Thanx,
Tristan

[Colo.TJ]

Thornbirds.........nnnnnooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

[Wrangled97TJ]

Well...only personal experience is from what I've seen on the trails. They don't really grip rocks exceptionally well, and in muddy situations they snot up quick.

Don't know about how they handle on road, but they are LOUD...

And the fact that they are bias ply tires does not help longevity either.

If you're set on Radial Swampers, I'd go with the SSR's. The TSL Radials have a tendency to bulge on the sidewall over time...

Just my $.02...YMMV...

Marty

[bz_711]

Thought I'd post my opinion...although I'm from Western IL and not too much hardcore offroading around here, mostly mudding and trails. Anyway, from what I've seen, the Thornbirds are more for looks than anything...I admit they do catch an eye, but the actual tread pattern isn't worth much.

I'm in love with my new GY MT/R's. Can't believe I've never seen them on a vehicle around here...must be the price. The Tread is awesome, the lugs wrap halfway down the sides of sidewall, and they're quite compared to mud tires. Also one of strongest sidewalls I've seen in a tire. And they're eye catching as well.

[ScottTJ]

guess i'll be the only one who has experience with them...they do have their drawbacks but I actually like them...I've had 2 sets (yes I actually bought a replacement set)...I have had them in two setups...(1) was an 89 YJ w/350 and I never had any problem clearing the tread pattern w/that rig...(2) 97 Sahara that I don't run off road much...it's more of a street queen (still payin for it) and yes they are loud and they do increase the pucker factor on wet roads BUT they look mean as hell, they last FOREVER, and they do great in sand (maybe that's why you see them around the beach...of course a lot of those beach rigs are just going for looks too) soooo that's my experience with them...a lot of guys flame these tires by what they hear...depends on what you have in mind for them...I would not recommend them for a trail rig that sees a lot of deep mud w/o the power to clear the tread...also the sidewalls are stiff so they don't air down very well...but I have never had any problems rock crawling dry areas with them...that's my rant (send me my check interco !!)

[Chris S]

The t-birds are not a really bad tire, but there are lots of better choices for the money.
On the beach an AT tread actually works best, since it doesn't dig deep if it spins. Maybe that's why the t-birds are popular as well. They have so much flat surface that they don't dig. Spin SSRs on sand and you'll be in holes so deep you'll be stuck before you know it.