Tyre & Wheel Upgrade: Cooper Tires + Dirty Life Wheels for Touring Australia 🛞

Since purchasing my BT-50 completely stock in June 2024, I’ve spent the past five months testing it out across some of Australia’s most iconic and challenging terrain. From tackling Ngkala Rocks on Fraser Island to navigating the legendary Bloomfield Track up in the Daintree, this rig has already proven itself — but my stock tyres? Well, we could do better let's just say that.

After pushing them across sand, mud, and rocky tracks, I knew it was time for an upgrade. I needed something more capable, more durable, and better suited to the kind of off-road touring I’m building this setup for.

Why I Chose Cooper Tires:

Out of all the decisions I’ve made in this build, choosing the right tyres was by far the toughest. With so many options on the market, it took a lot of research and consideration—but it had to be the right choice. As a solo traveller exploring some of the most remote areas in Australia, I needed tyres that were not only tough but also widely available in case anything went wrong on the road.

That’s what ultimately led me to Cooper Rugged Treks. They have a solid reputation across Australia for durability and performance, and they're stocked in so many regional centres, making replacements easy to source if ever needed. That peace of mind was a major factor in my decision.

Durability is still one of the biggest standouts. These tyres are built to last, and after everything I’ve thrown at them—from sand to sharp rocky terrain—they’ve held up incredibly well.

My BT-50 originally came with 265s from factory, so upgrading to 285/70/17s was a noticeable difference—and exactly what I wanted. Firstly, they look tough, which never hurts. But more importantly, going up in size means more surface area when aired down. That increased footprint makes a huge difference when tackling challenging tracks, offering better traction, smoother ride quality, and more confidence behind the wheel.

Why I Paired Them with Dirty Life Wheels:

To complete the look and functionality of my tyre upgrade, I paired the Cooper Rugged Treks with Dirty Life Enigma Pro 17" wheels in matte black—and I couldn’t be happier with the choice.

These wheels don’t just look the part (although let’s be honest, they look incredible); they’re built to handle tough conditions. The Enigma Pro wheels have a solid reputation in the 4WD community for strength and durability, which was a must for me given the type of terrain I regularly drive.

The matte black finish ties in perfectly with the rest of my build, and the clean, aggressive design gives the BT-50 a much more capable and rugged look. They also offer a functional offset that helps with clearance—especially important when running larger tyres like the 285s.

Together, the Coopers and Dirty Life combo not only gave me more capability off-road, but also seriously stepped up the aesthetic of my touring rig.

Performance on the Road (and Off It):

One of the most common questions I get is how these tyres handle on sealed roads—especially when it comes to road noise—and how they perform off-road. Let me tell you: the Coopers hold up in all of the above!

I haven’t noticed any significant road noise since switching over, though to be fair, I do like my music loud, so it’s possible I just tune it out! Either way, they ride smooth and handle great on the bitumen, which is exactly what I was hoping for given how many long driving days I clock up between stops.

Off-road is where they really shine. In the eight months I’ve been running this setup, I’ve tackled everything from the steep climbs and descents of the Victorian High Country, to the legendary Beachport to Robe track in South Australia, and even the remote Gibb River Road in WA. From endless corrugations to soft sandy dunes, these tyres haven’t let me down once.

What’s even more impressive? Despite all that punishment, there’s been barely any noticeable wear on the tread. That kind of longevity and reliability is exactly what I was hoping for—and a big reason I’d recommend this setup to other travellers.

Final Thoughts + Would I Recommend Them?

After months of pushing this tire and wheel combo across just about every terrain Australia has to offer, I can confidently say I’m stoked with the decision. The Cooper Rugged Treks have been tough, reliable, and surprisingly quiet on the road, while the Dirty Life Enigma Pro wheels have added both strength and serious style to the BT-50.

For anyone who travels solo like I do—or just wants the peace of mind that comes with high-quality gear—this combo has delivered everything I was looking for. Great traction, strong sidewalls, minimal wear, and let’s be honest... they look damn good too.

If you’re considering upgrading your touring rig’s tyres and wheels, I’d definitely recommend giving this setup a look. It’s taken me confidently across some of the toughest tracks in the country, and I have no doubt it’ll continue to handle whatever I throw at it next.

I had mine fitted by the legends at Tyre House Auto Care Virginia, and I can’t recommend them enough. Reece and the team did an awesome job, were super helpful throughout the process—and even let me grab a few flexy shots post-fitment (priorities!). If you’re keen to upgrade your tyres and wheels, check out your local tire store and see if they stock Cooper and Dirty Life—you won’t regret it.

Sarah Rose Foster