Toyo Tires Test

Story and photos by Russell Purcell

Last winter, I had the opportunity to evaluate one of Toyo’s latest winter tire offerings. The Toyo Observe GS-i 6 is a stud-less performance tire that has been designed and engineered to provide light trucks and sport utility vehicles with surefooted traction and ride comfort. After spending a little more than four months with these fitted to my truck, I came away feeling that this tire is perfectly suited for the ever changing weather and road conditions that characterize a Canadian winter.

The tires were fitted to a low-mile, first generation Honda Ridgeline by professional installers. The truck had recently been given a new suspension and brakes, and a four-wheel alignment was performed shortly after the new tires were fitted. I live in British Columbia, and our regulations require that you operate your vehicles with a proper winter tire (or chains) from October 1 to March 31, but many highways through mountain passes and or high snowfall areas extend this period to April 30.

Due to complications related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the tires went on a little later than expected, but I did manage to run them for a period of time beginning in late December until the end of April. During this test period I managed to put 4,000 kilometres on the tires in a wide variety of road, weather and terrain conditions.

The first thing I noticed about the Observe GS-i 6 is that they were really smooth running and quiet. Prior to these I was running a set of Cooper Discoverer A/TW tires that had served me well for a number of years, but that model has a much more aggressive all-terrain tread design which tends to create a substantial amount of road chatter at speed. In fact, the Toyo Observe GSi-6 may be the quietest dedicated winter tire that I have experienced, and given the number of press vehicles (of all shapes and sizes) that I have had the opportunity to test on winter rubber, this is a pretty impressive claim for the Toyos. I like to begin a tire test with a long distance run of at least 500 kilometres, and my recent pattern has been to make the journey up the twisty Fraser Canyon to Spence’s Bridge followed by a 60-kilometre sprint along Highway 8 as it undulates beside the Nicola River through rolling hills and past scenic hoodoos. From Merritt I take Highway 5A to Princeton, before following the Crowsnest Highway back to Hope and then finally using Highway 7 to make my way home to the Fraser Valley. This trip can be a challenge for a tire any time of the year as the road surfaces are irregular and get beaten up by heavy truck traffic and plows. Add to this the fact that the sudden elevation and weather changes typical of mountain passes can wreak havoc on both traction and braking abilities.

During the course of my day-long journey, the Toyo Observe GSi-6 tires performed flawlessly despite being asked to navigate over rough roads at highway speeds. They faced a deluge of rain between Agassiz and Hope but the GSi-6’s tread pattern proved very adept at evacuating standing water away from beneath the tire. This is accomplished through the use of a combination of wide grooves and sipes that provide an efficient means for excess water and slush to be cleared away so that the tire can retain grip with the road surface.

I like to use this route to evaluate performance cars as it offers an incredible mix of twists, turns, dips and dives, and in the winter these conditions will quickly reveal the inherent strengths and weaknesses of a tire. The Fraser Canyon was slick and icy in areas where the road was sheltered from sunlight, and some areas beyond the tunnels had obviously been neglected by the road crews as a deep blanket of fresh snow was beginning to obscure the highway.

The Toyos relentlessly pushed forward and I found that they climbed and cornered with confidence, and managed to maintain traction with relative ease. The journey from Spences Bridge to Merritt was harrowing at times due to tremendous crosswinds that seemed to surge through OCT/NOV 2021 Trucks Plus MAGAZINE 29

the valley and over the river, but my nerve and visibility were tested more than the tires which continued to cut through the slush and snow.

As I made my way to Princeton along Highway 5A, I started to see vehicles that had been abandoned alongside the road due to worsening conditions, mechanical failure or driver error. The sugar beet de-icing treatment that is used on many of this region’s highways was obviously in need of a refresh, so I did feel a little sliding under braking in a few less travelled sections of the road, but as this section is largely flat, it served as a reminder to maintain my focus rather than inducing much concern.

Around Princeton the road had developed a thick crust of packed snow and ice with two distinct wheel channels cut through to the surface by large truck traffic. As the temperature dropped, these deep grooves be-

come slick and can easily trap the tires of a passenger vehicle guiding its direction of travel and robbing the driver of some control. I elected to ride with my wheels running on the dirty snow surface that resides above and parallel to these channels. This is because this narrow plateau retains a healthy dose of the gravel and sand that is deposited by the highway crews whenever winter creeps in with a sudden dumping of snow.

The Toyo Observe GSi-6 tires handled this challenge without drama, as the high-grip silica compound seemed to bite into the soft surface allowing the truck to motor through without packing the tread with frozen debris and ice. I was left in full control of the vehicle and could steer, corner and brake as needed with just the occasional correction. mountains or interior regions of the province, your winter driving experience will involve more rain than snow. However, late night temperatures will often dip below the freezing level so icy streets can become a substantial risk and potential hazard.

During my evaluation, I experienced rain almost daily, and the Toyos seemed to thrive in the wet. Hydroplaning was virtually non-existent and braking distances seemed to be on par with those exhibited when operating on my all-season tires. I did notice that there was less noise coming from my wheel wells than there had been with my Cooper tires, which means that the Toyos seem to expel the water outwards better than the Coopers which spray the inner liners like a pressure washer.

Gravel Performance The Toyo Observe GSi-6 has been designed to serve primarily as a highway tire and has been manufactured using a compound that should deliver decreased rolling resistance, extended mileage, and long tread life. However, light truck and SUV owners often find the need to venture off paved roads and explore - as I did on several occasions during my time with these tires.

The Sasquatch Mountain Resort is a family oriented winter sports facility that is accessed by a tight, poorly maintained service road that is covered predominantly in gravel. A seemingly endless series of switchbacks and unstable shoulders make travel on this road a stress inducing activity on busy ski weekends. People tend to carry too much speed on this road, especially while descending, which can lead to aggressive skidding and sliding when the brakes are locked up on the loosely packed surface. For some reason this road eats Jeeps and one might begin to believe that the large evergreen trees are reaching out to pluck them from the road. The reality is that most of these rigs are running on all-terrain tires that are not well suited to winter conditions, and the treads pack full of gravel, snow and ice transforming them into toboggans.

The Toyo Observe GSi-6 navigated the mountain road with confidence when partnered with four-wheel-drive, and the tread seemed to scamper over the gravel and carve through the snow like a mountain goat as long as I was consistent on the throttle and steady with the pace. I took my time on the descent, preserving my brakes for the slow turns and emergencies, and the tires seemed to be able to resist trapping stones in the tread. In short, the Observe GSi-6 conquered Sasquatch Mountain.

After 4,000 kilometres and a season of use I can say that the Observe GSi-6 has proven to be an exceptional tire for the mild winter conditions we get here on the west coast. Its overall performance was consistent with regards to ride quality, traction, handling and braking no matter the conditions, and I would recommend it with confidence as a winter replacement tire for most light trucks and utility vehicles.

Anzo USA’s New LED Tail Lights for 200-201 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Description: Anzo USA’s new LED tail lights for the 2008-2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty are 100-percent street legal, DOT-compliant lights that utilize superior, high-powered SMD LED lights which are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specification. The lights are designed to be fully operational in extreme hot or cold temperatures and are fully sealed to keep moisture out. Specifications: The plug-and-play lights feature an internal constant-current waterproof inductive driver. Applications: 2008-2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty. Website: www.anzousa.com

Anzo USA’s Crystal Headlights with LED Plank Light Bar

Description: Anzo USA’s new Crystal Headlights with the LED plank light bar are 100-percent street legal, DOT-compliant lights that utilize superior, high-powered SMD LED lights which are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specification. The lights are designed to be fully operational in extreme hot or cold temperatures and are fully sealed to keep moisture out. Specifications: The plug-and-play lights feature an internal constant-current waterproof inductive driver and the lights feature high and low beams with a bright white output. Applications: For the 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Website: www.anzousa.com

Bright Source Siberia Series Single- and Double-Row LED Light Bars Description: Check out the new Siberia Series Single- and Double-Row LED Light Bars from BrightSource. Featuring two colour-position lights (White or Amber), these high-power, long-range, combo pattern lights are available in 12-, 22-, 32-, 42- and 50-inch lengths. The popular 22-in. Double Row unit boasts an output of 16,000 lumens and a range of 1 lux @ 538m. Power up the white or amber position light with DRL wiring, or set it up with your flashers, for a custom look. Designed and manufactured with a focus on durability and exceptional quality, these lights are engineered to withstand our Canadian winters and backed by a 3-year warranty. Specifications: With E-Mark Certification, these light bars are street legal in most provinces (check local laws for installation requirements and other regs). Side mount and back mount brackets and stainless hardware simplify installation/positioning. Harness sold separately. Applications: Not application specific. Website: www.brightsource.ca

Bright Source Siberia Night Ranger and Bush Ranger 7- and 9-in. Round Lights Description: The new Siberia Night Ranger and Bush Ranger 7- and 9-in. Round lights from BrightSource give you the output and colour you need to optimize your on/off-road driving needs. The Night Ranger features a powerful white combo beam pattern - with a range of up to 465m for the 9-in. model. The Bush Ranger has a bright yellow combo beam pattern - ideal for driving in dust, snow or fog. Output range is up to 387m for the 9-in. model. Both series feature a position light with your choice of Amber or White output, to customize your vehicle appearance. Specifications: Designed and manufactured with a focus on exceptional quality, these lights are engineered to withstand our Canadian winters and backed by a 3 year warranty. With E-Mark Certification, these lights are street legal in most provinces (check local laws for installation requirements and other regs). Supported by robust brackets with stainless hardware. Harness sold separately. Applications: Not application specific. Website: www.brightsource.ca

Enthuze RGB Multi-Colour Light Bars

Description: By combining three colours with the use of an RGB controller, there are endless possibilities of colour combinations and light patterns with the New Enthuze RGB Light Bars! Use as a regular white LED light bar or use your phone to change the colours and sync to music via Bluetooth. Specifications: Rated 30,000 hrs, made of high UV-resistant powder-coated aluminum housing, ranging from 2,280 to 19,760 lumens depending on model. Applications: Universal 3-in. cubes and 8-, 14-, 22-, 32-, 52-in. Bars. Bluetooth controller sold separately Website: www.enthuze.ca

Description: J.W. Speaker’s Model 9049-3M light bar features a unique design that offers 2019 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition both a fog and spot light option, and a level of durability that is perfectly suited for off-roading. The bar features a driving light in the centre with spot beams on each side to produce a focused spot beam pattern. Specifications: Features an easy installation with universal mount. Applications: Universal product. Website: www.jwspeaker.com

LMC Truck Exclusive LED License Lamp Assemblies

Description: LMC Truck’s LED License Lamp Assemblies are completely sealed units and install directly into the stock locations. The specifically-designed components focus the bright, white light directly on to the license lamp while maintaining a stock-looking appearance. Specifications: Installs in stock locations. Applications: Available for 1967-87 Chevy/GMC Pickups and 1967-91 Chevy/GMC SUVs. Website: www.lmctruck.com

Performance World LED Headlight Kits

Description: 4000LM High Power LED Headlight Kit. The brightest LED headlights out there with a great warranty too. The plug-and-play LED headlight kits are super popular and easy to install. Specifications: New 7th Generation Design! Fanless, plug & play. Applications: Visit website for application listings. Website: www.performance-world.com

PIAA Quad Series LED Lights

Description: PIAA’s new Quad Series of LED lights provide massive amounts of light in an affordable package with PIAA’s trusted durability. The lights feature deep reflector optics which are designed to project light at extreme distances, while also giving increased foreground coverage around your vehicle. They feature increased reflector surface, a symmetrical beam pattern, optical-grade clarity and are UV fade-resistant. The Quad Series Lights are offered as LED cube lights or LED light bars in sizes from 12-30-in. Specifications: All lights feature an armour-type coating, an IP67 protection rating and a 50k hour LED lifespan. Applications: Universal products. Website: www.piaa.com

Putco Luminix Ford LED Emblem

Description: Putco is now offering official Ford licensed LED emblems that seamlessly replace the OEM emblems and utilize the original mounts. The IP69K rated, direct plugand-play emblem is made to be tough and durable to withstand the elements, and provide a unique look for your vehicle. Specifications: Front emblem delivers a 6,500K white high-lux light, while the rear emblem delivers a mega red high-lux light. Applications: Available for Ford pickups. Visit website for complete listings. Website: www.putco.com

Rigid Industries Radiance Pod Scene Light

Description: Rigid Industries Radiance Pod Scene Lights are built with the same high-grade aluminum alloy housing as the D-Series, utilize the latest LED technology, and incorporate a thermally optimized heat sink. The lights are able to provide up to 100-degrees of horizontal spread for maximum coverage, and require minimal amp draw. Specifications: Lights feature a black exposed printed circuit board and forward projecting optics that optimize the light output with back-lighting available in white, green, amber, blue or red. Applications: Universal product. Website: www.rigidindustries.com

Description: Solves DRL, Canbus and EMF issues. If your vehicle’s daytime running lights 2019 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition operate at a voltage lower than 8 volts, then some LED kits won’t even light up. Or if they do, the low voltage will reduce their life expectancy. We have the perfect solutions for this with our Ultimate Decoder Modules. Specifications: Works for both LED and HID headlight upgrade kits. Applications: Check website. Website: www.sbxparts.com

SBx Parts X9S LED Headlight Bulbs

Description: The newest LED Headlight release from SBx Parts is the X9S series. These output an incredible 10,000 Lumens of light per bulb and have built in Canbus circuitry to solve bulb out and flickering issues on nearly every vehicle. Featuring the same small body size as the F3 series they are replacing makes for an easy installation. Specifications: Produces 10,000 Lumens of light per bulb. Applications: Check website. Website: www.sbxparts.com

Trail FX 0-In. Curved Dual Row LED Light Bar

Description: TrailFX’s 40-in., dual row LED light bar has 240 watts of power and features cree chip technology to provide ample light for even the darkest of situations. The lights have 30,000 hours of working life thanks to low power consumption, and also feature reverse polarity protection. The polycarbonate lens and die-cast aluminum housing provide excellent protection against any off- or on-road debris. Specifications: 30,000 hour lifespan. Applications: Not application specific. Website: www.trailfx.com

Tungsram Nighthawk Platinum

Description: Tungsram Nighthawk Platinum headlamps are designed for high-performance visibility, convenience and style and provide a great light output to light up even the darkest of conditions. The bulbs are available for a wide variety of applications and the white style of light will make your vehicle stand out to other drivers. Specifications: Specific light levels vary by bulb type and headlamp assembly. Applications: Visit website for complete application listings. Website: www.tungsram.com

Vision X XPL Series Lo-Pro Light Bar

Description: Vision X’s new XPL Series Lo-Pro LED light bar features an ultra slim, 2-in. housing that will allow it to easily integrate into any application. The lights are able to produce up to 19,620 lumens and utilize 5W Cree LEDs to provide plenty of light in any situation. Specifications: Available in 6-, 9-, 13-, 21-, 32-, 40-, and 51-in. lengths. Lights feature both side wing and bottom feet mounts. Applications: Universal product. Website: www.visionxusa.com

Westin Automotive B-Force Double Row LED Light Bar

Description: Westin Automotive’s B-Force Double Row LED Light bars feature a black face with a diamond plate pattern and even come with black hardware for that complete blackout look. The extruded aluminum housing with die-cast ends and a dust and moisture resistant lens help protect the light from tough outdoor situations. Specifications: Light bars are available in 2-, 4-, 6-, 10-, 12-, 20-, 30-, 40-, and 50-in. lengths. Includes pigtail connector. Applications: Not application specific. Website: www.westinautomotive.com

Story and photos by Howard J Elmer

Who buys truck campers? I know truck campers are popular out West, primarily because they appeal to horse owners who already have trucks and tow horse trailers behind them. I also know that fishermen, hunters, ATVers, etc., all of whom often need to tow trailers, like them. And, because they are mounted on 4WD trucks, they can tackle the rough roads of the back country. Like I said – this describes why they are popular out West. But what about the rest of the country?

The unit I’m doing a virtual test on today is built by a Canadian company, Northern Lite, of Kelowna, BC. This company has fed that western appetite for 30-odd years and continues to grow, extending its reach eastward.

The Sportsman Plus 8-11 shown here, has new features for the 2021 model year such as Dual 185-Watt Solar Panels; a 9-inch Wider Dinette; Wireless Backup Camera; Removable Third Step; Exterior 110V Plug and Premium Leatherette U-Shaped Seating. These items are the continued improvement of a long serving product. In fact, I did a review of this model in 2010 and it continues to be popular.

With a dry weight of around 2,400 lb, this unit requires a 2500 series and higher truck to carry it. However, it will fit a 6.5-foot bed – which for crew cabs is the most common size.

Northern Lite builds its truck campers in much the same way boat hulls are manufactured. Using fibreglass moulds, they lay up a mixture of chopped fibreglass strands and plastic resin to form a top and bottom shell. Finished with a covering of Gelcoat, the two sections are then screwed together, and then the window and vent opening are cut out and the interior fixtures

As with all small units, the description “boatlike design” is fitting because inside, it’s all about efficient use of space. All truck campers use the same basic design - a centre aisle leads to the main bed that is housed in the overhanging portion of the RV. This aisle also separates the dining area from the galley and the washroom from the storage.

In the Sportsman, the bath is on the left at the rear of the unit and it includes a toilet, sink, exhaust vent and a sliding door – all built into a fully “wet” designed shower (a dry bath is also available). Across the aisle mirrored doors front a large hanging clothes closet next to the full-size refrigerator/freezer. Ahead of these are the counter/sink/stove on the right and the four-place raised dinette on the left. Cupboards, drawers and other closet doors are all solid hardwood and nicely finished. The counter top looks ample in size. Above it, the standard microwave is hidden in the cupboard, rather than taking up that valuable counter space.

These units are typically built for two people; however, the dinette does drop down for the occasional overnight guest – who you better know well considering the close quarters. But for the main occupants, the bed in the overhang is huge, nicely lit and ventilated with windows on either side. Also (over the bed) is a large skylight that also doubles as an emergency exit. The mattress area is 80 by 60-inches and there is a further foot of space on either side that houses twin doors that open to storage. There is also a closet on the left and the right. On the right there is also a set-up for a flat screen TV. Headroom in this space is listed at a decent 30 inches.

Windows in the unit are of the acrylic thermal pane type. They have a pull-up screen and a pull-down shade, both of which are spring-loaded. Powered vents in the bath and in the main hallway will move a large quantity of air.

If you are wondering - getting the camper on and off the truck is as simple as using a TV remote. In fact, with the standard

Width: .......................................................................... 98-inches Length: .....................................................................195-inches Inside floor length: ...............................................108-inches Dinette Bed: ........................................................ 46x67-inches Main Bed: ............................................................. 60x80-inches Fresh Water: ...................................................................33 gal Gray Water: .....................................................................24 gal Black Water: ...................................................................12 gal Hot Water: ......................................................................... 6 gal Dry Weight: ..................................................................2,400 lb Price: .................................................. starts at $57,900(appox.)

wireless electric jacks, the remote allows the user to position each leg individually or lift/lower all the legs at once. I’ve done it in the past and found I could lift, back under and drop the unit onto my truck in under five minutes.

A few years ago, I was doing another truck camper test at an RV dealer and fell into conversation with a couple who were looking at them. Curious, I asked them why they were interested in that unit – and their answers surprised me. I repeat that conversation here because I still feel they laid out the best real-world case for buying a truck camper that I’ve heard.

In a nutshell, they told me they had a 30-something foot fifthwheel which they found to be almost an inconvenience on some road trips they took. Example, Labrador and Newfoundland. Why? Two reasons – precious few areas to pull a rig of that size off the road for a quick stop or short overnight – and second – the roads were lousy. Still, I said, how often do you go somewhere like that? To this, the answer was even more revealing.

With just the two of them travelling now, they had first considered downsizing to a Class B, but then they realized that a Class B is always a Class B. But with the truck camper (at a third of the price of a Class B) they could use it when needed and then unload it at home. The pickup was now once more just transportation. And, they already owned the truck. As for the fifth-wheel - they’d keep it for longer trips with longer stays. Suddenly, the penny dropped. Ease of access; price-point; utility-minded. All things that appeal to me as well. Pays to talk to strangers, I say. 1. Rough country access. Your truck has 4WD and rugged tires; it also has good ground clearance and a suspension that is built for off-road travel. If your truck can get in there, then so can your truck camper.

2. The right truck camper does not impede your ability to tow a trailer. This is one of the reasons that these campers are popular with the horsey crowd, as they tow their animals to places and events where having accommodation on site is a definite benefit.

. With the right lift kit, the truck camper takes just a few minutes more to unload than the time required to uncouple a trailer.

. Like a trailer or fifth-wheel, when you trade in your truck you don’t have to change up your camper – it continues to serve, regardless of what new pickup you buy.