From Highway to Outback
Why the Dueler A/T 697’s are built for the Journey
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from years of outback travel, remote filming and sleeping under the stars, it’s this: tyres can make or break a trip. Blow one out in the middle of nowhere and an entire trip can be wiped off the calendar. That’s why I’ve got a lot of time for the Bridgestone Dueler A/T 697 – they’ve proven they can take an absolute flogging and still come back for more. The beauty of the 697 is they’re just as comfortable cruising the highway as they are clawing up a rocky climb.
Australia’s not gentle on gear. Sharp gibber rocks, gidgee wood, washouts – it’s all waiting to destroy your tyres. The 697’s LT construction, chunky tread blocks for an All Terrain tyre and chip-resistant compound mean they’ll happily cop all that abuse. I’ve dragged these things through the Kimberley, across the Cape and down more beach tracks than I can remember – and they just keep rolling. They wear nice and even too, which means you’re not tossing them out before they’ve earned their keep.
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T 697 is available in a wide range of sizes, suiting everything from dual-cabs to touring wagons, 79’s to Jimnys. At 4WD 24/7 we’ve seen these tyres last over 70,000kms in real world use. With proven cut-and-chip resistance it’s a dependable option for both remote travel as well as daily driving.
If you want a set of tyres that can handle Australia’s nastiest tracks, survive the trip home, and still be ready for more – the Dueler A/T 697 is the go.
Graham Cahill is one of Australia’s most recognised 4WD adventurers and photojournalists. Best known for his work on 4WD 24/7, he’s spent decades tackling some of the toughest tracks and most remote tracks across the country. With a wealth of experience behind the wheel and behind the lens, Graham brings an authentic perspective on life on and off-road.