Tire Help: 2006 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Overland Build

[Wolftaco]

I am building my 06 Double Cab Tacoma for overland use have narrowed things down to the following tires in 255/85r16:

Toyo M55 (Long Wear, Puncture Resistant, True All Terain, Proven, Heavy)
Toyo Open Country M/T (Agressive Hybrid Tread, Good Highway for a Mud Tire, Heavy)
BFG KM2 (Agressive Hybrid Tread, Good Highway for a Mud Tire, Flexible Sidewall)
Cooper ST Maxx (Coming Soon?)

Anyway, I ordered and will be installing my OME lift as soon as the weather breaks. My truck has an ARB bumber and winch, bed rack/cargo basket combo so it's not an extremely heavy rig, but will get up there when adding mountain bikes, canoe, gas, etc. for exploration adventures. My camping setup is light, no roof top tents, no showers, cooking ranges, etc. Very minimalist aproach, sleep in the back or in a 4lb tent. I am planning to do a handfull of big trips including Great Divide Overland Route (Canada to Mexico), and Yukon/Alaska over the next two years.

I wanted to get the opinions of people on this site who have more experience and might know a thing or two about my truck weight and tire performance. I am leaning towards the M55 or ST Maxx due to the fact that there is not many AT tires in 255/85r16. Do you think I should wait around for the ST Maxx or go with the tried and true M55? Should I consider the mud tires in this range, worried about wet/snow conditions high way manners? Puncture resistance and durability is a high priority since I am only carrying one spare to keep weight low. This is why i didnt list the Cooper ST, seems like its getting phased out for the tougher ST MAXX. Should I consider other tires, am i missing anything? BTW - I emailed Cooper about the ST Maxx and they said it will be shipping in the "next few months".

Any and all thoughts are welcome (Redline maybe?), and I thank you in advance for any help!

-Luke

 

[ebg18t]

If you have time I would wait for the STMaxx

 

[bkg]

Had the Toyo's on my old Tacoma. Heavy and loud on the road. Strong as crap, but dang they were heavy.

 

[Mrknowitall]

What do you have against the Cooper ST? Proper all-terrain and HALF the money of the M55. All of them will hold plenty of weight.

 

[Wainiha]

I have two sets for my 2000 3.4 xcab Tacoma. 31x10.5x15 KM2s and 32x11.5x15 BFG ATs. Neither is good in the rain. KM2s seem better actually, maybe because they're narrower.

They seem to wear fast on the roads here though and they chunk. Oh, when I say rain I mean it. I live Kauai.

I have heard Toyo makes good quality tires. I have no first hand experience though.

 

[montypower]

Why do you want 255/85s? You won't be enjoying the stock gearing or braking with that size. Look at 235/85s. Much less weight and better performance. There's no way 1/2" of additional height will keep you from traveling any off road route/trail. Plus, you can get the 235/85 ST/Maxx tires (that's what I'm currently running).

 

[Wolftaco]

What do you have against the Cooper ST? Proper all-terrain and HALF the money of the M55. All of them will hold plenty of weight.

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't have anything against the cooper S/T tread pattern, I don't want to run a tire that is being fazed out for a stronger sidewall in the ST Maxx. I agree that the M55's price is a little out of control, but it def has stellar reviews for long tread wear and sidewall strength when aired down.

 

[Wolftaco]

Why do you want 255/85s? You won't be enjoying the stock gearing or braking with that size. Look at 235/85s. Much less weight and better performance. There's no way 1/2" of additional height will keep you from traveling any off road route/trail. Plus, you can get the 235/85 ST/Maxx tires (that's what I'm currently running).

Monty - It's not the extra half inch ground clearance I care so much about, as the extra half inch of sidewall! I like the extra cushion!
I also don't plan to reg-ear, most people with 6speeds choose not to re-gear cause the tacoma feels geared way to low already, I agree! Plus I welcome the extra mpgs that come with lower highway rpms from running 33s. But the price of the 235 is definitely way nicer on the wallet. Thanks for your suggestion, may go that route if the 255s keep getting pushed back!

 

[Wolftaco]

If you have time I would wait for the STMaxx

Thanks, that's what I am leaning towards. I just like the utilitarian look, reputation for durability on Alaskan roads for the M55, but the price and weight is turning me off!

 

[montypower]

Monty - It's not the extra half inch ground clearance I care so much about, as the extra half inch of sidewall! I like the extra cushion!
I also don't plan to reg-ear, most people with 6speeds choose not to re-gear cause the tacoma feels geared way to low already, I agree! Plus I welcome the extra mpgs that come with lower highway rpms from running 33s. But the price of the 235 is definitely way nicer on the wallet. Thanks for your suggestion, may go that route if the 255s keep getting pushed back!

I highly doubt you'll feel any difference in the cushion department. I've run both sizes. Cushion is more to do with your air pressure.

There's no way 255s will give you better mpg. Your gain of lower revs would be offset by the increased weight and rotational mass. You'd be lucky to maintain your highway mpg. Plus, you'll need to address your brakes.

 

[p nut]

If you're considering 255/85's, I would recommend going with 285/75. More tire choices, slightly better pricing, tires can be had in LR C or D. Most importantly, no difference in overall performance or MPG. Plus, if you get a double flat somewhere, it would be much easier to get a 285 replacement than 255. Also consider 265/75's.

 

[hilux30]

I've been through everything with the 265/75-16 BF AT's (+ OME 3"), I would love to go taller but not 'till I can re-gear to a 4.10 or 4.56, much needed power and fuel range would be lost...

 

[Wolftaco]

I highly doubt you'll feel any difference in the cushion department. I've run both sizes. Cushion is more to do with your air pressure.

There's no way 255s will give you better mpg. Your gain of lower revs would be offset by the increased weight and rotational mass. You'd be lucky to maintain your highway mpg. Plus, you'll need to address your brakes.

You are correct, cushion has everything to do with air pressure, but also has a lot to do with having more rubber. A larger/taller sidewall also provides a larger contact patch when aired down, this is primarily why I prefer the 255 over 235. Regarding increased rotational mass, this has more affect on getting the tires going. Once your moving at highway speed, lower rpms at a set speed translates to higher mpg. If you are trail riding, stopping and starting, mpgs will go down for sure. And your correct about braking, with increased rotational mass braking will suffer no doubt. With all do respect, I want to avoid a discusion on tire size, this is a heavily debated topic on these threads. I am pretty set on the 255s just wanted to get an opinion on tire brands and experience's. With that being said, are you happy with the ST Maxx? Would you say they are tough, good sidewall, dependable in remote travel? Ride nice on the highway, perform in mud and wet rain/snow? Thanks for all your insight!

 

[montypower]

Here are my review thoughts so far: http://gitout.com/showthread.php?1266-Tire-Reivew-Cooper-ST-Maxx-Long-Term-Review

 

[Willman]

Sounds like 265's might be a good size if your not wanting to regear. You can get anything in that size.