05 Tacoma with 255/85/16 BFG's

[Schattenjager]

Well, the great tire debates go on and on, ultimately leaving me with analysis paralysis more than a concrete decision.

I ordered a set of Cooper ST's in the 255/85 but once they showed up, two of the tire busters said they had seen more than enough chunking problems with the ST's for them to recommend them. A little research on the waiting room computer led me to believe that this was not the best decision - learning that there is no manufacture warranty whatsoever, and that gave me serious pause.

I was a little disappointed with the mileage I got out of the 235/85 BFG AT's - only about 41K after diligent rotations and balancing. There was still some usable tread for the street, but that is not why we buy these type of tires, and the off road abilities of these had disappeared miles ago.

So, I went to what I know - BFG - good warranty, free rotations and balancing, and a complimentary road hazard package - all for "only" $1,100.00

I choose the 255/85/16 per Scott and others recommendations and am very pleased. There is no rubbing I can detect and the restricted articulation of the IFS will keep things in check. I guess that is the one positive of an IFS on a four wheeler. :hehe:

Here are some pics's I picked up almost a full inch of ground clearance over the 235's The ride is GREAT and the look, while last on my priority list, is really neat.

 

[slooowr6]

Nice! :ylsmoke:

 

[SGTCap]

That sucks. I have a set of 255/85/16 Cooper STs in my living room right now. THey are going on in the morning. Oh well, at least the set only cost me 610 mounted

 

[viatierra]

Dude, I'm so with you on the tires! They look great. I originally wanted the Coopers too. Try something new and save a few bucks... But when I finally pulled the trigger, they were indefinately backordered.:exclaim:

I ended up with the same BFG treads and love them. The only problem (besides the additional $$) is availability. Not as bad as the Coopers, but I've had to face doing a trip with no spare more than once because it took 4 business days for my local Discount Tire to bring one in. Not cool. Jeez, what if I ended up mounting Coopers?? Long waits or backorders would be a serious drag.

The good news is that if we all keep buying them, maybe they will start to keep more on hand.
:smiley_drive:

 

[Schattenjager]

I got a set of 5. The Big O had 12 in stock! And this was in little Evergreen Colorado.

 

[viatierra]

Well very cool!
That's good to hear...

 

[Willman]

Looking good!

That is one sharp rig!!!!

 

[Nullifier]

intersting story. It is the BFG tires that are always chunking out. both sets of my BFG muds have considerable chunks. I know atleast a dozen people running coopers and have never seen one with chunks out of it.

 

[p1michaud]

New tires

Great selection for your tires. You will be happy with your decision I'm sure.

The funny thing with tires is that everyone like the brand that they purchased the best :sombrero:

I have read reports about both the BF Goodrich and Cooper tires chunking. At the end of the day, it really does not matter as long as the tires perform well for your application IMO.

Here's to many trouble free miles on your new tires.
Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[Schattenjager]

That sucks. I have a set of 255/85/16 Cooper STs in my living room right now. THey are going on in the morning. Oh well, at least the set only cost me 610 mounted

I bet you have great luck with your tires! We would certainly appreciate your input regarding ride, wear, on and off road performance etc. They sure do look tough. And as posted before in this thread - the BFG's chunk too - it just depends on why. Be aware that the Cooper's have a top speed rating of about 85. While I don't push my truck that hard often, I have to think that cruising at higher speeds is pushing the tire to it's design limit. The tire shop seemed to think speed rather than 4 wheeling had more to do with the chunking. Again, it is all about you and how you drive your rig.

Murphy is my co-pilot and that is why I went with the BFG and the warranty.

Looks like your first post - Welcome to ExPo!!!
:wavey:

 

[Redline]

I find this very interesting and a bit improbable (high speeds on-highway causing chunking). I would guess that chunking comes from sharp rocks and other surfaces off-highway. When I had a set of Dean SXTs in 255/85 (same carcass as Cooper ST, not sure about tread compound) I cut them up spinning them on some sharp, loose rocks with my Rubicon.

I guess it is possible that the tires are broken down from high speed driving and they later chunk, but again, I'm not convinced. Sounds more like shop talk rumor from guys that have ‘heard’ something but not run the tires themselves. I just don't see many people driving at sustained speeds over 87-mph.

Congratulations on your new BFG MTs is THE size

SNIP... The tire shop seemed to think speed rather than 4 wheeling had more to do with the chunking. Again, it is all about you and how you drive your rig.

Murphy is my co-pilot and that is why I went with the BFG and the warranty.

Looks like your first post - Welcome to ExPo!!!
:wavey:

 

[Schattenjager]

Day Two Update

LOVE 'EM! They ride great, roll very well, and go in the light snow far better than expected. Tomorrow I want to do a little trail work - gotta test the added ground clearance before it wears away!

Re: the chunking and speed. In my vintage race days I have seen many a slick near the end of it's life lose chunks (for lack of a better word) of rubber from the tread. I think the rubber compound, temperature and centrifugal force all conspire to tear a tire apart. Having big lugs of rubber sticking out there seems like as good a victim to these forces as anything could be. I'll stay at a Holiday Inn Express tonight and report back tomorrow. :costumed-smiley-007

I'm not really a "look" guy (evidenced by my rig) but I do enjoy how the 255/85's have enhanced the overall appearance of the truck.

 

[Redline]

Me too, not really a 'look' guy but I can help but like the appearance of my rigs with more aggressive tires

SNIP...
I'm not really a "look" guy (evidenced by my rig) but I do enjoy how the 255/85's have enhanced the overall appearance of the truck.

 

[XL Bar]

I ran the Cooper S/T in the 255/85 size on my '04 Silverado HD. I wasn't entirely enamored with their traction, but they were adequate and the height improved my ground clearance. I don't think they liked the gravel roads that we travel at high speeds in Montana. Most tires don't. I put 30,000 on the Coopers, half highway, half gravel, and they were getting pretty worn down and some chunking.

The tire for gravel in our area of MT was the Toyo M-55 10 ply. Not the greatest traction but adequate and very resistant to rock punctures, held plugs/patches and decent on the highway. Top choice among ranchers, outfitters, etc.

I'm running the BFG AT KO 285/75 10 ply Es on our 3/4 Suburban and have been impressed with their traction but they sure don't look as pretty after 5,000 miles of gravel and shale during last years hunting season.

I've come to the general conclusion in extreme conditions (rocks, gravel, etc.)that tires with good traction don't last long and tires that last long don't have that good of traction.

Brian

 

[Redline]

Exactly! In general you have to pick you poison. Do you want your tread to grip like glue or wear like iron? You're not going to get both.

SNIP...

I've come to the general conclusion in extreme conditions (rocks, gravel, etc.)that tires with good traction don't last long and tires that last long don't have that good of traction.

Brian