Beating a Dead Horse...what tire should I choose?

[stclair]

OK, I have read through a ton of info here, and a few other forums as well. I've put together most of my suspension parts, and now it's time to choose a good set of ATs. These will go on a 2002 Tundra Access Cab 4.7, that'll be carrying a FWC Eagle. I ordered an ICON stage 4 kit(w/o lift blocks),and waiting for new Deaver leaf springs that were built for my truck/camper. 80-90% of our travels will be on paved roads. However, we do lots of dispersed camping off the beaten path. No rock crawling. Also, went ahead with a set of Wheeler's Type A steel wheels in 16x8. I'm pretty sure I'll be going with a 285/75 tire, but intrigued by 255/85. I'm leaning towards the Cooper ST MAXX, but open to anything. I had BFG ATs on our Syncro, liked them, and have run them on previous trucks. It just seems there might be other, and better options now. Only one more thing, I'd like them to be somewhat easy to replace, just in case one fails and we're off in some distant place. Nothing crazy uncommon I think. That's one advantage of the BFG. Thanks for ANY advice, and sorry for yet another tire thread.

 

[SWITAWI]

I'd say you're on a smart track wanting a commonly available tire, but no less important is the availability of the size you choose. I am also a fan of the tall skinny tire, but there was only one commonly available tire in a 255 for my 17in wheels, the BFG KM2, which none of my local tire vendors had on hand regularly. In the end I stuck with my OE size for several reasons, and one of them was because I knew in a worst-case scenario I would be able to find SOMETHING in that size. I think it is worth considering whether there are 3 choices or 30 choices available in size of your choice.

 

[Derek24]

I had the st maxx on my tundra and liked them a lot. I should have got 285s instead so 265s, the look was not there, and I think 285s fit the Big tundra much better! They are a tough tire, and have good life to them. But I would say either tire would be fine!

 

[Dr. Freud]

I just put a set of Toyo Open Country AT2's on my 4runner. So far I'm pretty happy with them. There's a little more road noise than bfg's but the traction has been great with all the snow and ice we've had lately. I don't think you'll be dissapointed.

 

[2025 deleted member]

I have been really happy with my BFG A/T's. I will probably buy another set when these wear out.

 

[SPDSHFT]

ran 2 sets of BFG A/T's on my DC Tundra, with good wear and life. This year I switched to the Falken Wildpeaks and have had great success on and off road with them. I'm running 285/75/16.

 

[stclair]

Thanks, I'd been torn between the ST MaXX and BFGs. Hadn't even considered the Toyo AT2s. Nice to have more choices.

 

[JCMatthews]

I love BFG ATs. I have run on them for over a decade. However, I decided to try the ST Maxx from cooper. You have seen them on my thread. I am really wondering how they are going to be especially on snow and ice. Well it snowed here finally. About 4". I know that is not a lot but it is good for testing. When I really get on it (in 4 hi) my truck barely slips, and then it brakes wonderfully. I am really impressed with it on our frozen hard packed snow. I only hope to see the mileage Jim65wagon is seeing.

 

[cam-shaft]

I would recommend that you stick with a load range e with whatever you chose. You don't want a bunch of sidewall flex hauling a camper or any weight. That may entail a 235 or a 255. I know the 285 in the 17 you can get in a load range e.


Cam-shaft

 

[stclair]

Yep, pretty much set on a Load Range E no matter what the tire. If I read the specs on some D tires the max load is close to the same. Right now, I think the front runners are the Maxx, and BFG AT. Both in a 285/75 range E. as far as I can tell, the MAXX only comes in E. I'm really digging the Cooper, but the BFGs are freakin' everywhere.

 

[highspeed]

I'm surprised no one has recommended the goodyear duratrac. I'm going to try a set on my Tacoma.

 

[Chuck59]

Look into the Cooper S/T. I am enjoying all characteristics!!

 

[stclair]

Look into the Cooper S/T. I am enjoying all characteristics!!

Thanks, the ST looks interesting, but 285/75 gets a D rating. The STT is an E, but looks like it may be more of an MT?

 

[bkg]

I'm surprised no one has recommended the goodyear duratrac. I'm going to try a set on my Tacoma.

Great tires. Buddy has about 40k on his. The are starting to get loud, though.

Have Hankooks on my off road truck and love them. Tried a set on my dd, but couldn't get them to balance, so ended up with BFG ATs.

 

[Chuck59]

The S/T is a "Truck" tire. Pretty stiff sidewall. But they are more comfortable riding than my previous Michelin M&S's. The Cooper is a pretty serious performing tire for Overlanding.