Can't make up my mind in tires....

[tacollie]

265s are a good choice. I have 255s and am seriously considering a 265. The 3.4 doesn't do well with 33s in my opinion.

 

[Redline]

Thanks for the info, the problem is that currently the truck has the original 15" wheels and I was going to try and keep them, to save money, but I think you are right and I'll get a set off 16" wheels.

For a great all around size in 15" it's hard to beat the old 31x10.50R15. Problem is, 31" is rather optimistic for most tires in this size. Yes there are some that are a true 31" tall, but most are 30.5" - 30.8" tall, a good inch+ plus shorter than a good 265/75, resulting in a half-inch+ loss of total ground clearance and lift from tires. To get a 32" tall tire in 15" you have to go with the 32x11.50, wider than you/I would prefer. One nice thing is that there are lots of 16" take-off wheels for sale on Craig's List, it should be no problem to find a set you like for a reasonable price.

So far in the last week, I drove 900 miles round trip for a deer hunt and found it nice to be driving long hours without the steady whine of the old BFG MTs that I have always run before, then yesterday I was driving across a muddy field to retrieve geese and decoys and did not get stuck with the AT type tires currently on the truck.

That's the thing, how much noise are you willing to tolerate for how much (muck) traction for how infrequent a need? I've become less tolerant for needless noise in recent years. Not saying I will never buy mud tires again, but I'm certainly enjoying having a milder traction-tire for all-round use.

In keeping with the theme of this truck, long distance travel is as important if not a little more so, than running the "cool" muds. After all I do, (or will when the bumper is delivered) have a winch on the front.

265/75/16 it is, and after all if I don't like them, I blame you.....ha, ha,ha

An all-around, long-distance traveling focus makes something less than a full-on mud tire the easy winner, even if you occasionally find yourself wishing you had more void when/if you get stuck. Add a set of tire chains to your winch option and you will have more traction available than 'just' mud tires. It's not particularly fun to chain-up for a nasty section of muddy road or field, and less so after already getting stuck. But just remember to smile during all those peaceful road miles when you are not listening to the moan & drone of a mud tire.

Remember, you don't have to go full mud or conservative all-terrain. There are many nice commercial-traction type treads that will offer better traction when it's soft (or in snow, ice, rain, etc.) compared to a typical A/T but with a bit more noise, though much quieter than most muds. My favorite of these because I have much personal experience from which to speak, is the extremely underrated ******** Cepek Fun Country II. The shape, depth, and density of the siping is special, and the wear rate is slower. The noise from the outside lugs is more than a BFG A/T but so is the traction potential. Noise is about the same as the Cooper S/T.

The Goodyear DuraTrac has fans, and it looks great to me, but I have no personal experience with the tire. Many seem to get great traction & wear from the DuraTrac, though I have excellent secondhand info that on heavier vehicles they can wear very fast. Road noise is supposed to be good/low.

If not one of these tires, something like one of these mentioned (moderate noise & void, good siping) will give you much of the capability of a M/T in moderate conditions with most of the pleasure of a milder tire on-highway.

$0.03

 

[dragogt]

I've got km2's on the back of my ranger, (2wd) I've only had them for about 2 weeks now; But so for so good I'm liking them... (I run about 100-110 mi a day to and from work)

 

[xjaugie]

Pulled the trigger yesterday and put the order in for a set of 265/75/16 Duratracs and went with the tried and true 16x7 black soft eights. Went with a "newer" tire compared to the ol'e school BFG MTs, but had to keep some ol'e flair and get the soft eights. Problem is, the tires will be here before I have a chance to install the suspension and bumpers, I see a build party in my future.

And of course friends enjoy working with me on projects because it takes longer with the notes and photos for the articles.:bike_rider:

 

[Redline]

DuraTrac

Nice choice, looking forward to seeing how you like them and the wear you get out of them.

 

[Erik N]

Redline, what tire are you currently running?

I am going to upgrade my old Suburban to 255's this winter (from 265's). The truck lives 2000 miles away from my house and only sees occasional use for fishing trips, I want a tire I can count on to still have air in it when I fly in...only the KM2, M55, and M/T's come in that size and 123 load rating.


M55's are so expensive, I can't really justify their use. A new set would cost more than the truck is worth! I will probably go w/ KM2's. Much cheaper and easier to get. Stupid looking, though...

 

[Redline]

Redline, what tire are you currently running?

Well there's a loaded question I'll make my answer short and only about my primary trail rig:

Recently added ******** Cepek Mud Country 285s to my 4Runner, but very few miles on them and no dirt yet, so nothing to share.

I am going to upgrade my old Suburban to 255's this winter (from 265's). The truck lives 2000 miles away from my house and only sees occasional use for fishing trips, I want a tire I can count on to still have air in it when I fly in...only the KM2, M55, and M/T's come in that size and 123 load rating.

M55's are so expensive, I can't really justify their use. A new set would cost more than the truck is worth! I will probably go w/ KM2's. Much cheaper and easier to get. Stupid looking, though...

If you are committed to the 255/85R16 size there are few choices, and the BFG KM2 is an easy choice because of price and availability.

 

[CA-RJ]

Redline, when you get tired of those Cepek's (say around December), I'll buy them from you!

 

[Redline]

Redline, when you get tired of those Cepek's (say around December), I'll buy them from you!

I'll keep you in mind

 

[Erik N]

I know ashooter is running M55's and likes them. They are what I really want. $327 apiece at Les Schwab. :Wow1:

I may try 761's, due to their thick sidewall.

Redline, when you get a set of 255's you want to shed, let me know. The truck lives near Sacramento.

 

[Redline]

snip...
Redline, when you get a set of 255's you want to shed, let me know. The truck lives near Sacramento.

Okay, but not likely to happen as I recently sold a couple of used sets to a guy in a nearby town. Looks like 285s from here forward.