LR3 285/60-18 versus 265/65-18 MPG

medicfernando

medicfernando

Adventurer
My 06 LR3 currently has 285/60 18 Terra Grapplers that are close to needing replacement. I am considering a 265/65 18 E rated BFG AT KO instead. I am kind of old school and a fan of BFG's. It seems that the narrower tire (diameter is the same) should affect mileage less (probably not significantly). Anyone have any experience with this. My current NTG's are not load range E. Owning a Land Rover I am not that concerned with MPG but if I can squeeze a little more out when I replace tires, why not do it? Also, would it be worth it to wait until the AT KO2's come out in a 265/65-18, reportedly sometime in April?
Thanks in advance
 
U

umbertob

Adventurer
I don't have any experience with BFG tires, but don't overlook the new Nitto Terra Grapplers G2 if you were happy with the earlier version. They look similar to the original TGs, but subtle changes in tread blocks design and a whole new compound should male them more durable. They are available in both sizes you are considering (in Light Truck / load range E, although the 285/60 is also made in XL) and, unlike the upcoming BFG KO2, they are available now. I purchased a set of LT285/60R18 G2s for my LR4 a few months ago and so far they have been outstanding on every surface - including snow, which was a nice surprise compared to other "milder" ATs I've had in the past. I put about 10K miles on them already and they basically still look new. If I have taken a hit on gas mileage compared to the stock 19" "racing slicks" or my former 18" Yokohama Geolandar ATS, it has been negligible and I haven't really noticed. They are a bit noisier, but I expected that.
 
S

srschick

Adventurer
I've recently put the G2s on my LR3, and although being my first AT tire (so I have no other basis to judge from), these are good tires. got the LT285/60s.
Dry and wet grip and handling are good. I've only had a few days of 2" snow and ice, they performed well. Still waiting for a heavy snow to test in that condition.
I've taken them on some basic off-road trails, mostly "logging" type roads, but no issues as of yet.
The only problem I've had is dialing in a good pressure, but after getting an IR thermometer, I think I've got it.
I'll be updating mid March after my westward trip to AZ/UT.
 
S

srschick

Adventurer
I did take a MPG hit, previous tire (Michelin Latitude Tour HP on stock 19") was getting about 14/20.
Now I'm down to about 12/18.
But, you know, Land Rover...
 
Jwestpro

Jwestpro

Explorer
medicfernando said:
.... if I can squeeze a little more out when I replace tires, why not do it? Also, would it be worth it to wait until the AT KO2's come out in a 265/65-18, reportedly sometime in April?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

My first question is what kind of conditions you take the lr3 into. Your sig suggests you have options when it comes to where you're going and for what purpose.

After wearing out a set of BFG AT ko, trying a set of Goodyear Duratracs, and realizing that I don't intend, too often, to take the lr3 where those tires are "required", I went with a MUCH more efficient and safer tire for most of the time. I have multiple sets of wheels so it's easy to swap out to winter, BFG, or the new "all around" tire now in use most of the time. It is the E load, Michelin LTX M/S2.

It's been fantastic on the highway, gravel roads, forest roads, basic off road trails and even on easy rocks. It also improved the fuel economy by about 10% over the already oversized 32" 275/65x18 Duratrac which was an improvement over the smaller diameter BFG 265/65x18. So now on trips 19-20 mpg is not uncommon even rolling at 7000-7500 lbs.

This tire will actually work quite well in all but mud conditions due to the tighter block pattern. They are also much better handling for long highway trips in rain, snow, towing, etc. If I planned a truly rugged off road trip, I might switch to the real AT tires but most of the time these work just fine and will air down somewhat.

I suggest the 2 sets of wheels and tires plan ;) 3 if you include a dedicated winter set too.
 
johnsoax

johnsoax

Adventurer
Forgive me if this is a crazy question, but why not use the factory size of 255/60x18? What is gained by the wider tires? Tire selection?

I'm probably going to be in the market for tires in the spring, as I had a tire with a broken Radial belt, so I had to switch to my full size spare, and all my tires are looking cracked and old. Plenty of tread left on them, but they seem to be aging...

I currently have Toyo Open Country HT now in the above size, and so far, they have been fine for the light off roading I do, plus the 50-60 miles I commute each way. Those Michelins look nice...
 
Colin Hughes

Colin Hughes

Explorer
Jwestpro said:
My first question is what kind of conditions you take the lr3 into. Your sig suggests you have options when it comes to where you're going and for what purpose.

After wearing out a set of BFG AT ko, trying a set of Goodyear Duratracs, and realizing that I don't intend, too often, to take the lr3 where those tires are "required", I went with a MUCH more efficient and safer tire for most of the time. I have multiple sets of wheels so it's easy to swap out to winter, BFG, or the new "all around" tire now in use most of the time. It is the E load, Michelin LTX M/S2.

It's been fantastic on the highway, gravel roads, forest roads, basic off road trails and even on easy rocks. It also improved the fuel economy by about 10% over the already oversized 32" 275/65x18 Duratrac which was an improvement over the smaller diameter BFG 265/65x18. So now on trips 19-20 mpg is not uncommon even rolling at 7000-7500 lbs.

This tire will actually work quite well in all but mud conditions due to the tighter block pattern. They are also much better handling for long highway trips in rain, snow, towing, etc. If I planned a truly rugged off road trip, I might switch to the real AT tires but most of the time these work just fine and will air down somewhat.

I suggest the 2 sets of wheels and tires plan ;) 3 if you include a dedicated winter set too.
Click to expand...

What size Michelin tires are you running? Stock size? I've been running slightly larger/wider 18" Cooper Discoverer AT3's on my LR3 throughout the summer. A couple of weeks ago I put my stock 19" winter tires back on and the fuel consumption improved dramatically. Much more than I thought it would considering we're back into winter gas as well. Thinking of selling the Cooper's and getting something closer to stock size come the spring. I do a lot of commuting and no severe offroading so the Michelin might be a very good choice.
 
morrisdl

morrisdl

Adventurer
mpinco said:
LT AT3's in 18" are all 32"+ O.D., requiring permanent lift on LR3/4's....
Click to expand...


I run 32.1" (275/65r18) duratrac full-time at regular height. Im on my 2nd set. I did move one height sensor wire and the rear heater hose, but it only took about an hour to do it.
 
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