Tire opinions, help me out

[jim65wagon]

I know I know...try search...and we've been over this thousands of times noob; but I'd still like everyones opinion (since we all know everyone has one, just like...)
After 55,000 miles of daily-driven use my 265/75/16 BFG All-Terrains are reaching their end. I need new tires. If I were still in PA the snow would force me today to get new shoes, but down here I can get by a couple more months but that'll be it. Here's where youall can help.

The Tundra is daily driven to work and back about 200 miles a week:smiley_drive: , gets groceries, occasionally hauls building supplies, mulch, stone, or whatever else we may need for the house and tows a small bass boat. It also gets loaded near its limit for outings. Trips range the gamut from sandy beaches:drool: ; snow-covered PA roads, gravelled forest roads; logging roads, and jeep trails(occasionally muddy). So I need a tire for everything. I'm not usually in serious mud so the AT's performed wonderfully through their life and I may buy another set for that reason.

So; my questions become: 1.Which tire/brand should I get? 2. Mud tires vs. all terrains? 3. Size:265's fit and work well, 255/85's taller, provide more ground clearance (3/4 - 1 inch?), and are expo-cool, or 285/75's taller but wider for better on-road handling since it is a "big" (relatively) truck.

So have at it. Do I get the tried and true or go taller, cooler, different tread?

 

[OverlandZJ]

I'm a fan of BFG...so i might be a bit biased.

55K out of your current set and you may see 60K. How did you like the ride/noise from this tire? You stated they served you well thus far, i'd replace with the same tire.

Cant help with the size.

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Have you seen this, I am also shopping for tires and unsure on the All-Terrain v.s. M/T tires.
I like the Yokohama Geolanders, however they do not make them in my size on a LT tire, only P- passanger! However i am also looking into the Geolander Mud Terrain ++, looka like a very nice and not too noisy tire.

http://www.hankooktire.ca/product/tire_light_truck_detail.asp?pid=12

 

[asteffes]

It seems to me you found a tire that meets your needs and has not left you disappointed. Why not stick with a good thing? I suppose you could try a Bridgestone Revo or a Goodyear MTR, but it really does sound like you have everything you need and want from your current choice.

Questions to ask yourself:

Do I need the extra ground clearance of a 255-85? Will that size allow me to go places I couldn't go with 265-75s? Do I care about losing some on-road stability? Do I mind more road noise from an MT? Will I mind not getting 50k out of a set of MTs? Do I want to be Expo-cool, or do I just want tires that meet my needs?

 

[kcowyo]

I've yet to find a terrain where the BFG AT KO's limit me. Snow, mud, sand, slickrock, highway, etc. these tires are incredibly versatile and offer a great ride at hwy speeds. IMO the perfect solution for a truck that does a little bit of everything.

I like a 285 on a bigger truck over the 255's. I just like the way a 285 fills out the wheel well on larger Toyotas, personal preference. I'm not sure the difference between width and ground clearance would hamper you on any trails. Actually with your 8 inch wheels, you'll probably be at a similar height, since an 8 inch wheel will "pull out" a 255 ( recommended wheel width - 7") compared to a 285 (recommended wheel width - 8").

In another 10K, I may swap my KO's for a set of TrXus MT's, (basically a very aggressive All Terrain tire) just for something different. I may regret that decision as I've been very happy with the KO's overall.

 

[Bergger]

I would stick with what you have, they seem to work well for you. I would not go to a MT for your applications. I switched from an AT tire to a MT and next year will be going back to an AT. The MT's are cool looking but for my applications, lots of pavement, just are not practical. I'd stick with your current size and if you really want to try something else look at the Nitto Terra Grapplers or Firestone Destination AT's.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I would stick with what you have, they seem to work well for you. I would not go to a MT for your applications. I switched from an AT tire to a MT and next year will be going back to an AT.

I did the AT->MT->AT shuffle, too. If my truck didn't have to do daily chores, the MT would be nice for the more agressive tread. But, with lots of pavement the MT is just too loud and sketchy on wet and snowy roads. The AT really is a great all around tread.

 

[jim65wagon]

Questions to ask yourself:
Do I need the extra ground clearance of a 255-85? Will that size allow me to go places I couldn't go with 265-75s? Do I care about losing some on-road stability? Do I mind more road noise from an MT? Will I mind not getting 50k out of a set of MTs? Do I want to be Expo-cool, or do I just want tires that meet my needs?

Funny, those are the almost the exact questions I'm mulling over:
How much more off-roadability would I get for moving up in size?
Road noise? I don't mind it so much, but I know in my heart that I do not need a mud terrain and will probably stick with an all terrain tread no matter which size.
Cool: I'd love to be Expo-cool, but since I've never managed any form of coolness yet, I can probably live without that one too.

Quote John B:
How did you like the ride/noise from this tire? The ride was excellent on and off road. To my deaf ears noise was non-existent when new, and now they sing a little, but nothing that you can't hold a pleasant conversation over.

eurorom: Considering several tires (I've made a list) those Hankook's are on the mud side. They would be really sweet. Of course so would the Trxus MT, Toyo MT, Maxxis Bighorns, Cooper STT's etc.
On the AT side is the BFG's, Cooper ST, Toyo AT, Kelly MSR, Yoko Geolanders, etc.

Keep the op's coming!

 

[Pskhaat]

Keep the op's coming!

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3200

 

[bootzilla]

I'd go with the BFG AT's. I have the Yoko Geolanders - and they look great, perform great so far, but they do this weird thing where it feels like they flat-spot overnight...it takes about 10 minutes to warm them up and get them to run smooth.

I keep getting e-mails from 4wheels parts - they are doing $75 off a set of four BFG's, and their prices are actually pretty good on them - they were doing free shipping for awhile, too - but I am not sure if that is still going - if so, it is a really good deal...wish they were running that when I got my Yok's...

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

I'd go with the BFG AT's. I have the Yoko Geolanders - and they look great, perform great so far, but they do this weird thing where it feels like they flat-spot overnight...it takes about 10 minutes to warm them up and get them to run smooth.

IQUOTE]

You must have the P rating on your tires, they say they are softer compound and that is why you get the flat spots.

I have the LT 285/75-16" and they are great in sand, rocks, and drive very good on pavment, and I hear no Noise at all. Overall a very good tire.
i wish they would make some in the LT 265/70-17" for my 4runner.
I am considering the New Geolanders AT/S

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Here are some pictures of the Geolanders AT+ II.

These tires would look very nice in your Tundra on 285/75-16"

 

[bootzilla]

You must have the P rating on your tires, they say they are softer compound and that is why you get the flat spots.

Good call - they are indeed P-metric. The shop I got them at didn't have an LT in 265/70...but now that I go back and look at their website, I should have gone all out and gotten the 265/75's...turns out they had LT's in those...

If the LT's don't have that problem, then you can't go wrong with them or the BFG's - the Yok's may have a little less agressive tread pattern, but they are a good value if you want to save a few bucks...