Tire sizes for a Tacoma

[Greenbean]

When adjusted for the differences in diameter, fuel economy is about the same. I attached a sampling of my fuel log I keep for my truck below, I had 5 tanks recorded with the 245/75R16 tires and attached the first 10 tanks with the 235/85R16 tires. All of this was from early last year, with basically a bone stock truck.

Obviously differences in trips and conditions swing the MPGs either way, but there isn't any clear pattern that one is better than the other. I figure the weight and aerodynamic penalty of the 235s basically offset the 4% gearing advantage due to diameter. I was also probably driving 4% slower with the 245s since the 235s corrected my speedometer within 1MPH of correct at 55 when checked with a GPS, and I had not put a GPS on the 245s and was driving by the gauges. For what it's worth I have been averaging 27.1 mpg over the last 90 days, but I have made many other changes and adjustments.

Honestly I couldn't tell a real difference between the ride between the P rated tires and the LT rated tires, partially due I think to the switch to lighter wheels at the same time, which helped to minimize the increase in sprung weight. I noticed a slight change for the worse when I lifted the front of the truck up 1.75” with the 5100s, the same as any A-arm suspension design which rides best with the A arms closest to flat. I run about 45 to 50 PSI on the street mainly for MPG reasons; they don't wear terribly unevenly at this pressure.

I wouldn't worry too much about the LT rating for 235/85R16s, at least for Michelins a LT235/85R16 weighs 43 lbs but a P265/75R16 which is the same diameter weighs 40 lbs. The LT penalty gets much worse with the larger tires.

Miles Gallons MPG Tire
389.0 14.000 27.8 P245/75R16
391.5 14.615 26.8 P245/75R16
301.6 11.313 26.7 P245/75R16
359.3 13.601 26.4 P245/75R16
375.3 14.078 26.7 P245/75R16

Miles Gallons MPG Tire
404.1 15.518 26.0 LT235/85R16
291.9 11.131 26.2 LT235/85R16
381.3 14.550 26.2 LT235/85R16
252.6 09.477 26.7 LT235/85R16
355.7 14.053 25.3 LT235/85R16
366.9 14.604 25.1 LT235/85R16
351.5 12.998 27.0 LT235/85R16
311.9 11.400 27.4 LT235/85R16
422.1 15.157 27.9 LT235/85R16
365.0 13.811 26.4 LT235/85R16

I appreciate the info here,
I have an Access Cab 4cvyl 5-spd coming in about a week and am really struggling between a 265/75/16 and the 235/85/16...
The 235s I am finding online are cheaper and still LT rated,

I plan on sticking with my factory steel wheels though.

 

[shabba]

lets see some more pictures of tacomas with 235s!

 

[Greenbean]

I concur!

:smiley_drive:

 

[Wasatch]

Here is my old 2.7 w/ 235's:

 

[shabba]

nice aheppner! how did you like them? what lift and tire were you running? i also have a reg cab tacoma

 

[Wasatch]

Thank you!

The truck had custom Alcan leafs in the rear, 10'' bilstein shocks, and OME 886/n140s (the old OME struts) on the front. I ran 2 sets of BFG AT's in the 235/85/16 for 100k. I never looked at other tires as I liked them so much.

I tried to have the 255/85/16 BFG MT's on my rig, but it killed my gas mileage and the 2.7 didn't like them on hills.

235/85 is really the perfect size tire for the 2.7 in my opinion. It's slightly taller than stock, still has the "skinny" effect, you get (close to) stock MPG, and it looks great too.

 

[Greenbean]

What brand of sliders are those?

If you did it agin would you get the same or something different.

Part of me wants to look into some bolt-ons mostly b/c I would love "some" protection from what the front tires throw but also want to
remove the mud flaps.

 

[Greenbean]

So I'm bumping this to ask a question,

Who thinks a BF Goodrich MT in 245/75/R16 would be to heavy for my truck. It's the stock size I know but the weight difference is quite a bit. I found a set locally that are new and were never installed. The guy selling them is offering a sweet deal and what probably is the last set of tires I would need to buy.

I know I can go 265 or 235, however I doubt I'll be lifting my truck anytime soon.

2015 Tacoma 4-cyl with a MT.

Thanks

 

[surlydiesel]

Those tires will be fine. I have 235's on my 06 access cab 4cylinder 5spd and yes, I can feel the difference but it's worth it to me for the 1 inch of extra clearance and the peace of mind knowing I have tires I'll prob never flat. I haven't gotten a flat on any of my Tacoma's wearing E range tires. Prob closing in on 200k with a few different trucks but all with solid heavy tires.

With the 245's, I think you'll only feel it in the Suspension. A bit stiffer ride but I don't think you'll notice a lag in gearing or acceleration.

-george

 

[Greenbean]

Thanks for the feedback bud.

 

[p nut]

So I'm bumping this to ask a question,

Who thinks a BF Goodrich MT in 245/75/R16 would be to heavy for my truck. It's the stock size I know but the weight difference is quite a bit. I found a set locally that are new and were never installed. The guy selling them is offering a sweet deal and what probably is the last set of tires I would need to buy.

I know I can go 265 or 235, however I doubt I'll be lifting my truck anytime soon.

2015 Tacoma 4-cyl with a MT.

Thanks

I would look at 265/75/16's. The 245's are ok, but way too harsh for me. If you're ok with a stiff ride, go for it. If not, I'd look for 265/75, or the stock 265/70's.

 

[Greenbean]

All good info gents,

Thanks. I think I am going to hold out for the 265/75/R16s in a few more months.

 

[chrislloyd]

I searched quite a bit on tire sizes and this thread keeps coming up. I hesitate to post because I am looking for a different setup than originally posted, but perhaps its appropriate here. Ive got a 2015 DCLB that I just ordered suspension for. I see lots of different opinions/specs on the right tire/wheel size, I need some real world help. I just bought the FOX Ultimate setup. It has the coilovers (0-3" lift) with DSC adjust, Total Chaos UCA, Toytec AAL, FOX rears, shims, diff drip, etc. I also bought the Timbren active bump stops. I am looking for a 33"-ish tire size on 18" wheels. I will regear and add new diff's soon

Here is where im lost:
On the wheels, I see recommendations for 4.5" and 5" BS. I'm not sure which gives me the right clearance? I want to stay with 18's (hope to do a big brake kit in the future). secondarily, I also hope the same size wheels will fit on my 4x4 trailer for spare purposes. I'm not sure the 4 or 5" BS will go on there?

On the tires, I see recommendations for 33" X 11.5" wide. the Terra grappler G2 has a 285/65/18 which is less the 33" but 11.5 wide. The 285/75/15 is nearly 35" (34.8) but 11.25. the Terra Grappler 285/75 has a higher load rating - I cant determine if that impacts the sidewalls at low pressure. The 285/65 has a lower load rating. I used on my old Tundra Bridgestone Revos and loved them on and off road, but the sidewalls really bulged out under lower inflation. had me worried about a sidewall tear.

Looking for opinions with similar suspension setup. this truck is the 3rd vehicle in the family so low miles dedicated to road trips and hopefully off road in the near future. Off road for me is mostly fire roads and mild trails.

 

[Wasatch]

I searched quite a bit on tire sizes and this thread keeps coming up. I hesitate to post because I am looking for a different setup than originally posted, but perhaps its appropriate here. Ive got a 2015 DCLB that I just ordered suspension for. I see lots of different opinions/specs on the right tire/wheel size, I need some real world help. I just bought the FOX Ultimate setup. It has the coilovers (0-3" lift) with DSC adjust, Total Chaos UCA, Toytec AAL, FOX rears, shims, diff drip, etc. I also bought the Timbren active bump stops. I am looking for a 33"-ish tire size on 18" wheels. I will regear and add new diff's soon

Here is where im lost:
On the wheels, I see recommendations for 4.5" and 5" BS. I'm not sure which gives me the right clearance? I want to stay with 18's (hope to do a big brake kit in the future). secondarily, I also hope the same size wheels will fit on my 4x4 trailer for spare purposes. I'm not sure the 4 or 5" BS will go on there?

On the tires, I see recommendations for 33" X 11.5" wide. the Terra grappler G2 has a 285/65/18 which is less the 33" but 11.5 wide. The 285/75/15 is nearly 35" (34.8) but 11.25. the Terra Grappler 285/75 has a higher load rating - I cant determine if that impacts the sidewalls at low pressure. The 285/65 has a lower load rating. I used on my old Tundra Bridgestone Revos and loved them on and off road, but the sidewalls really bulged out under lower inflation. had me worried about a sidewall tear.

Looking for opinions with similar suspension setup. this truck is the 3rd vehicle in the family so low miles dedicated to road trips and hopefully off road in the near future. Off road for me is mostly fire roads and mild trails.

I would go 4.5 BS (or less) for 33's (it's what I run on a 2013 Access Cab Tacoma).

5" BS would be too little and you would likely rub on your UCA and/or frame, especially with a 11.5" wide tire.

 

[surlydiesel]

Having just switched back to the 235's from 265's about 1000 miles ago, I would strongly suggest only going with the 235's on a 4cyliner 5spd Tacoma. If you have a 6cylinder, no problem. Plenty of umph to spare. It is a noticeable difference between both sets of tires. It's roughly 5 pounds per tire, which doesn't seem like much but it makes a difference. Also the width creates more drag. It does corner better with the wider tire but it's a truck.

Just adding 2 more cents.

235/85R16 49.1 Pounds
265/75R16 53.6 Pounds

-jorge