2013 TE's First Upgrade: Tires (265 v. 275?)

[5POINT56]

So I just got a 13 TE after trading in my 08 Sport. As I treated my Sport, the 1st thing I want to upgrade are the tires. That's really the purpose of this thread. As things move along, there will be a lift or level, new wheels, roof rack, upgraded audio and so on. As it stands now, those anemic tires that come with the TE have got to go.

I've read a LOT....subscribed to many threads, have categories of subscribed thread folders, and have done my fair share of searching. As far as tire sizes are concerned, I've ruled out 285's for a variety of reasons.

The only two tire sizes I'm considering are: 265/70/17 & 275/70/17

The 275's don't seem to be real popular on here, particularly in respect to 265's & 285's, and I'm not sure why. They seem like a very solid choice for someone who has a modest lift and wants a happy medium between 265 & 285. They are slightly wider than 265's, correct? The only negative I've read about 275's is that there aren't as many tire choices in that size. Beyond that, am I missing something? Why do significantly more people opt for the 265's or 285's?

The photo's below are from others on this site, if anyone isn't happy I'm using them, let me know and I'll remove them.

275/70/17:

265/70/17:

 

[twelve1]

If you dont plan to lift it then go with the stock size 265 which equates to 31".
275 is uncommon but its a tad bigger. Bigger is always better .

 

[eddiebx]

Just my personal opinion here, but the way I see it is you gain such a small amount of overall diameter going from 265s to 275s (~0.5"); and even less gain on ground clearance (~0.25"), so why even bother? Go big or go home, right?

That's how my rationalized my tire buying decision (I stuck with 265s), I'm sure others beg to differ

 

[5POINT56]

If you dont plan to lift it then go with the stock size 265 which equates to 31".
275 is uncommon but its a tad bigger. Bigger is always better .

Well the next mod is either a 2.5"/1.5" leveling kit, or the 5100 treatment, so that's going to happen soon.

Just trying to figure out why more people don't opt for the 275's....is it only because they're uncommon? Any decent AT tires in that size? I'll have to take a look.

ETA: Tire Rack has two decent AT tires in 275/70/17. The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R. ($260/each) & BFG All-Terrain T/A KO ($222/each).

I'd probably go with the BFG's between the two.

 

[5POINT56]

Just my personal opinion here, but the way I see it is you gain such a small amount of overall diameter going from 265s to 275s (~0.5"); and even less gain on ground clearance (~0.25"), so why even bother? Go big or go home, right?

That's how my rationalized my tire buying decision (I stuck with 265s), I'm sure others beg to differ

But what you're saying is that there is still in fact a gain, all be it slight, in width. So, if 285's are out, I'm still not seeing why a 265 would be more desirable than a 275.

 

[twelve1]

285 is still smaller than 33"
With a lift kit the stock 265 would look really small.
If you plan to lift it a few inches a larger tire will look more proportional.
Here is a pic of my brothers 2007 T4R with icon stage 2 lift kit. These tires are 295-70-17 toyo open country.

 

[eddiebx]

Oh yes, there's certainly an overall gain in tread width and diameter, no arguing that.

My only apprehension is that you would probably want to replace the spare with a matching 275s, thus adding to the total cost. And also that there might be the slight possibility of minor clearance issues?

That's what I meant by personally, I didn't feel the gains were worth the added effort/cost. But the gains (as small as I make them sound) are definitely there if you want them.

I have definitely seen the GY MT/Rs in that size, and I think cooper at3/atp might come in that size too, but not positive on that one. Firestone destinations also come to mind...plenty of options out there!

One thing I would ask myself to help decide is, are you going for the look of a beefier larger tire, or just purely performance? I can't comment on the performance difference between the two, but I must say you'd be surprised at how big of a difference a set of aggressive 265s make, aesthetically speaking

Not helping you decide at all am I? :behindsofa:

 

[twelve1]

You will lose MPG with bigger tires . I forgot about the T4R having spare underneath the vehicle. That is an issue due to larger sizes not fitting. Buy rear bumper with swing out and Done!!! Hahaha. Joking aside, its purely what you plan to use it for. More clearance is helpful if you like rocks. Ive seen plenty of stock rigs with 265 AT bfg do just fine on most trails.

 

[FatTiresRollin]

IF you spend much time on here and look at all the other decked out 4runners....you will begin to feel inadequate with anything less than 285s. I just knew that if I went to 275 that I would regret it and just spend more money sooner than I had to on the 285s. Also, 285 is more readily available in more tires than 275...like the famed Duratracs. This phenomenon often results in the 275 costing more than the 285 or being the same price. Why would I want to pay more or even the same amount for less tire?

That being said, IMO, 275 is a great size tire in something like the Cooper AT3 & BFG AT for a non-lifted or just leveled 4runner. Once you get into anything that will lift the rear anymore than stock, the wheel well just screams for 33s.

 

[5POINT56]

That being said, IMO, 275 is a great size tire in something like the Cooper AT3 & BFG AT for a non-lifted or just leveled 4runner. Once you get into anything that will lift the rear anymore than stock, the wheel well just screams for 33s.

I hear you, and it makes sense given certain applications, but for me, 285's are out. The only lifting I plan on doing, is a level kit, or Bilstein 5100's to accomplish the same effect, but with a better product than a level kit.

That being the case, the tire sizes I'm considering are 265's & 275's. Just trying to determine if I went with 275's, if there's any disadvantages other than price and less selection?

 

[CentcomPete]

Totally agree with the above post. 275/70/17 BFG AT were perfect for my 2013 SR5 4WD as I do not plan on lifting/leveling. I wanted to avoid the increased weight and potential rubbing/fit issues with the 285s and I knew I wanted BFG ATs anyway. The 275s perform and look perfect in my opinion with no lift.

If I KNEW I was going to lift the truck at some point then 285s would be the ticket.

 

[Stifler]

Totally agree with the above post. 275/70/17 BFG AT were perfect for my 2013 SR5 4WD as I do not plan on lifting/leveling. I wanted to avoid the increased weight and potential rubbing/fit issues with the 285s and I knew I wanted BFG ATs anyway. The 275s perform and look perfect in my opinion with no lift.

If I KNEW I was going to lift the truck at some point then 285s would be the ticket.

judging by name and location are you at MacDill? would like to see the 275 AT in person:usa2:

 

[Milesar]

275 BFG's with the OME lift.
In happy with it! Didn't want to go 285, but wanted a little larger diameter, had some wheel well to fill after the lift.

 

[CentcomPete]

No, I just live nearby. Had my 4Runner for about a month and other than some Gandy beach 4-wheelin', I haven't really gotten her dirty. Considering Crooms soon. Lemme know if you want to meet up!

 

[Cottonwoody]

Power Loss Changing from 265 to 275?

Did anybody notice a difference in power when changing from strock tires to 275 AT's. I have always been a big BFG AT fan as I have spent a considerable amount of time in Baja trashing around on dirt roads and have come to appreciate the durability of the BFGs. I'm going to go with a mild 2" lift but not interested in lossing too much power or MPG. Sounds like most people are reporting a loss of 1 mpg going with the 275.