Needing new skins!

[TheBlueWave]

Hey guys. Lots of talk and many, many topics on this subject, but I'm starting anew to get fresh ideas/opinions. Nearing 40k on the Dunlops and Honest Abe's head is starting to show.
I will need new rubber soon and so I thought I would share some concerns and hopefully I will get good responses (I figure I will, this forum is truly great).
Driving habits
- I don't drive super fast by any means, nor do I wish to.
- The most "out of the ordinary" driving I do is towing a fishing rig to my favorite lakes around here and beyond, mostly on paved roads.
- Some offroading a couple times per year, but not for wheeling. Usually old logging roads under "minimum maintenance" to hunt partridge or get a canoe or kayak into the lakes near the gunflint and BWCAW. Some tough conditions, but not demanding of a 5" lift or anything.
- Sadly, most of my driving could be done by a Prius or Corolla (I know I'm not the only one here!).
- Fuel economy is good, but handling and braking are better.
- Off roading is good, but on roading is better.
- Performance is good, but longevity and durability are better.

Concerns
- Will the slappies at a Tires Plus or equivalent know to replace the grommets and batteries inside the rims for the TPM system? In other words, do I need the stealer to install my tires?
- I bought my rig used, and the spare was never rotated in. Should I get five new tires and start rotating the spare into the vehicle or just leave it "as is" with the brand new Dunlop used as a spare and rotate the 4 new ones (I plan to get the same size tires as are on now)?
- I'm in the upper Midwest so I need a tire that will stand up to temperature changes and hold up for many years, even if the miles don't pile on right away.

I hope to arouse the tire opinion in you more experienced 4runner owners. Just so you know, I have the stock 16" rims on my "stripped down" SR5 (still more luxurious than anything else I've owned), don't plan to get new rims anytime soon. I don't plan on doing a lift, either at this time.

Thanks and happy wheelin.:beer:

 

[pipspeak]

I'm in sort of the same position as you... will need to replace the 'flops this summer for a tire that is good on-road in all seasons (including snow) yet offers half-decent off-road capabilities for those rare backcountry camping trips.

Check out Michelin CrossTerrains, which have good treadwear, are quiet and give good fuel economy but are mainly a road tire. Similarly, the Goodyear Fortera is supposedly a good all-season road tire that will probably survive offroad.

Also check out the Pirelli Scorpion ATR, slightly cheaper and an off-road capable tire with good on-road performance, apparently better on road than most other AT tires and the only all-terrain tire I'm considering.

I'm not going to bother wth any other AT tires, even the Bridgestone Revos. Highway ride quality will reportedly suffer (noisier, stiffer, possibly worse fuel economy than the Dunlops) and I'll never really use the tires to their full AT potential anyway.

I'm planning to keep my Dunlop as the spare and just buy four new tires. I've only ever had to change a tire twice in 10 years of owning an SUV so I ain't about to drop another $200 just for a fancy spare tire.

As for the TPMS, just be sure to tell the clowns changing your tires that there are TPMS stems and make sure it is in writing, clear as day, on the work order. Then, if they damage them, they are liable to fix them and cannot dispute it.

 

[whtrunner]

I would check out Michelin Cross Terrains or LTX's. THe LTx's wont rub. I have them and they are much better than the dunlops. They are also 60 k mile tires

 

[pipspeak]

Are you talking about the LTX MS or AT? I assume the MS. Either way, it sucks for me cuz they don't offer LTXs for the 17" wheels on the SE (unless I upsize).

 

[swimmer2361]

Ive got Revo's and I like em! But for your needs, maybe Michelin cross terrains or some of the tires on the Bridgestone Dueler line (I had the stock 840's which I thought were quite good, thats why I went back to Bridgestone for the Revo's).

 

[whtrunner]

Are you talking about the LTX MS or AT? I assume the MS. Either way, it sucks for me cuz they don't offer LTXs for the 17" wheels on the SE (unless I upsize).

The LTX M/S.
The 265/70/r17s will fit with out rubbing even though they are upsized. I have put a few thousand miles on mine and there is a defintive difference in ride quality. I had very similar preferences (primarily on road, light off road, good durability, good ride quality....)

They make the truck look a little more aggressive but not nearly to the extent of most of the other upsized tires. You can also fit a fullsize spare (i bought used spare for $70 from discount w/ 9/13 left)

We had a set on another vehicle (albeit with 16" rims) and they have lasted 66,000 miles (top of lincolns head is just starting to show). The tires have worn very well visually as well.

They are a little pricier than the cross-terrains and many others, but tough to beat for ride quality and durability.

 

[whtrunner]

also, 60 k warranty on the ltx ms vs 45 (i think) on the cross terrains

 

[Kmvreter]

also, 60 k warranty on the ltx ms vs 45 (i think) on the cross terrains

I agree, Mich CT or LTX M/S. The CT is an "SUV" tire versus the M/S that is a "Pickup" tire (not as smooth) but both are excellent. My CT's were more $ than the M/S and have the longer treadwear warranty.

I also have the base 16" on SR5. I'm actually getting better mileage out of the CT than the Doneflop but this is also because of the upsizing (early indication is the increased mpg will pay for the difference in cost; still want to gather data over the longterm before I draw a final conclusion.)

I also don't rotate the spare so I kept the regular size Doneflop hanging under the back.
As for the TPWS, just have them change the grommet, no need to touch the batteries (should have a minimum 10 year life.)

 

[MAC4Runner]

I have the Cross Terrains on my MDX and love them for on-road. Quiet, responsive, and work great in snow and rain.

They get my vote! :bigok:

 

[Camprunner]

You may want to look at the Firestone Destination A/T tire it's not as aggressive as the B-stone Revo quieter too.

I was at the B-stone/F-stone dealer just today with one of the company cars (oil change) and he also said to me if the customer wants a tire that is an A/T tire more for the road then the F-stone Dest-A/T is the way to go.

I have had both and I like the F-stones ........ They cost less as well.

 

[Koz]

If you want a tire that does everything well you can't get a better tire then the REVO. If you are going to tow they also have an E rated REVO.

:corn:

Koz

 

[TheBlueWave]

Thanks guys for the responses. I knew I would get something good out of it. I will consider all when its time for new skins.
Thanks again :cheers: !