New Falken AT tire (A/T3W)

[TRD PANTHER]

I have a Cornfed spacer lift and it is inexpensive for the spacers and for the install, if you have a shop install them. Go 285/70-17 SL’s at only 51#’s each and you won’t regret it.
My 275KO2’s weighed 57/58#’s each and my mileage was worse than with my 285’s due to weight. As Drobs mentioned, 285’s are everywhere. The Pro wheels help out with the lift on clearance due to the width and offset. Also, your Pro has the fender liner mod from the port. I modified nothing but the spacers. Running the mud flaps too.

 

[Bruin1md]

I wouldn’t worry about it. I’ve had two sets of Wildpeaks AT3/W’s. A 275 and now a 285 both in C load for the last 2-3 years. I’ve run them in in all types of conditions. Lived in Utah for a bit and used my vehicle to go skiing there, CO, WY, and MT. No problems in snow or ice. They are 3 peak winter rated. I’ve had on them on the soft mud in Page, AZ at Alstrom point after a flash rain storm. Tires were caked in mud but I still made it back safely after seeing 2 tahoe’s get stuck, a camper van get stuck and a Range Rover Evoque that followed me barely make it in his rental. The Evoques transmission was overheating and the fenders were popped off lol.

I then moved to B’ham, AL where it rains all the time. I’m talking heavy down pours. Never a problem in the rain. No tire spin or hydroplaning. I’ve had KO2’s previously that hydro planed in the rain. My gfs tacoma has a set of Cooper AT3’s that spin a bit at a stop but that may be because she has a supercharger and has a heavier foot than I do lol.

These are properly vetted tires by a lot of people. There’s also a reason why Jeep provides them as an option on the Rubicon Gladiator. Honestly best tires I’ve run and would run them again. I’d trust them in any condition as far as an AT goes.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Good stuff................ what made you decide on the C load vs the P metric?
I previously had LT E load KO2's on my GX460 that were awful in heavy rain. Like you, I lived in the deep south in Lafayette, LA, where it rained heavily and I had serious issues with hydroplaning and poor wet traction.
Hence, I was wondering if it would be better to stick to the SL Falkens instead of the LT C load variant.
From an aesthetic standpoint, I would prefer the 275's over the SL 265's for sure, especially since they will likely fit on my Pro w/o having to do a single mod.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Tires were caked in mud but I still made it back safely after seeing 2 tahoe’s get stuck, a camper van get stuck and a Range Rover Evoque that followed me barely make it in his rental. The Evoques transmission was overheating and the fenders were popped off lol.

Lol. The Land/Range Rovers must be the most expensive, useless and most unreliable off-road suv out there. Tons of them here in SoCal. Sorry for going off topic. Your post on the AT3W’s was great.

 

[sn_85]

Good stuff................ what made you decide on the C load vs the P metric?
I previously had LT E load KO2's on my GX460 that were awful in heavy rain. Like you, I lived in the deep south in Lafayette, LA, where it rained heavily and I had serious issues with hydroplaning and poor wet traction.
Hence, I was wondering if it would be better to stick to the SL Falkens instead of the LT C load variant.
From an aesthetic standpoint, I would prefer the 275's over the SL 265's for sure, especially since they will likely fit on my Pro w/o having to do a single mod.

I don't have any scientific reason why I chose a C-rated tire other than I feel it splits the difference between a P-rated tire and E-rated tire lol. I think a C-rated tire is the perfect balance of strength, durability, tread life and ride harshness. If I was towing a lot and need the load rating or if this was purely my off-road toy then I'd consider an E-rated tire. Otherwise a C-rated tire is fine for my use. I guess I'd choose an LT tire of a P-rated one purely for tread depth and maybe some extra sidewall protection.

In regards to your concern about wet traction I guess that does depend on where you'll be living. If by northern az you mean the flagstaff area I don't presume it rains too too much there. You'll probably get the typical flash rain storms that kind of come and go but nothing like the southeast hurricane and tropical storm type rains. Having lived in Seattle, Houston, B'ham and Miami previously I've seen tons of rain in my life!!! I had my 285 C-rated AT3W through a few alabama rain storms and I never felt that the tires failed me or let me down. That being said I drive pretty careful in the rain.

Another thing of note is when I ran 285 E-rated Cooper AT3 XLTs that weighed 56lbs vs 275 C-rated Falken AT3W that weighed 57lbs, I felt like the Coopers robbed me of power a bit more. Although the AT3W was a heavier tire by 1lb the rolling resistance of the 285 tire played a bigger role. Although in your case going from 265 p-rated to 275 c-rated tire is probably going to feel more noticeable. I still felt the 275's drove pretty nice and the 4Runner handled them well. When I went to 285's then I truly felt a difference.

Lol. The Land/Range Rovers must be the most expensive, useless and most unreliable off-road suv out there. Tons of them here in SoCal. Sorry for going off topic. Your post on the AT3W’s was great.

Seriously. They're so complicated to use and understand how the 4x4 systems even work. I don't believe the Evoque has a low range transfer case so it was in high range the entire time, I don't think the transmission liked that much at all. I do have to give the guy credit though. I think he was a tourist from Mexico that rented the Evoque and took a what is normally an easy scenic trail to Alstrom Point that turned into a soupy mess from a flash rain storm and turned it into a 4x4 adventure. By the end of it the rear fender and body panels were popped out, mud was everywhere and the dash was lit up with a high transmission temp warning. Wonder what the rental company said after he returned it lol.

I tried the RR Sport on one of the Land Rover experience courses and the 4x4 system is tied into the infotainment and not very intuitive. It did well on their curated course but I would never own one. The only RR I like is the LR4. I like the boxy understated looks and the supercharged V8 would be amazing but wouldn't ever trust it. I've talked to a few LR mechanics and they tell me to stay away from LR entirely!!!

 

[Pedro367]

There’s also a reason why Jeep provides them as an option on the Rubicon Gladiator.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

If there is something I've learned over the years it's that OE tires aren't chosen by how good they are unless it is a very specific vehicle. Most OE tires are complete garbage. Jeep probably chose Falken for the Gladiator (and now the Falken MTs as an upgrade on the JL) because of price and volume. It's the reason why a ton of OEs come with garbage Goodyears. It's a name brand that sells horrible tires at volume. TRD Tacomas are a perfect example of this. If 4Runner pros get Nittos, why can't the Tacoma? All price and the deal they have.

Not saying the Falken's are bad. They are great. I just don't have that much faith in auto manufacturers pumping out volume and want to save money.

 

[dotrunner]

Stock TRD wheels?

Do these fit on the stock TRD wheels you can get/come on the Pro? What size are the tires, because I always hear conflicting info about 285s fitting on the pro wheels.

 

[ahtoxa11]

Do these fit on the stock TRD wheels you can get/come on the Pro? What size are the tires, because I always hear conflicting info about 285s fitting on the pro wheels.

All 285/70/17s fit on the TRD Pro wheels, it's just that some shops won't install them, given the narrow width of these wheels. I believe 285s spec an 8" wheel width with most tire manufacturers.

That said, there's a ton of people running 285s on the TRD wheels with zero issues, myself included. No one gave me a hard time mounting those, either.

 

[El Dusty]

I believe 285s spec an 8" wheel width with most tire manufacturers.

Do these fit on the stock TRD wheels you can get/come on the Pro? What size are the tires, because I always hear conflicting info about 285s fitting on the pro wheels.

To be clear, the tire manufacturer will specify the range of wheel widths that each tire size can be safely mounted on. You can find these on their websites / spec sheets. Most shops dont ever look at these until they see a large mismatch in wheel to tire width.

If there is something I've learned over the years it's that OE tires aren't chosen by how good they are unless it is a very specific vehicle. Most OE tires are complete garbage. Jeep probably chose Falken for the Gladiator (and now the Falken MTs as an upgrade on the JL) because of price and volume.

I think your missing the point that the AT3Ws and MTs on these jeeps only come on the highest trim levels / Rubicons or as special options. As far as ATs go, the general consensus is that the AT3Ws are great value and rank amongst the best performing ATs available especially in winter. I would agree after buying a set of Gladiator Rubi takeoffs and Im a toyo fanboy....

 

[Pedro367]

I think your missing the point that the AT3Ws and MTs on these jeeps only come on the highest trim levels / Rubicons or as special options. As far as ATs go, the general consensus is that the AT3Ws are great value and rank amongst the best performing ATs available especially in winter. I would agree after buying a set of Gladiator Rubi takeoffs and Im a toyo fanboy....

I'm not missing that point. The highest trim level just happens to be the offroad package, so they wanted an offroad tire. I'm not saying the Falken is bad and I know it is a great tire. My point was that Jeep most likely did not "seek out" Falken to put these on their Gladiator Rubicons. Falken was probably the lowest bidder for a stock of tires for Gladiator Rubis when it went into production. FCA has different brands of tires across all of their "off-road" vehicles. Ram gets Goodyear (had Toyo) and Jeep gets BFG/Falken. If they loved the AT3W so much all of their offerings would have them. Every vehicle gets something different because every time FCA wants to build something the tire manufacturers get to bid on it. Falken just seems to be the lowest bidder right now for Jeep.

Also, the Falken MT is just a sell up option on the JLR and JTR. Again, most likely because they were the lowest bidder and Jeep wanted to offer another sell up option (because that's Jeep).

 

[4Person]

Anybody know why Falkens are up $20+ per tire from this fall? Is it just a supply chain crunch like everything else? Pep Boys seemed to mysteriously bail on the AT3Ws after running a fire sale on them and then inexplicably cancelling almost everyone’s orders. They were at the top of my list for value, but now the Toyo OC AT3s seem to be competitive price wise, while producing a lighter tire that Consumer Reports tests the same as the Falken AT3Ws. (I’m looking for a good value in 285/70r17 All-Terrains in P metric for mainly on road with snow and rain maneuvering as a plus.)

 

[rightyouareken]

Anybody know why Falkens are up $20+ per tire from this fall? Is it just a supply chain crunch like everything else? Pep Boys seemed to mysteriously bail on the AT3Ws after running a fire sale on them and then inexplicably cancelling almost everyone’s orders. They were at the top of my list for value, but now the Toyo OC AT3s seem to be competitive price wise, while producing a lighter tire that Consumer Reports tests the same as the Falken AT3Ws. (I’m looking for a good value in 285/70r17 All-Terrains in P metric for mainly on road with snow and rain maneuvering as a plus.)

Not sure, but I've noticed they've increased in price quite a bit from a few years ago where they were by far the cheapest tire in the segment from mainline brands. Maybe it's just a demand thing? At least in stock size P metric they are still on the low end price wise, and I think their performance and looks still make them a very attractive option. I've had my stock size P metric versions for about 5k miles now and have been really happy with them on all surfaces from dry pavement, to heavy rain, to powder snow, to compact snow and ice, to rocks, to gravel, and some mud. They do cake a little in mud but so did the ST MAXXs and Ridge Grapplers my two buddies were running. They did clear out quickly though. My set balanced up fine with no highway wobbles at all. They also look great IMHO.

 

[Pedro367]

Anybody know why Falkens are up $20+ per tire from this fall? Is it just a supply chain crunch like everything else? Pep Boys seemed to mysteriously bail on the AT3Ws after running a fire sale on them and then inexplicably cancelling almost everyone’s orders. They were at the top of my list for value, but now the Toyo OC AT3s seem to be competitive price wise, while producing a lighter tire that Consumer Reports tests the same as the Falken AT3Ws. (I’m looking for a good value in 285/70r17 All-Terrains in P metric for mainly on road with snow and rain maneuvering as a plus.)

Because the cost of oil has gone up dramatically in the last 4-5 months. A barrel of oil has almost doubled since the beginning of November. You can make your own assumptions as to why.

 

[FiveSpeed]

I installed Falken Wildpeak AT/3 in stock size 265/70/17 and I was surprised with how the ride changed at different PSIs. At 40 PSI, the ride was unbearably rough. Felt like the truck was bouncing all over the road. At 35 PSI, the ride wasn't much better. It felt much steadier on the road, but the ride was still extremely rough. It felt like I was riding on a coblestone, even though the road was completely smooth.

At 32 PSI, the ride is completely normal and smooth.

 

[sn_85]

If there is something I've learned over the years it's that OE tires aren't chosen by how good they are unless it is a very specific vehicle. Most OE tires are complete garbage. Jeep probably chose Falken for the Gladiator (and now the Falken MTs as an upgrade on the JL) because of price and volume. It's the reason why a ton of OEs come with garbage Goodyears. It's a name brand that sells horrible tires at volume. TRD Tacomas are a perfect example of this. If 4Runner pros get Nittos, why can't the Tacoma? All price and the deal they have.

Not saying the Falken's are bad. They are great. I just don't have that much faith in auto manufacturers pumping out volume and want to save money.

Toyota is a special case. Of all the companies making "trophy" trucks Toyota is the only one actively not trying and not caring. TRD Pro's are a joke compared to what the other companies are doing. Other than special colors their choice of bolt-ons are not impressive at all. Tacoma TRD Pro could have gotten a Duratrac instead of the Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar. TRD Pro Tundra could have a BFG KO2 instead of a Michelin (parent company of BFG). Heck the TRD Pro 4R is running 1st gen Nitto TG's, they couldn't even be bothered to use the gen 2's. Every other OEM has made great choices in their tire selection for their "trophy" trucks. Everyone except Toyota.

I installed Falken Wildpeak AT/3 in stock size 265/70/17 and I was surprised with how the ride changed at different PSIs. At 40 PSI, the ride was unbearably rough. Felt like the truck was bouncing all over the road. At 35 PSI, the ride wasn't much better. It felt much steadier on the road, but the ride was still extremely rough. It felt like I was riding on a coblestone, even though the road was completely smooth.

At 32 PSI, the ride is completely normal and smooth.

A P-rated tire should be run at 32 psi. It's listed in the door jam. Running any higher then yes, it'll be harsh. Kind of like over inflating a balloon.

 

[MAST4R]

Toyota is a special case. ...

Indeed! And so is Subaru. And Honda. And Nissan.

So there maybe more than just Toyota-specific choices.

As for Toyota: they build the 4R in Tahara alongside so many related vehicles for global markets. Realistically, all they can do is the kind of changes they have been doing, but I agree that they should have used higher-end suspensions and tires. Oh, and an offroad navigation option would have been nice.

Now, Tacomas, Tundras, that gets us back to higher-level decision-making differences.

On the other hand, considering the popularity of the Pro models, I am not sure Toyota is not doing the right thing for itself...

EDIT: as for Subaru, they eliminated most of the fun models and streamlined along appliance lines in 2009-10. Then they became really successful. The only reason the H6 Outback lasted as long as it did was the Tribeca and the only reason there is an XT Outback now is the Ascent. Seeing FXT go and be replaced by a cool looking Sport model with zero sportiness was kinda the last slap in the face of old timers. So basically all of Subaru nowadays boils down to WRX and XT Outback. Of course, the numbers show that Subaru is right....

 

[Chevrolegs]

Hey guys, I currently run stock sized wildpeak SL tires and tow a boat on a double axle trailer about once a month. I’d estimate it weighs a total of 4,000lbs. I haven’t had any issues so far, but never really thought about tire choice until now.

Does the trailer being double axle take a load off of my truck?

I’m getting some new wheels soon and wondering if I’d be safe continuing to tow with my current tires if I swap them on to the new rims or if I should get some 265 E load tires?

I’m also looking at the 275 wildpeaks in C load just to go a little bigger, what do you guys think about these?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Pedro367]

Toyota is a special case. Of all the companies making "trophy" trucks Toyota is the only one actively not trying and not caring. TRD Pro's are a joke compared to what the other companies are doing. Other than special colors their choice of bolt-ons are not impressive at all. Tacoma TRD Pro could have gotten a Duratrac instead of the Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar. TRD Pro Tundra could have a BFG KO2 instead of a Michelin (parent company of BFG). Heck the TRD Pro 4R is running 1st gen Nitto TG's, they couldn't even be bothered to use the gen 2's. Every other OEM has made great choices in their tire selection for their "trophy" trucks. Everyone except Toyota.

You are definitely correct there in regards to Toyotas tire choice. I feel like that is prime example of "lowest bid." That's Goodyear's business. Provide a crap tire at a low price for the OEMs and sell a billion of them and then people still buy them when they wear out because they have brand recognition and are the OE tire. Having a TRDOR come with Bridgestone HTs is hilarious too. You can definitely give props to Jeep for not mailing it in like Toyota.

Toyota in general is "take what we give you." Less is more I guess. Jeep sees dollar signs and makes you pay for every upgrade now. Metal bumpers, tires, wheels, tops, tech. Everything is a sell up. They even charge you extra for every paint color except white. It's worse every year.

 

[spartacus]

Hey guys, I currently run stock sized wildpeak SL tires and tow a boat on a double axle trailer about once a month. I’d estimate it weighs a total of 4,000lbs. I haven’t had any issues so far, but never really thought about tire choice until now.

Does the trailer being double axle take a load off of my truck?

I’m getting some new wheels soon and wondering if I’d be safe continuing to tow with my current tires if I swap them on to the new rims or if I should get some 265 E load tires?

I’m also looking at the 275 wildpeaks in C load just to go a little bigger, what do you guys think about these?

Thanks for your help!

C load will be around 2500 lbs/tire. Make sure the tires are inflated correctly. The only way to be certain is to weigh your truck with the trailer weight hooked. Some travel trailer places or truck weighing station will have the scale

 

[4Person]

Because the cost of oil has gone up dramatically in the last 4-5 months. A barrel of oil has almost doubled since the beginning of November. You can make your own assumptions as to why.

Yeah, I figured that might have something to do with it too. Looks like the typical price of these won’t be going back down for a while, if ever. Luckily, EBay has a good promotion right now - $100 off $400 on tires + free shipping, and I was able to use it twice. That brings the tires down to $180 each (P285/70r17), which the household Minister of Finance has approved. Now hopefully this isn’t some “Lucy with a football” deal like Pep Boys a couple of months ago....

 

[osprey_steve]

I've got a 2020 Venture edition, threw on some LT275/70 Cs on the TRD rims and got some decent rub not even at full deflection and have a Cornfed 2/1 spacer kit in the mail to hopefully fix the issue. Don't remember seeing anyone post about rub with 275s, but I may have just missed it.