New tires - 225/15 vs 31/10.5 ? What is best for mileage ?

[Christian]

Hi all,
I have a completely stock 4runner 1991 V6 SR5 5spd manual

I need to change my tires and I was wondering if going to 31/10.5 would help my mileage?
I currently have 225/15/75.

What are people's experience with the upgrade and mileage?
I don't really do any off-road, I use the 4runner to put my motorcycle on a rear rack AND tow a trailer.

If the mileage is worst with the 31" how bad is it ?

I usually get 18-19mpg with my current tires.


Let me know.
thanks

 

[wolfgang]

I'd go with the more normally stocked 235/75x15 for good gas mileage. Also go with a passenger tire tread vice a snow/mud tire if you don't need the off road traction.

 

[Christian]

I am planning to go with Michelin LTX/MS
they have both size still not sure what I will do but Mileage in concern #1

 

[mole177]

dont go big if you want gas mileage.

 

[Koz]

I am planning to go with Michelin LTX/MS
they have both size still not sure what I will do but Mileage in concern #1

The LTX is a good dry highway tire that will last a long time but are pretty shitty in the snow and rain with only 20K miles on them. You may want to do some research on other tires. I recommend the Goodyear Fortera, Michelin Cross Terrain, or Bridgestone REVO. If mileage is your main concern stay away from the 31s.

Koz

 

[mtnracer]

Mileage and power will drop with the 31s. Stick with 235s for best performance.

I have the LTX M/S and I like them a lot but then again I have not tried them in mud or snow. Great in rain though.

 

[Christian]

thanks all , I am in California so Mud/snow/rain is not too much a concern and next week Costco is running a $60 rebate on michelin so I will go with that.

Now I understand mileage will go down with 31, but what would be the drop ?

1Mpg ?
2Mpg ?

More than that ?

Trying to find out the damage, an other reason to get 31 is that I carry a motorcycle on a rack in the back and I wouldn't mind getting the higher load range of the 31.

Thanks

 

[mtnracer]

thanks all , I am in California so Mud/snow/rain is not too much a concern and next week Costco is running a $60 rebate on michelin so I will go with that.

Now I understand mileage will go down with 31, but what would be the drop ?

1Mpg ?
2Mpg ?

More than that ?

Trying to find out the damage, an other reason to get 31 is that I carry a motorcycle on a rack in the back and I wouldn't mind getting the higher load range of the 31.

Thanks

If you are definitely going with Costco, you should also consider the LTX A/T in 235/75/15. I had two sets on my Dodge Dakota for a total of 170K miles. Great tire and you can order it with an LT (Light Truck) rating instead of P (Passenger) to carry your motorcycle. Costco does not charge extra for special orders and the rebate still applies.

I would say you'll lose 2-3 mpg by going with 31s and in addition it will be quite a bit slower off the line. Stick with 225 or 235s.

 

[Christian]

If you are definitely going with Costco, you should also consider the LTX A/T in 235/75/15. I had two sets on my Dodge Dakota for a total of 170K miles. Great tire and you can order it with an LT (Light Truck) rating instead of P (Passenger) to carry your motorcycle. Costco does not charge extra for special orders and the rebate still applies.

I would say you'll lose 2-3 mpg by going with 31s and in addition it will be quite a bit slower off the line. Stick with 225 or 235s.

Now that makes me thinking...
I guess for 2-3mpg I WILL stick to the 225
but now the 235, I did a quick search and you'll get a tons more choices in the Michelin Familly.

So I guess that would be just fine on my stock rims, just 1cm wider tire , am I correct ?

Thanks

 

[mtnracer]

Now that makes me thinking...
I guess for 2-3mpg I WILL stick to the 225
but now the 235, I did a quick search and you'll get a tons more choices in the Michelin Familly.

So I guess that would be just fine on my stock rims, just 1cm wider tire , am I correct ?

Thanks

235s will work just fine....

You can compare sizes here:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

A 31" tire is equivalent to a 265/75/16 so you can see it is MUCH bigger than stock.

 

[Christian]

great, I just did a research on the 235 and they have the LTX M/S 235/75/15 with XL load range which is a 108 load compare to 102 for the P

I'll go with that!
Thanks all.

 

[mtnracer]

great, I just did a research on the 235 and they have the LTX M/S 235/75/15 with XL load range which is a 108 load compare to 102 for the P

I'll go with that!
Thanks all.

If you want a more aggressive look you should also check out the LTX A/T.

http://www.michelinman.com/specs/ltx_a_t/26.html

 

[Christian]

I've looked at it, but I do 99% road trips so my guess is that the MS will be quieter etc.. compared to the AT

 

[mtnracer]

I've looked at it, but I do 99% road trips so my guess is that the MS will be quieter etc.. compared to the AT

I've had both and they are the same when it comes to ride and road noise. I would take the ATs if noise is your only concern. The ATs also wear very long. I got about 80K miles out of mine.

 

[Koz]

If you want 31s get the LT REVO 31"X10.5. I have them on my Taco and can tell you they are the best LTs I've ever had and I have had most of the top tires.

Koz