Tire dilemma: bigger vs stock, LT vs P

[freeflight]

Hi Gentlemen,

I need to replace the tires on my 04 V6 4Runner, everything stock. Stock tire size is 265/65/R17. Intended use is 80% street and highway, 15% desert driving in SoCal, 5% rocky trail in the mountain. I have narrowed it down to these tires

BFG AT KO, $233, LT265/65R17/E，120S, 30.7"，3085@80 psi，15/32，51.2 lb
BFG AT KO2, $200，LT265/70R17/E，121/118S, 31.6"，3,195@80 psi, 15/32", 52 lb

Goodyear Duratrac，$180-190，
P265/65/R17，112S，SL，500BB，51PSI，30.6"，2469，16/32, 42 lb
LT265/70/R17, 112Q,C/E,50/80PSI, 31.7", 2470/3195,18/32, 44/50 lb

KO is older technology than KO2, but it has my stock size of 265/65/R17. If I go with KO2 LT265/70/R17, tire size will increase from 30.7" to 31.6". I also like Duratrac from what I read here, but 265/65/R17 is metric size. If I want LT tire, the next size is 265/70/R17. Same problem.

Would going from 30.7" to 31.6" cause problem for on road and moderate off road driving?

I like LT tire for its durability, but it is a few lb heavier and stiffer. Some sacrifice in ride quality is expected. Would you go for LT tires for my intended use?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[paperchasin]

I was just in a very similar situation except my driving breakdown is more like: 90% street/highway & 10% offroad (dessert, etc). I went with some 265/70/17s, which is a ~3% larger, and have not had any problems. I also went with the P rated tires as I spend most of my daily driving on pavement and preferred the comfort.

 

[Range]

80% street says no to "E" tires if you want decent ride quality. By decent I mean not riding like a truck. Don't forget Cooper tires and Nitto tires. The 265x70x17 will not affect ride quality enough to tell.

 

[freeflight]

I was just in a very similar situation except my driving breakdown is more like: 90% street/highway & 10% offroad (dessert, etc). I went with some 265/70/17s, which is a ~3% larger, and have not had any problems. I also went with the P rated tires as I spend most of my daily driving on pavement and preferred the comfort.

Good to know bigger tires work fine. If I go with P rated tires then I would just use stock size.

 

[freeflight]

80% street says no to "E" tires if you want decent ride quality. By decent I mean not riding like a truck. Don't forget Cooper tires and Nitto tires. The 265x70x17 will not affect ride quality enough to tell.

Just to clarify, 80% street and highway is mostly on the way to off road location and back. So off road performance is the key for these tires.

Cooper S/T Maxx is more expensive than BFG KO/KO2, not sure if it is a better tire. Nitto Terra Grappler is not as good as BFG or Goodyear Duratrac.

 

[ebg18t]

Just to clarify, 80% street and highway is mostly on the way to off road location and back. So off road performance is the key for these tires.

Cooper S/T Maxx is more expensive than BFG KO/KO2, not sure if it is a better tire. Nitto Terra Grappler is not as good as BFG or Goodyear Duratrac.

What are your off-road conditions you are going to be encountering? A tire requirement for soft sandy conditions is going to be much different than a tire for soupy muddy conditions.

 

[offshorebear]

I had C range BFG ATs in the 70 size for a long time.

Seemed like a good match for a stock 4Runner for the first 10,000 miles.

 

[montijo505]

I had 265/70/17 on my 4Runner when it was stock and had no issues, it would rub a TINY bit when backing out of my driveway at an incline with the wheel turned all the way, and I mean barely. I had E rated tires and never thought it was a harsh ride. You might want the E rated if you're going to be on rocks or off road a lot

 

[freeflight]

What are your off-road conditions you are going to be encountering? A tire requirement for soft sandy conditions is going to be much different than a tire for soupy muddy conditions.

Mainly unpaved road in SoCal such as Majove. Not planning to go to sand dunes anytime soon.

 

[kevinpt]

255/75/17 is also a size option you can fit stock if fender liner is moved up

 

[freeflight]

After a bit more reading, went with Cooper AT3
Where the Rubber Meets the Road | Expedition Portal
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/114342-tires.html

Discounttiredirect ebay has a coupon of $100 of $400. $568 shipped for 4 tires. Final price will be $498 after Cooper rebate.

 

[AKmoney]

Consider Bridgestone Dueler Revo 2 AT. They're the lightest weight "E" load LT-class tire out there - about 5lbs less than the BFG KO in LT265-70-17. Pretty well suited to desert terrain.

 

[Mr.emergency]

After a bit more reading, went with Cooper AT3
Where the Rubber Meets the Road | Expedition Portal
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/114342-tires.html

Discounttiredirect ebay has a coupon of $100 of $400. $568 shipped for 4 tires. Final price will be $498 after Cooper rebate.

Oooh! Let me know how you like those. They are at the top of my list for my next set of tires.

 

[freeflight]

Oooh! Let me know how you like those. They are at the top of my list for my next set of tires.

I had to return those A/T3s since I got new Michelin tires by tread wear warranty. Got about $330 in credit, and Michelin LTX M/S2 for $556 out of the door from Sears. What a great customer service from Micheline/BFG and Sears. They are all pretty cool about my claim

The interesting thing is M/S2 are highway tires. It rides super quiet and smooth on the road so I will keep them for on road use. I will have to keep shopping a set of dedicate offroad tires, perhaps I will get another set of rims and go with M/T tires, swap them on before going on trips... :lol:

 

[Sporin]

Check out the General Grabber at2's as well. Quite a bit cheaper than the BFG AT's but just as good imo.