TIRES- Kicking a Dead Horse

[GNB]

My 2015 TRD has about 32K miles and I am looking at replacing the OEM AT tires.

The majority of my driving is unfortunately on city streets and the highway with only occasional offroad excursions ( every few years- I know sad).

So I want a good quality tire that rides smoother and quieter and maybe helps out the MPG. The tires need to look good too on the TRD and have to be rugged enough to go offroad on occasion ( nothing super serious).

Thinking about either Michelins or Continentals .

One tire that looks interesting to me is :

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...r=2015&autoModel=4Runner TRD Pro&autoModClar=

Thoughts, suggestions based on other owners real world experience?

 

[ElectroBoy]

I’ve used Michelin LTX M/S for years. Excellent on road, hard packed snow, and light duty dirt. Their latest version is now called Defender LTX M/S. Check it out.

 

[Paragon1]

What are the OEM tires?

 

[BobsTrail]

I ran my OEM tires for 36K and went on a number of off-road trips, was surprised how well they did for OEM. I did replace them with ATs which was a nice improvement.

IMO, passenger/highway tires should be fine for your use.

 

[joebagadoughnuts]

5th gen TR4s Tires

I went with these - Continental TerrainContact A/T OWL 255/75/17. I thoroughly reviewed owner comments on TireRack and watched a video on these particular tires. I bumped up from OEM 265/70/17 to obtain a slightly narrower footprint. Drove on the Ohio Turnpike in a variety of winter conditions with no problems. Very satisfied after approx 6,000 miles on these tires. Spedo error is negligible.

2016 SR5 Premium/White, used with 28K miles at purchase
Continental TerrainContact A/T OWL 255/75/17
Toyota TRD Black Wheels PTR20-35001-BK

 

[SummitRunner]

Street tires are fine for occasional trips on most dirt roads. I did two trips to Death Valley and Mojave National Preserve recently on 3 year old Michelin all season tires: Echo Canyon, Ashford Canyon, Caruthers Canyon, Kelso Dunes, etc.

The downside with all-terrain tires is reduced grip on-road especially in wet weather.

In my student days I took small cars with old street tires on all kinds of dirt roads in the Sierra Nevada and never had a problem.

Having said that, I did pick up some all terrains recently for upcoming trips to the Inyo Mountains and Saline Valley, where the roads get pretty rough and you're far from help.

 

[GNB]

I went with these - Continental TerrainContact A/T OWL 255/75/17. I thoroughly reviewed owner comments on TireRack and watched a video on these particular tires. I bumped up from OEM 265/70/17 to obtain a slightly narrower footprint. Drove on the Ohio Turnpike in a variety of winter conditions with no problems. Very satisfied after approx 6,000 miles on these tires. Spedo error is negligible.

2016 SR5 Premium/White, used with 28K miles at purchase
Continental TerrainContact A/T OWL 255/75/17
Toyota TRD Black Wheels PTR20-35001-BK

I think these are the same? Do they ride smoother and quieter than the OEM Nittos? Any changes to gas mileage?

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...r=2015&autoModel=4Runner TRD Pro&autoModClar=

 

[GNB]

I’ve used Michelin LTX M/S for years. Excellent on road, hard packed snow, and light duty dirt. Their latest version is now called Defender LTX M/S. Check it out.

Thanks, considering the Michelin Defenders LTX and the Continental TerraContact tires.

 

[bowhun2r]

I'm the managing owner of the wife's 14 LE. I put the Trail wheels and Nitto G2 265/70/17 on the truck about 2 years ago. Likely will only get one more year out of them (about 32K total). Her avg MPG is 15. She's a bit heavy on the right foot.

On my 2018 LE, I have the FX Pro wheels and Conti all terrain 265/70/17 with the Magnuson S/C. Right now my computer MPG is showing 17.1 MPG. I think it's a combination of her driving and tires explaining her MPG. We both are mostly city driving.

I don't do a lot of off-roading other then my hunting honey hole that is logging road equivalent.

I really like the Contis. I drive more to the airport than to my hunting hole and they are very smooth and comfortable on the highway at 65+ MPH. I will be getting the same set for her truck likely early next year.

The only suggestion I have is to make sure you get the tires road force balanced. I didn't the first time and had wobble at speed. When I asked/demanded to get the tires on the hunter road force machine I had zero issues. They are smooth. It takes them about an hour to do that...but it's worth it.

The truck is dirty...and so are the wheels. But I still think they look great on the truck.

 

[GNB]

I'm the managing owner of the wife's 14 LE. I put the Trail wheels and Nitto G2 265/70/17 on the truck about 2 years ago. Likely will only get one more year out of them (about 32K total). Her avg MPG is 15. She's a bit heavy on the right foot.

On my 2018 LE, I have the FX Pro wheels and Conti all terrain 265/70/17 with the Magnuson S/C. Right now my computer MPG is showing 17.1 MPG. I think it's a combination of her driving and tires explaining her MPG. We both are mostly city driving.

I don't do a lot of off-roading other then my hunting honey hole that is logging road equivalent.

I really like the Contis. I drive more to the airport than to my hunting hole and they are very smooth and comfortable on the highway at 65+ MPH. I will be getting the same set for her truck likely early next year.

The only suggestion I have is to make sure you get the tires road force balanced. I didn't the first time and had wobble at speed. When I asked/demanded to get the tires on the hunter road force machine I had zero issues. They are smooth. It takes them about an hour to do that...but it's worth it.

The truck is dirty...and so are the wheels. But I still think they look great on the truck.

Thank you for the write-up and photos of the Continentals !

Not certain whether Discount Tires here in Houston have the Hunter Road Force machine, I will call and ask. Update: So my Discount Tire Store does have the Hunter Road Force Machine .

I notice the Conti tire comes in 2 weight load bearing specs ( about $30 per tire difference); the Discount Tire guy says the lower spec is all the 4 Runner needs. Thoughts?

 

[4FL]

I just bought the Cooper Discoverer AT 4s that seems many people on here liked, and yea, only 200 miles or so on them, but they seem to be damn nice, looks, performance (on the road at least).

Have not had them in anything by dry pavement so far though.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Before you spend the extra cash on road force balancing have them balanced their routine way first. Test them out on the highway and see if they are OK. Be aware of any vibrations you may sense. If vibrations in your hands on the steering wheel = front tire(s) imbalance. Seat vibration = rear tire(s). If any problems, go right back and have them rebalanced. I’ve done this many times. When you buy the “certificates” for each tire you get tire lifetime repair, replace, rebalance.

If they can’t balance new tires you may have a defective one, which they would replace for you. Or if you came back more than once they might give you road force balancing for free.

You do not need C or E rated tires. They cost more, weigh more, usually have a lower tread life guarantee, probably ride stiffer too. They are meant for trucks carrying heavy loads like farm vehicles and delivery vans.

 

[GNB]

Before you spend the extra cash on road force balancing have them balanced their routine way first. Test them out on the highway and see if they are OK. Be aware of any vibrations you may sense. If vibrations in your hands on the steering wheel = front tire(s) imbalance. Seat vibration = rear tire(s). If any problems, go right back and have them rebalanced. I’ve done this many times. When you buy the “certificates” for each tire you get tire lifetime repair, replace, rebalance.

If they can’t balance new tires you may have a defective one, which they would replace for you. Or if you came back more than once they might give you road force balancing for free.

You do not need C or E rated tires. They cost more, weigh more, usually have a lower tread life guarantee, probably ride stiffer too. They are meant for trucks carrying heavy loads like farm vehicles and delivery vans.

I did not know they would charge extra for using the Hunter Road Force Balancing Machine. Typically, how much more would it cost?

 

[Tuco S.]

Have you considered the Bridgestone Revo3? Looks like it would be another good option for your application.

If you shop at Costco, they usually have them on sale.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Dueler+A/T+Revo+3

 

[ElectroBoy]

I did not know they would charge extra for using the Hunter Road Force Balancing Machine. Typically, how much more would it cost?

You’d have to call tire shops for an idea, but I’d expect about $25 per tire.

 

[bowhun2r]

You’d have to call tire shops for an idea, but I’d expect about $25 per tire.

At least when purchased as a tire and wheel package from either Tire Rack or Discount Tire they perform the road force as part of the package.

My local shop that has the hunter machine doesn't charge more, but you have to ask and it will take much longer (but that's ok for me).

 

[Rapid_Amble]

Have you considered the Bridgestone Revo3? Looks like it would be another good option for your application.

If you shop at Costco, they usually have them on sale.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Dueler+A/T+Revo+3

I’ve had these for almost 10k miles now and so far, so good. Mostly on-road, mixed highway with some mild trails and beach. Good performance so far in heavy rain and few inches of snow last winter.

Not sure about noise levels since I added dynamat and CCF to all the doors, tailgate and cargo floor, road noise has been significantly muted anyway.

 

[fixer5000]

michelin defenders...nothing else

 

[GNB]

michelin defenders...nothing else

I am a Michelin fan since the 1980’s. Do the Defenders look too street for a TRD? I know they would probably meet my purpose.

 

[2016FL4Runner]

Hello. I saw your post whilst roaming the forum and thought I can give my opinion. I have a 2016 Trail Premium and am running BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires 285/70 R17. I bought them immediately along with Pro Comp rims after purchasing my 4Runner 3 years ago. So far I have taken them in mud, snow, and sand and have yet had an issue. I have 65k mikes on them and dealer told me last week during my oil change I still have 40% tread left. I have driven from California to Florida twice, just to give you an idea of the road conditions these tires have been through. When I lived in CA and had quads I would pull them on the 2500lb uhaul trailer and would take them to sand dunes like Sandy Hallow in Utah or Superstition and Glamis in California. Not once did I get stuck. The tread on these tires make it for a quiet ride and have overall great offroad capability. This new version of the tires that came out a few years ago added a thicker portion where the tread meets the sidewall and it helps with traction should you decide to rock crawl or something like that.