Which 17" BFG AT Tire Size?

[wayne551]

First of all - A big thanks to everyone who has replied to my prior posts. You guys are awesome, and this is an excellent forum. So much to learn, and you've been extremely helpful. I know that some of these tire questions are redundant, but it seems like most people don't mind giving tire advice and opinions more than once (and I've searched and read previous threads - honest!).

Here's my tire question. I have a 3" lift installed, a set of 17" Pro Comp 7098s (0 offset) on the way, and I'm going with BFG ATs. Question is - What size?

I like the look of having space around the tire, instead of filling up the wheel well completely. So -

265/70-17 - 31.6" DIA - Less speedo correction, and I believe this size will go right in with no fitment issues, plus it works with my "show off the lift" look preference.
275/70-17 - 32.2" DIA - Any potential fitment issues, even with the 3" lift? Does a 32" diameter fill it up too much?
Any other size suggestions for 17" BFG ATs?

And what load rating - E or C? I tow a small boat (max 750 lbs) now and then, and no real heavy cargo hauling, really. I drive off road when I can, but its never anything overly hairy. Am I describing a C load rating?

Thanks!!!

 

[BamBam]

Not sure on the size. I am sure somebody else will chime in, but I'd go with the C load range. 750 pounds is nothing. That is like taking your friends to lunch in the vehicle and doesn't put a lot of strain on it at all. I don't see a reason to go to an "E", because the ride will be a bit more punishing the other 99% of the time you're driving. I'd rather have a "C" and have them wear a tiny bit faster when towing than an "E" and have to drive with such a stiff tire personally. The "C" is plenty strong for your needs and the on-road manners will be better.

You might want to look at pictures people have posted up of their setups. That gives me good ideas of what I want to do with my truck. I just see what they have and what looks right and then if I have any questions I send them a message.

I believe one of my favorites here is Mike07SE's setup. He has the BFG's and a 3/2 lift (I think that is what he has anyway). He has the 265/70/17 tires and it shows off a bit of the lift and it looks great. Here is a link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/430353-post23.html

 

[wayne551]

I believe one of my favorites here is Mike07SE's setup. He has the BFG's and a 3/2 lift (I think that is what he has anyway). He has the 265/70/17 tires and it shows off a bit of the lift and it looks great. Here is a link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/430353-post23.html

Thanks for the info on load rating choice. C for me. I agree about checking out the photos of other trucks to see what works/looks good, and also the example you sent the link for. It looks really substantial but not overly chunked up, and I do really like showing off the suspension lift. I think its easy to get "tire-itis" and keep wanting bigger and bigger tires to fill up every inch of wheel well.

Does anyone have any other examples of tire sizes that work without being either too dinky looking, or too chunked up? Any opinions and input are welcome!

 

[Maz]

Bam Bam is right your the C load range is fine for your application. You could go with E load, but will likely get a slightly rougher ride and would benefit little if anything from the stronger tire per your intended use.

On size either of your choices would work. However you should be aware the BFG AT is a rather squareed off design and requires more clearance than just about any other tire of corresponding size. The 275/70/17 size is right at the max of what would normally fit in your spare tire area. You might have to do some trimming in the wheel wells if you don't have any lift. Without lift the 265/70/17 size will look just about right, however if you like the oversized tire look you may want to go with the 275.

If you check around and search for photos you're very likely to find photos of that tire in both sizes on T4R's. Good luck.

 

[techmen17]

only thing I might add is when I was looking for tire sizes, I was looking for about a 32" tire as well. Maybe try the 255/75/17 size. Usually saw a decrease in price anywhere from 20-40 a tire.

 

[wayne551]

Maybe try the 255/75/17 size. Usually saw a decrease in price anywhere from 20-40 a tire.

I've been thinking about that, but that size isn't available in the BFG AT. The only ATs that I like in that size are Toyo Open Country and Goodyear Silent Armor. Great choices, but Im pretty sold on the BFGs.

 

[wayne551]

However you should be aware the BFG AT is a rather squareed off design and requires more clearance than just about any other tire of corresponding size. The 275/70/17 size is right at the max of what would normally fit in your spare tire area. You might have to do some trimming in the wheel wells if you don't have any lift. Without lift the 265/70/17 size will look just about right, however if you like the oversized tire look you may want to go with the 275.

I have 3" of lift, so is it safe to assume that the squared off design of the BFG AT won't be a problem?

The more I struggle with this decision, the more I keep coming back to the 265/70-17. Bigger than stock but not too oversized, shows off the 3" lift, no foreseeable rubbing issues (especially with 3" lift), BFG ATs come in that size, spare fits in the spare well. I think I've sold myself on that size...

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I have 265/70/17 BFG all terrain on my 03 V8 and I would not want any bigger. With this size the oddometer is only off a little, only slight mpg drop, and I did notice a slight power and braking drop because of the taller heavier tire. Any bigger of a tire magnifies this problem requardless of what other say. I hate giving up any performance just to make it look better. This size tire looks good without destroying the driveability. If all you care about is looks then put on the bigest tire you can fit. If you are willing to regear the differentials to compensate for a larger size then power etc will stay about the same but at a much greater cost. I went through all this on my Jeep Wrangler. I put 33's on it and the power sucked. It was no fun to drive but looked good. Once I put in 4.10 gears I was happy again.

 

[wayne551]

Thanks 03_4x4Runner - your reply is very helpful and reassuring. I am going to go with the 265/70s. I'll see if I notice the power and breaking difference. I don't accelerate or brake very hard, so maybe it wont be noticeable to me. Thanks for the help.