Advice - 255 /85 v 285/75 & Rotating Weight?

[MrGreenJeans]

I have been doing a lot of reading in preparation for the purchase of new tires.

I see that the largest recommended size for a stock 100 with 16" rims is 285 /75 / 16. However, I like tall skinnies. I want 255 / 85 / 16s. There are very few manufacturers that make these in a tread pattern that I would want.

The BFG KM2s sound good except for some negative reviews on ice and snow.

The Coopers don't float my boat.

The best option seems to be the Toyo Mts - E load limit, (assumed) Q rated for speed, and in 255 / 85 the block spacing narrows up such that it looks more like an aggressive AT tire. Downside is 60# per tire and cost.

That said, GY Dura Tracs seem to be THE aggressive AT tire from what I have read. I love the siping and block spacing. However in order to get max height I need to go 285 wide. The DTs in 285 weigh in at 54# per tire.



I am looking for counsel on what the real world impacts to a MY2k Lx470 (all stock) with an extra 24# of rotating weight really means as far as milage / braking / driving characteristics.

I am also looking for counsel on pizza cutters (10.2") vs 285s (11.5") with the stock weight of the vehicle and light to medium loads.

Driving conditions:

Pac NW - some snow (packed and powder), not much ice, rain, dry pavement, fire roads, washed out / rutted out trails. 75% street / 25% out and about.

TIA

 

[Cracker]

Have you taken a look at the Maxxis Bighorns?...Slightly wider lug spacing than the Toyos, but pretty similar otherwise...
Also what about the Big-O Bigfoot?...more like an aggressive AT/MT cross if you dont want a full MT, or more than just an AT...

Both are available in 255/85-16

 

[MrGreenJeans]

I think I am looking for an E rated tire, but thank you.

 

[DrivingMissRosey]

The E rating will increase ride stiffness. They won't ride like bias ply but stiffer then a D rated tire. In terms of braking, I don't think the extra weight will be an adverse effect. Mileage will probably be negligible between a wider but lighter and a narrower but heavier tire. Acceleration might be better with the lighter tire. I like skinny tires too (I use a 7.50R 16). Maybe people with more experience will weigh in?

 

[Cracker]

I think I am looking for an E rated tire, but thank you.

Sorry, didnt catch that in your OP...

 

[Bomar]

For a hundy I would go with the 285. I am a 255 fan but I think it would look very very skinny on a 100. Plus my 285's on our 100 look real skinny to begin with.

 

[Dazrin]

You might also consider the Toyo M-55 as an alternative. They appear to be available in both sizes and are supposed to have excellent performance and last a lot longer than either of the others. There appear to be mixed reviews on how much road noise they have. In the 255 size they are 56# so the weight is in between your other two choices. They are more expensive, but given that they last so long that evens out. They appear to be only available in E-rated for the sizes you are looking at.

Here are a mud thread discussing them (comparisons to Toyo MT included)
https://forum.ih8mud.com/expedition-builds/427316-toyo-m-t-m-55-a.html

 

[Cracker]

Here's another great thread on the M-55's on ExpeditionPortal (you may not be able to see some of the pics without being logged in to the site):

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...R16-(and-comparison-pics)?highlight=toyo+m-55

 

[MrGreenJeans]

Great links / tips and thoughts.

Quick update, I am still shopping but have crossed the Toyo MTs off the list due to poor general performance (even if the middle is sipped) compared to the M55, AT2, and DTs.

I have been quoted:

$1,050 for 4 DTs (285/75) mounted
$1,149 for 4 AT2s (285/75) mounted
$1,289 for 4 M55s (255/85) mounted

I have not looked that hard yet, but the best I have seen thus far on line

M55s delivered - $1,328
AT2s delivered - $902
DTs look like they are going to be high $800s / low $900 delivered

The local shops are talking about pretty big mileage margins between the DTs and the Toyos. In all likelihood I will buy Toyos local. The big question is M55 or AT2? My head says buy the AT2, I still think I 'want' the M55s.

Thoughts?

 

[Bomar]

AT2 all the way. Great tire.

 

[The Dude]

I just went from the Toyo MT to the M-55 on our tundra. I looked at the duratracs, cooper etc before my purchase. I stuck with the Toyos. I really wanted to like the MT (love them on my Cruiser) but the 255/85R16 just didn't meet my expectations.

The 255/85R16 MTs wore horribly and growled/howled more then my 37x13.5 toyo MTs. They performed terrible in the snow, even siped. 40% tread at 30k km. BOO.

The 255/85R16 M-55s are MUCH quieter but do have a noticeable whine to them. In the rain they are the best tire I have ever had on a truck. Haven't had them in the snow yet. I am currently running them at 42psi and love the ride.

 

[roalco]

M-55s are VERY popular with the logging industry out here on the west coast, a good long life, year round tire that will take daily logging road abuse, and also get you home or to town on the highway with reasonable comfort.

 

[MrGreenJeans]

@ The Dude - Have to admit seeing your Tundra it is striking to see those pizza cutters when everything else today is 11"+.

I think I am going to go with the M55s here in a few weeks.


Good luck