Before and After 255/85-16 MT

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MDarius said:
Thanks for posting up. I didn't realize this size was an option until you did. You stated that you had lower Rpm's at 65MPH. You're old tires look significantly shorter so your speedo should be off of what it was, right?

So, skinny tires = better MPG, better in mud and snow (?) because they cut through easier, probably less road noise generally, lighter and easier for the truck to turn, less tire hanging under the body in the Stock spare position.

Wide tires = bigger contact patch, better in sand and on rocks (?), better in situations where you would air down (?), more work for the truck to spin them.

When I'm 100 miles from the nearest human or on a remote track that may not be visited by anyone for days or longer I don't really care what my tires look like. I like the idea of the skinny tires for noise, MPG, and spare location, but if wide tires are better in the Utah deserts and rocky areas I go to, I wouldn't bother.

Is anyone qualified to clarify for me?
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I have been running 255/85 tires for 5 years now and have traveled throughout Nevada, eastern Oregon and eastern California deserts. The tall skinny tires have been fantastic and air down well to give a large footprint. Here is the info I used when I first decided to go down this path: Expeditions West: Tire Selection for Expedition Travel
I ran BFG KM2 for the first 3 1/2 years and am now running Cooper ST/Maxx. I am happy with both tires, though the Coopers are quieter on the highway and have better traction in the rain.
Cheers,
Greg
DSCN1010.webp
 
shermantank55 said:
I ran BFG KM2 for the first 3 1/2 years and am now running Cooper ST/Maxx. I am happy with both tires, though the Coopers are quieter on the highway and have better traction in the rain.
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Greg, these are the very two tires to which I've narrowed my search, will be putting on new 255s in the near future. Did you run both of these in snow? How about rough off-road, such as random medium-size rocks (including sharp) on steep slopes? I'm still weighing trade-offs but leaning ST Maxx. Thoughts? Thanks, John
 
smoothcruiser said:
Greg, these are the very two tires to which I've narrowed my search, will be putting on new 255s in the near future. Did you run both of these in snow? How about rough off-road, such as random medium-size rocks (including sharp) on steep slopes? I'm still weighing trade-offs but leaning ST Maxx. Thoughts? Thanks, John
Click to expand...
John,
While the KM2 is a great tire, I really prefer the Cooper. In addition to the quieter ride, it has far better traction in rain and snow (it has significant siping) and I have been impressed with the sidewalls and tread longevity. I've only had them for a relatively short time, but the rubber compound seems to be holding up better. This includes over rocks and off pavement. Off pavement I have been running them at about 20 psi. The original info that led me to the Coopers was from Australia where they ran them hard off road with positive reviews.
Cheers,
Greg
gopr4471-jpg.1162661
 
^ Great. Thanks for your response! And nice pic -- that rig looks ready to take on any and all bad news, tires included. ^
 
shermantank55 -- What size Cooper did you mount? I don't see 255/85/16 in their current listings.
 
smoothcruiser said:
Greg, these are the very two tires to which I've narrowed my search, will be putting on new 255s in the near future. Did you run both of these in snow? How about rough off-road, such as random medium-size rocks (including sharp) on steep slopes? I'm still weighing trade-offs but leaning ST Maxx. Thoughts? Thanks, John
Click to expand...

Can';t help wth the Coopers, but long experience with the various BFG radial MT variants, including the KM2. To me, the KM2 is fine in the snow, it's the ice that can be an issue. The KM2 has an improved compound that works better in the wet and somewhat better on ice. But if you're looking for a tire that will forgive your mistakes on ice, look elsewhere. If you're old school like me and realize it's a vast improvement over what came before, then that's not much of a problem if you're willing to drive accordingly.

In rocks and other aggressive terrain, the KM2 works well.
 
In snow and on ice during blizzards I've learned the KM2's are hard to beat. The tire has a robust side wall (3ply), the "E" rating is important to me (family + gear = 8,000 lbs.). Each tire is rated for over 3,400 lbs. Whatever you choose...choose a skinny.

I did put some 1.5" wheel spacers on for looks.

Zona
 
Here is mine on 255's BFG KM2's. I love these tires. Very durable. As you may guess from the picture, i don't have much experience in the rain or snow.

20160326_101848.webp
 
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mrsleeve said:
yes there is a 255/85/16 and 255/80/17 in the st maxx available

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company - Discoverer S/T MAXX™
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I've had both 255 KM2 and ST/Maxx tires. Really like both tires but the Coopers are noticeably quieter on the road - to me. Iliked the lower cost of the Coopers but they are getting hard to find in that size. I initially bought my 4 and thought I'd pop back in for a spare a few weeks later. That was a couple months ago. I'm sure I could get one mail ordered in but I like to support my local shop. Getting impatient though...
 
TEXASYETI said:
I've had both 255 KM2 and ST/Maxx tires. Really like both tires but the Coopers are noticeably quieter on the road - to me. Iliked the lower cost of the Coopers but they are getting hard to find in that size. SNIP
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It wouldn't surprise me to find that the Coopers are produced like the KM2, made in batches, then they may be out of stock intermittently while production time is scheduled for the next batch. That's what's happened with the KM2 and, for other specialty tires most likely, with the tire biz. But wouldn't surprise me that your patience will be rewarded with more Coopers.
 
TEXASYETI said:
I've had both 255 KM2 and ST/Maxx tires. Really like both tires but the Coopers are noticeably quieter on the road - to me. Iliked the lower cost of the Coopers but they are getting hard to find in that size. I initially bought my 4 and thought I'd pop back in for a spare a few weeks later. That was a couple months ago. I'm sure I could get one mail ordered in but I like to support my local shop. Getting impatient though...
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My self as well, I bought my FZJ with the 255/85 KM2s on it and nearly new. After a West PA to West MT trip and 60 miles from the northern Boarder to the southern boarder and 5 months of DDing on them I ditched them form a Set of the Coopers in 255/80/17. I am far happier with the coopers, seem better in the snow, and have much better road manners.

I have not found the availability issues, but like mentioned above its a relatively low demand size and likely made in batches.
 
Or as I like to say, skinnies are PHAT!

Reserve me a place at Coopers-town. ;)
 
And the brown guy recently delivered my 255/85R16 tires. Just gotta get them on...
 
Can’t wait to throw on the st maxx in this size when my 31s wear down, tall skinny is looks great and handles great.

As for the Maxxis Bighorn I would agree they are made of high quality rubber. we have run those on an f150 at work for about 2 years. What has amazed me about them is that they are not getting chunked out by gravel. I have seen a lot of sets of tires come and go over the years (even Toyo $$$) and very few hold up without getting pitted out/premature wear (Though the Kevlar wranglers were amazing).Fair road noise also. Our trucks are in 4x a lot, gravel roads atleast half their life, and trailer and launch boats off road. At that price point I would buy if I needed muds. Side wall looks bada$$ too :)
 
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