BFG A/T's in 305/65R18

[JBHorne]

I'm going to the BFG A/T's in 305/65R18 (keeping factory wheels). Does anyone know for a fact if this tire will fit without doing the OME lift right now? I'm curious how high the tire will lift into the fender/body when articulating and if it will rub.

I know all of you who have gone with 33-34" tires have done lifts as well, but I'd like to hold off for now until others have done their guinea pig testing

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

EDIT: Also, I've never understood why BFG recommends an 8.5" rim minimum with this tire when so many people run them perfectly fine on 8" rims. Are you sacrificing anything by doing so?

In addition, the factory Dueler's are V-rated at 149mph (I believe). The BFG's are "R" rated for 106mph. Ahem...this could be a slight issue for me, but maybe this will be a good thing for my lead foot.

Anyone else worried about these two issues, or am I being picky? Maybe another solid recommendation is in order? I know DTT chose the Nittos, wondering how you like them and why you chose them over the BFGs?

 

[JBHorne]

 

[Atticus]

I don't have a 200, but I cannot recommend the BFG A/T's. The pros are that they are tough and they will last you 40,000 miles or more. However, they suck in the rain (which probably wouldn't be a problem for you), but they are horrible in the mud, and don't provide much more traction than an M/S. Basically, they have all of the bad attributes of a mud tire (unpredictable, noisy, rough ride, deleterious effect on fuel efficiency) and none of the positives (increased off-road traction) save durability. I think it's a bad compromise.

Just my opinion.

 

[sdtash]

Sorry can not comment as I only have the stock 17" Grandtreks.

 

[JBHorne]

I don't have a 200, but I cannot recommend the BFG A/T's. The pros are that they are tough and they will last you 40,000 miles or more. However, they suck in the rain (which probably wouldn't be a problem for you), but they are horrible in the mud, and don't provide much more traction than an M/S. Basically, they have all of the bad attributes of a mud tire (unpredictable, noisy, rough ride, deleterious effect on fuel efficiency) and none of the positives (increased off-road traction) save durability. I think it's a bad compromise.

Just my opinion.

Alright, 200 or not, what 33" tire would you recommend? I'd hate to sacrifice so much road comfort for a mud terrain tire. A lot of people seem to like the BFG A/Ts...you're kind of the first to recommend otherwise, but I'm open to suggestions.

Personally I'm a Michelin man, but the don't make a good all terrain tire.

You know that the BFG IS rated for severe weather...so I'm not sure why you would say it's a bad rain tire, but please do explain.

 

[Atticus]

Alright, 200 or not, what 33" tire would you recommend? I'd hate to sacrifice so much road comfort for a mud terrain tire. A lot of people seem to like the BFG A/Ts...you're kind of the first to recommend otherwise, but I'm open to suggestions.

Personally I'm a Michelin man, but the don't make a good all terrain tire.

You know that the BFG IS rated for severe weather...so I'm not sure why you would say it's a bad rain tire, but please do explain.

Those tires slide like Rickey Henderson in the rain.

Anyway, there are a lot of threads in the 80 section on tire selection. A lot of people like the Revos.

 

[fish2live]

I love my Revo's for a more road oriented AT tire (awesome in snow, very quite etc) but they are a bit tame for my taste.... So, I'm moving to Cooper Discoverer S/T's which are probably the most aggressive AT tire I've found. They come in 275/70/18 (33") and have an 18/32" depth, deeper than a lot of AT tires and they look great IMHO. People report you will hear the noise a tad more on the S/T when new, and they get a little louder as they wear - I say that's what my stereo is for... !!

 

[Zimm]

ive been running my 33" at's on my lx470 w/o an issue and no road noise or vibration. when they spent a few weeks on the 40 they seemed to clear sticky clay just fine. i thought i was gonna have an issue on a climb, but i went right up, no lockers. no issues in the rain or doing 55 on packed snow highways. id be warry of useing them in a flooded field with the weight of this pig, but other than that, i havent experienced what atticus has, and ive used them in all conditions. i think they are a good compromise.

 

[JBHorne]

ive been running my 33" at's on my lx470 w/o an issue and no road noise or vibration. when they spent a few weeks on the 40 they seemed to clear sticky clay just fine. i thought i was gonna have an issue on a climb, but i went right up, no lockers. no issues in the rain or doing 55 on packed snow highways. id be warry of useing them in a flooded field with the weight of this pig, but other than that, i havent experienced what atticus has, and ive used them in all conditions. i think they are a good compromise.

Any lift to fit the 33's or is that with stock suspension? I know the previous gen had more tire room, but by how much I have no idea.

 

[dtt255]

Any lift to fit the 33's or is that with stock suspension? I know the previous gen had more tire room, but by how much I have no idea.

I have a feeling that 33's would rub somewhat on a full turn. Not much, but I think they would. There is NOT alot of room without the lift.

Chimyz could probably answer this better then me though.

I love my Nitto Terra Grapplers. When I need new tires, I will most likely go for them again....but 33's

 

[JBHorne]

I have a feeling that 33's would rub somewhat on a full turn. Not much, but I think they would. There is NOT alot of room without the lift.

Chimyz could probably answer this better then me though.

I love my Nitto Terra Grapplers. When I need new tires, I will most likely go for them again....but 33's

Don't you have 33's now??? What is your exact size?

 

[dtt255]

Don't you have 33's now??? What is your exact size?

Technically they are 31.38 - 31.50.

So nope...not 33's....

The local place I am purchasing new rims from (nope...no pics until they are on and I make sure I love them) said that they will put some 33's and maybe even 35's on and then we can see what will rub and what won't.

That should happen the end of next week.

 

[speyrod]

I'm only considering a 200 but have BFG a/t on my 80. I love them, good in the snow rated as a snow tire which matters when snow tires are required even with 4 wheel drive, and I haven't noticed the noise. I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest and have not noticed them getting loose. The Revo's also have great reports, I don't think you would go wrong with either.

 

[chimyz]

I'm a little shocked about the comments on the BFG ATs...I've had them on 3 different vehicles, and would put them on future rigs, or when my current set wear out. Canada is filled with different road conditions...Snow, Rain, Dry, Paved, Dirt, etc...and I find these to be one of the best all around tire for our driving. There is never an issue in the snow.

The only place I wouldn't recommend the BFG ATs is in the mud. They are no good at shedding mud, but most tires aren't unless you were to get mud specific tires.

Just my $.02

 

[Crazy888888s]

I have posted this tire comparison calculator before, but here it is again:

Tire size calculator

If you enter the stock size (285 60 18) and then your proposed size, you will see that you are gaining 2.1 inches in overall diameter and extra width on the tread footprint. Based on my experience having moved up 1.1 inches in overall diameter for my snow tires, you will have a rubbing problem with the stock suspension and unrolled fenders.

Just my $0.02.

 

[TFS55]

a customer fitted 305/60R18 Dick Cepek F/C II on stock height LC200 without problems. But when we installed OME suspension there is tire rubbing on the Upper Arm during droop and turning. We had to fit rim spacers 1/4" thick to eliminate the rubbing. I think the 305's are too wide for the LC200, even in flat surfaces the tires are very near the UCA.

Hope this helps. BTW there is no rubbing on the fenders and front bumpers, but with 65 series I am not sure if it will be the same.

 

[Zimm]

Any lift to fit the 33's or is that with stock suspension? I know the previous gen had more tire room, but by how much I have no idea.

no lift, but its a 100 not a 200.

 

[MutleyFJ62]

Why do people still insist on equipping a brand new vehicle with BFG's? The AT tread pattern hasn't changed in over 25 years, do you know how far tyre technology has come in that time? Try looking at Mickey Thompson's, or the Dick Cepek FC's. Keep your BFG's for your skateboard. Rant over

 

[JBHorne]

Why do people still insist on equipping a brand new vehicle with BFG's? The AT tread pattern hasn't changed in over 25 years, do you know how far tyre technology has come in that time? Try looking at Mickey Thompson's, or the Dick Cepek FC's. Keep your BFG's for your skateboard. Rant over

??? Can you please expound on your answer? Yes, tire technology has come a long way, and as such the manufacturing technology of the BFG-AT has changed as well. I guarantee that Mickey Thompson and Dick Cepek do not have the same manufacturing abilities as the major tire manufactures. The R&D stage of tire development costs MILLIONS to accomplish. Small players simply cannot afford such high R&D costs.

I understand their use in a specific area such as drag racing, circuit, etc. but as an everyday tire my life rides on, no thanks. As far as I'm concered, safety is paramount. I deal with defective tire cases every day, and daily I see the effects of tires failing in various ways. No thanks...

 

[MutleyFJ62]

BFG's: In Australia, very popular, but also very cheap. Noisy and poor wearing, chipping on the tread blocks occurs very easily on dirt roads, severe heal/toe wear on the outer edge of the tread block. I have used Coopers and even though I dislike them due to balancing and wear issues, I would recommend these over a set of BFG's any day.
The intent of my comment was to make you think, seriously about the tyre you fit to your truck. There are better choices for the same money out there then BFG. Its pointless starting a slanging match about tyre brand as its a personal choice, but think outside the box and have a good look around at the market.