Need tires, towing to consider

[ad27326]

I have read too many threads to count, here is what I am looking at. I want either a 255 or 285, both fit and both will fit in spare tire location, I need to know a little about towing characteristics as I regularly tow my 20 ft boat and occasionally a small camper. Looking at Cooper ST Maxx and KO2's. Any thoughts or experiences, I have ran the Cooper's on a 4runner and really liked those, just wondering about towing stability. Thanks

 

[TeCKis300]

The two main things to consider for towing:

1) Overall diameter. The taller the tire you go, the worse your gearing is. So unless you have regeared, I would stay with an overall diameter close to stock.

2) Tire load rating. I forget what the stock tire was rated at. Perhaps someone else can chime in. But make sure the tire you're considering has adequate load rating of at least the same if not more. Every size tire has a different load rating.

 

[TXLX100]

My opinion is, depends on what you are doing with the vehicle. If you are staying on road, normal boat ramps... any stock size, properly rated tire will work. If you want a bigger tire for offroad or looks, I think 285/75/16 is a great size and a lot come E rated which is plenty to handle towing a boat and rv. As mentioned, with a taller tire, gearing is a bit different. I only notice the difference when taking off from a dead stop and not running down the road at speed (except speedo is off).

 

[lead62]

I have the 285 coopers and they tow fine. A little on the noisy side but for an aggressive AT I love it. Just took them in to have them rotated and balanced. Only one of the four needed an additional .25 ounces after 6k plus miles.

 

[lead62]

The others did not require any balancing.

 

[ad27326]

I believe the 255's come E rated as well, I have 275's now and believe I would prefer the extra height over the width.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

275/70-18 Nittos TG heavy duty load range

▲▲not regularly towed▲▲ .................................. ▼▼regularly towed▼▼

 

[ad27326]

Thanks for the pics Phil, anyone running the Kuhmo AT51? 10 ply and some great reviews on tire buyer and discount tire.

 

[TXLX100]

If you taking votes for tires, can't go wrong with BFG KO. I have KO and Toyo at2, BFG is quieter and performs the same or better offroad.

 

[ChewBaca]

I have 275/70/18 Duratracs, I've had them for over a year and they work fine for me. I may go up to 285s as soon as these start to fade.