Okay, so after many sets of all terrains and many, many months of FAQ ,threads, and search (combined with local scouting) I decided to be a little different and purchased/mounted a full set of 5 new 255/85/16 BFG MT's.
Not too many of you run these tires and although I did find some real data, I found a lot more of "opinionated" views on a lot of other tires/attitudes. That aspect, because it was not data on this specific tire, actually helped in forming my own opinion. But I have to say, the most valuable info I gathered came from Expeditions West. Not only the hard data Scott reported from these tires and wear on his Tacoma, but from the detailed article, 'Tire Selection for Expedition Travel: The impact of tire width on traction'.
Let me say, that I do not propose that this is "the" superior tire or that this tire is "best" for all applications. I do believe that for my needs this is the "best" tire. I actually think it is a great choice for a lot of us.
Anyway, my first few observations:
1. The ride height has slightly increased. If you will notice, on a below linked picture, I documented the ride height increase. I marked the garage wall w/ a Sharpie at the top of the fairlead tab before the tire install, then after. There was an inch and change increase.
2. The 80 handles much better compared to the 285/75. It feels more nimble, not tippy and nausiating, but spry.
3. Combined with the handling is the ease of steering. There is less rubber to move on the ground, so the steering wheel is much lighter. A lot less effort to manuver in confined areas and on surface streets.
4. Being my first set of mud terrains, I expected a little road noise. Maybe it's because the interior of the 80 is so comfortable, but I do not notice a difference. There is no noticable road noise from the tires. I am very happy.
Just thought I'd share my opinions on what is somewhat of a unique size. But, they are BFG's, they are mud terrains, and they are 33"+!!
-jordan
http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/jordan9780/BFG 255 MT dec 06/
Not too many of you run these tires and although I did find some real data, I found a lot more of "opinionated" views on a lot of other tires/attitudes. That aspect, because it was not data on this specific tire, actually helped in forming my own opinion. But I have to say, the most valuable info I gathered came from Expeditions West. Not only the hard data Scott reported from these tires and wear on his Tacoma, but from the detailed article, 'Tire Selection for Expedition Travel: The impact of tire width on traction'.
Let me say, that I do not propose that this is "the" superior tire or that this tire is "best" for all applications. I do believe that for my needs this is the "best" tire. I actually think it is a great choice for a lot of us.
Anyway, my first few observations:
1. The ride height has slightly increased. If you will notice, on a below linked picture, I documented the ride height increase. I marked the garage wall w/ a Sharpie at the top of the fairlead tab before the tire install, then after. There was an inch and change increase.
2. The 80 handles much better compared to the 285/75. It feels more nimble, not tippy and nausiating, but spry.
3. Combined with the handling is the ease of steering. There is less rubber to move on the ground, so the steering wheel is much lighter. A lot less effort to manuver in confined areas and on surface streets.
4. Being my first set of mud terrains, I expected a little road noise. Maybe it's because the interior of the 80 is so comfortable, but I do not notice a difference. There is no noticable road noise from the tires. I am very happy.
Just thought I'd share my opinions on what is somewhat of a unique size. But, they are BFG's, they are mud terrains, and they are 33"+!!
-jordan
http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/jordan9780/BFG 255 MT dec 06/
