OME on the way - Now, which tires?

[StressPuppy]

Ok, I have ordered the 851/860 kit from Slee and it should be here Tuesday. Now, I have to figure out which tires.

I have been reading so much on this site that my wife is starting to feel abandoned. :whoops:

I know I want either 285/75-16 or 305/70-16. Both have their merits. But all tires aren't available in both sizes.

First, let me say that these will be put on my 97 LC that is my DD and will be a couple times a month weekend warrior. Taking the family or just the kids camping and exploring, with some off roading in there for fun and adventure. No major wheeling, no crawling (can you even use a 5000# LC for crawlin???).

I started looking at the Bridgestone Dueler Revos in 285. They seem to have great reviews here. But they don't come in 305s. So I decided I'll just be fine with the 285s. Then I read a thread about the Nitto Terra Grappers in 305. Now I am not so sure. And of course there is the BFG AT that everyone talks about.

First thing I guess I have to decide is 285 vs 305. Can someone help me here? What is the disadvantage of 305s on a mostly DD? Gas mileage? Anything?

Sounds like either tire is a good choice, just need to figure out WHICH!!!

 

[cruiserdan]

I vote for 305/70/16 Goodyear MTR (Like my vote matters )

 

[cruiserdan]

Kidding aside, I prefer the way a 305 fills out the wheel opening as opposed to a 285.

 

[sleeoffroad]

I am pretty impressed with the Nitto's on the LX470. Quiet on the road, did wel in snow, mud, rain and dirt. No test on the rocks yet. No idea on mileage. They are heavy (at least the 325/65/18's).

 

[StressPuppy]

c-dan,

You are held in high regards, so you vote does matter. And if you want to contribute to the cause, it matters even more!!!! (Just like you are looking for donations to help purchase Mickey's!!)

I am thinking that because I am going to be 80%+ on road, that MTs of any sort is probably overkill. I do like the way they look, but don't know if that is practical. So that leaves me with ATs. And the only ones I know of in that size are the Nitto and the BFG. There might be more, but those are the ones discussed here in some detail.

Dang this is never easy. Maybe I need SEVERAL rigs and set them all up differently.

Yeah, like that would go over with the wife.

 

[Tooth Fairy]

285/75's are a mistake IMO. I wish I would've gotten 305/70's.


I love my BFG's and always will for an A/T. They are grrreat on road and especially in snowy/icey conditions, however, I don't trust the sidewalls. The 80 is so heavy I question them even more. I have no experience with either of the other's you've mentioned

 

[Doc]

I have Firestone Destination M/T's and love them to death. I have nothing bad to say about them.

 

[landtoy80]

MULLET tire it

 

[cruiserdan]

Goodyear also has a Wrangler ATS in 305/70 IIRC they also make a 315/70 in the ATS.
I do not have any opinion re the ATS, I only mention it because of the size.

 

[NorCalDoug]

The difference between 285s and 305s is 20mm (a little less than an inch) width per tire. There is no gain on height by running 305s as opposed to 285s. For the wheeling I've done, I really don't think the 4/5th of an inch would make much of a difference. If the price of the tires (285 vs 305) were the same or very close, I'd go for the 305s (I would agree that wider is better), but in researching prices, the difference between 285s and 305s is around $15 to $20/tire -- for a set of 5, the difference adds up pretty fast (today's prices on America's/Discount Tires site: MTRs (in the Sacramento, CA area) - 285 - $202; 305 - $216; 315 - $220).

If you're not planning on wheeling hard, I think you'll be more than satisfied with the 285s -- in whatever flavor (Bridgestone, Firestone, BFG, GY, etc.) suits your tastes and needs.

FWIW, I like my siped MTRs (285/75 R16), but it's time for me to upsize to 315 MTRs. I want that "extra inch"

 

[landtoy80]

<I want that "extra inch">

Is the tire 1" taller? Then you gain 1/2".
Or is the tire 2" taller, then you gain 1"???


My wife would like another..... oopppss, wrong board

 

[NorCalDoug]

Bearing in mind that the measurements are aproximations...difference - 285 = 33"; 315 = 35".
2" difference total, so, about 1" additional height.



<My wife would like another..... oopppss, wrong board >
LOL!!!

 

[MoJ]

305/70 BFG A/T KO
Do It.
Do It.

 

[hoser]

I have the BFG AT/KO's and I think the ride is a little bit harsh for your DD.

I vote Nitto Terra Grappler in a 295/75-16 simply because not many of us have them. Tell us how they are. Btw, they are 33.27"

The Nitto 305/70-16 actually measure 32.68"

 

[G-Cat]

I am running 285 BFG TAs and wish I'd have gone 305s. Why? 'Cause the 305s are a bit wider and look better, that's why.

I LOVE the BFGs...ride, handling...but they are the least attractive of your listed options.

YES, you can crawl in an 80.

My OME was ordered today, as well. Pics later.

 

[sleeoffroad]

THe Nitto tires have a couple of nice features. The sides are more agressive than the BFG and it has a thick lip that protects the wheel edge.

 

[MoJ]

BFG A/T KO has the lip as well. Never seen the Nitto so I don't know if it is as thick.

 

[hoser]

I am running 285 BFG TAs and wish I'd have gone 305s.

BFG TA's? Damn, them some ol' school tires

 

[acf]

Good luck. I too am looking at 285's. I found these at a good price but who knows. Any opinions on these tires? Is there no choice but to mount with lettering out like it seems?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...rue&partnum=875R6GEOATOWLPL2&fromCompare1=yes

edit: see the blackwall option now... :whoops:

 

[StressPuppy]

Ok ok. I think I get the message. Bigger is better. Uh, that could be on a different forum too!!

But now hoser throws a big old monkey wrench in the deal. 295/75s or 305s??

Cristo-- Since you have been so kind as to chime in here, do you have any opinion on this? (and BTW - Thanks for all the help and info on the phone the other day!!!)

Just when I think I have it figured out, you guys go and mess with my head.