Please help me choose tires for new-to-me 2000 LX470

[beano53]

Hi -

Been reading this forum a lot since before I bought my new rig, seems like a lot of people here know a lot about them. I hope it's not too annoying to post a 'help me decide' thread first thing, but I need new tires soon and all the searching (trust me, I used the search first!) and research is just making me more and more confused. I was under there today, with my head smashed against a bald tire removing the running boards and decided I need to get the tire thing handled.

I will be driving this vehicle mostly on road (wet a lot of the time, it's Seattle and surrounding areas) but I do go camping and venture into the snow, gravel roads, dirt, the occasional mud, etc. I don't expect to try to crawl over giant rocks with it but I do need some off-road ability. I'm looking at property out in the sticks and I may need to use the vehicle for some muddier tasks in the future.

All that being said I think the most critical thing on the truck is that I don't sacrifice stopping distance, especially in wet conditions. I do want the tires to look a bit more badass (truck currently looks way too refined/pavement-bound for my taste), but I don't want to destroy the MPG (worse than it is) or make it really harsh to ride in, by getting something too heavy or aggressive.

I'm thinking I will switch to 265/75/16 because I kind of like the narrower tire look and they should be a little better on mileage, theoretically. Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I can tell a narrower tire usually gets better traction in the conditions I will use the truck in.

I'd prefer not to get the most expensive possible option, obviously.

Another thing that is confusing me is load ratings. A lot of these come only in heavy 10-ply versions and I don't think I need that stiff/ heavy duty of a tire, and I assume it will put a hurt on my MPG as well. I'm guessing a SL- or C-rated tire will be enough, but am I missing something?

TL;DR: which tire for slick streets and some lighter off road, a little snow, that will look cool, get decent gas mileage, and not break my spine or wallet?

Thanks!

 

[pwcummings]

There are a hundred threads going over all your questions regarding tires. Search for them and read them ;-/. In the end, go down to your tire shop and pick the ones that fit your budget and aesthetic needs. Don't overthink it bud.

 

[Keowee]

Prolly the only brand tire to help gas mileage that at the same meets your needs would be the michelin AT2.

Expensive but worth it over time. The best real gas mileage improvement will be your driving style.

 

[beano53]

Thanks.

I was looking at the michelin AT2, duratracs, ltx m/s2, and then just found the toyo open country at2, which is available in a p-metric type that's lighter and cheaper - is there any reason I shouldn't use these? http://www.treaddepot.com/tire/352290.html

People seem to like them, but I'm having a hard time finding any info on the wet weather driving/stopping performance on any of these. Are there significant differences between different them? Any tests I could look at?

 

[beano53]

Also was looking at the Cooper Discoverer ATP, any opinions on any of the above tires?

 

[krupnation]

Also look into Nitto Terra Grapplers and maybe even Firestone Destination A/T. Good tires, cheaper and not as aggressive as some of the other A/T tires. I just bought 285 BFG A/T's and love them. E rated makes the ride a little stiffer but nothing I would say that is harsh or jarring. They are awesome in the snow and wet roads (I'm also in Seattle area, Bellingham). Good luck on your shopping.

 

[ljkup]

I have really liked my BFG A/T in the 295/75 variety. Great in the snow, not too jarring on road, great looks!

 

[lhommec13]

I also have BFG A/T (in your desired 265/75/16) and absolutely love them. Great style, great in the snow, and just an overall solid tire. My fuel economy isn't great but it probably has more to do with my driving style than solely tires.

BFG A/T FTW!

 

[mtycruiser]

I have the Michelin M/S 2 (e-rated) and they are very good in both dry and wet pavement, no adverse effects on ride quality at all, they feel very smooth.
The e-rating will give you an edge over the P or C rated tires off road. I do not have any feedback as to how they would work on mud ( Ih8mud anyway!!!)

 

[beano53]

Thanks for all the input, I think I'm going to end up with the Toyos, got a great deal and the 4runner guys seem to love them.

 

[Musky]

I highly recommend the Yokohama Geolander ATS. It's been a great tire and they are relatively inexpensive as far as tires go.

I'd also check out the Nitto Terra Grappler. If money were no object I'd get the Michelins AT-2's.

 

[arbetrader]

Thanks for all the input, I think I'm going to end up with the Toyos, got a great deal and the 4runner guys seem to love them.

It's too bad they only make their tires in either "C" rated or "E" ratings. It would seem to me that a C rating on a 6000+lb rig (up to 8000lb loaded) is too light duty a tire. E ratings seem overkill for our rigs. D would be just perfect...