Hey CLCC folks,
I want to get your thoughts on three ways I could go changing my tire setup:
1) Simple: 1 set of all-terrains
2) Two sets: 1 set of all-season/road tires and 1 set of off-road tires, likely MT
3) Locker: stay with AT, but get a rear locker instead of more off-road capable MTs
I've been thinking about moving to 285/75R17 (33.8") -- according to the 200 forum, this may be the best compromise of size that reportedly won't rub, and there are road, AT, and MT options. Currently I run 295/70R17 (33.3" dia) Nitto Ridge Grapplers on TRD RWs, still rubs a bit on the KDSS/sway bar, plus just looks a little small vs. the 2.5-3" lift. I have another set of 4 RWs on the shelf, plus the PO's 4 BFG KO 315/70R17, ~34.4" (rubbed too much)).
Here is more info on the 3 options, and the pros and cons of each:
General thoughts/reactions/advice? Is a road tire really likely to bump mpgs up by 3-4? Is a MT noticeably better for our types of trails*? Is the locker idea just Gear Acquisition Syndrome/gear envy?
Thanks for any insight you can share!
Sean
* I only go off-road in our mid-Atlantic area (e.g., Rausch Creek/CMCC, CCLC Fall Crawl, maybe the Carolina Relic Run or GSMTR). So a couple of times per year, plus perhaps some occasional easier fire roads/trails like the one y'all did for the Valentine's run.
Edit for mobile: have sliders and skidplates
I want to get your thoughts on three ways I could go changing my tire setup:
1) Simple: 1 set of all-terrains
2) Two sets: 1 set of all-season/road tires and 1 set of off-road tires, likely MT
3) Locker: stay with AT, but get a rear locker instead of more off-road capable MTs
I've been thinking about moving to 285/75R17 (33.8") -- according to the 200 forum, this may be the best compromise of size that reportedly won't rub, and there are road, AT, and MT options. Currently I run 295/70R17 (33.3" dia) Nitto Ridge Grapplers on TRD RWs, still rubs a bit on the KDSS/sway bar, plus just looks a little small vs. the 2.5-3" lift. I have another set of 4 RWs on the shelf, plus the PO's 4 BFG KO 315/70R17, ~34.4" (rubbed too much)).
Here is more info on the 3 options, and the pros and cons of each:
- Simple option: get AT tires. Maybe use a RW rim for a full-size spare (if it fits below).
- Pros: simplest - set it and forget it.
- Cons: same poor mileage on my daily driver; compromise between road and dirt capability
- Two sets option (thx @afgman):
- Pros: road tires = supposedly better mileage, braking, cornering, comfort on-road. 3-4mpg better means breakeven at 2-2.5 years. Better off-road performance from MTs?
- Cons: having to jack up the truck, swap them out, etc. whenever I want to go off-road and back (admittedly likely only a handful of times per year)
- Locker Option: Compared to ~$1k for a 2nd set of tires, a rear locker isn't much more (~$1200-$1300 plus install). Would this be "as good" off-road as unlocked MTs?
- Pros: no hassle switching tires; locker should last multiple sets of tires. Better off-road than "Simple" option.
- Cons: added cost vs. "Simple" option. No on-road performance or mileage benefit vs. "Two Sets". So really it isn't "paying for itself" like a set of road tires would.
- Most say the 200's ATRAC works well and lockers aren't a "must have". It has kicked in several times so far. But seeing demos on YT, lockers seem to eliminate a lot of the drama.
General thoughts/reactions/advice? Is a road tire really likely to bump mpgs up by 3-4? Is a MT noticeably better for our types of trails*? Is the locker idea just Gear Acquisition Syndrome/gear envy?
Thanks for any insight you can share!
Sean
* I only go off-road in our mid-Atlantic area (e.g., Rausch Creek/CMCC, CCLC Fall Crawl, maybe the Carolina Relic Run or GSMTR). So a couple of times per year, plus perhaps some occasional easier fire roads/trails like the one y'all did for the Valentine's run.
Edit for mobile: have sliders and skidplates
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