Tire Agony - sorry! (Yes, I have searched!)

[landylover21]

Hi guys, I want some insight from the rest of the group here.

My stock 98 100 Series is currently running Bridgestone Dueler Alenza Pluses (275-60-18) in the summer and Nokians Nordman 5 SUV (275-70-16) in the winter. Both are stock sizes for the Cruiser and rims given.

I'm thinking about upgrading to some all-terrains in the spring but am torn about brands, load ratings, etc.

The Bridgestones suck in my own opinion; they handle crappily, they're loud, and are horrible in the snow - almost as bad as the Cooper Discoverer H/T's I had on there years ago. The Nokians are the complete opposite, great handling, quiet (for a snow tire, and quieter than the Bridgestones), and kick ass in deep snow and ice.

Anyway, I've been looking at the Cooper AT3 and Falken ATW3 as they both seem like a good balance for what I need, but am conflicted as to my load range and brand. Yes, my truck spends 95% of the time on road but when I go off-road I want that extra feeling of security of a heavier duty tire that a LT tire with C or E rating would give me. Some people say they hardly notice a difference when riding E-rated tires on their trucks, others say they ride like dump trucks. Plus the extra weight and loss in gas mileage will be overkill for what I'll be using them for (though others say go all the way or go home). I'm trying to stay somewhat close to stock size (only going up to 275-65-18 from 275-60-18) so some of my choices are limited.

Again, I don't need a hardcore tire, just something that'll be a decent daily driver yet be able to handle moderate off-road trails without me fearing of any punctures when airing down, etc. Some brands don't even offer a P-rated tire in the size and model I'm looking for. I have a couple of months to look around but i just wanted to get other people's insight and hopefully find what would suit me best. Anyone riding e rated tires with a stock rig?

Thanks again.

Rich

 

[benjawi4]

I'll be interested to see what people say, as I'm in the same boat. I'm leaning towards the General Grabber AT2. It has the look I'm looking for and appears to be the best proverbial bang for your buck (set of 275/70/18s installed at Discount Tire is roughly $850, compared to the $1050 or so for the KO2s).

 

[landylover21]

@benjawi4, I've considered the Grabber At2's as well.

I've been going back an forth between different tires, load ratings, etc. I don't want a tire that will be overkill yet I do want one that will tackle the trails I run on without me fearing about the integrity of the tire. I wish the Falken AT3W's were available in a C-load rating, which would probably be a decent compromise between off and on road ability. They're a nice looking tire (unlike the Cooper AT3 which looks tame) but ultimately, the overall tire is the most important thing.

One of my friends who's also a mud member says his Cooper ST Maxx's (275-70-18 E-rated) on his stock 07 LX ride wonderfully at 45 psi; handling is crisp and bumps and noise aren't harsh; though that could be because of the ahc and additional damping, etc. I don't need anything extreme like the ST Maxx but at least it shows the ride quality isn't compromised with a larger E-rated tire with a stock rig.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[sfo1]

I am looking at these two tires also for my '08 in a p size 275/65/18. I don't off road, mostly city/HWY and snow in winter. Seems a wash on prce. Anyone have insight on better tire for comfort, quiet ride? Both look quite capable n snow.

Hi guys, I want some insight from the rest of the group here.

Anyway, I've been looking at the Cooper AT3 and Falken ATW3 as they both seem like a good balance for what I need

Rich