Tire recommendation (1 Viewer)

[Kansas Scott]

I am still learning about my 2015 LC and need a bit of guidance.

My 2015 LC is my daily driver. Last spring I took it to Slee's and got an ARB rear bumper, Frontrunner roof rack, and 2" lift (as well as an additional battery and electrical work to support my ham radio equipment).

During the summer, I use my LC to tow a travel trailer (21 ft long, weights ~4000lbs [2014 Coachmen Clipper 19BH)]). I have a brake controller installed and use a weight distribution hitch. The hitch weight is ~400lbs.

We travel to the national parks in the west. Many national parks have trails that are marked accessible only by 4x4 vehicles with the vehicle being operated by somebody who knows what they are doing. Having had no offroad experience, I have stayed away from these trails. In an effort to gain more experience, I attend a 4x4 Offroad 101 course given at the Kansas Rocks Recreational Park. I got an opportunity to take my LC out in 4L, use the MTS feature, and even used the Crawl feature. While much of the terrain I navigated in this park is much more demanding than what I would find on a national park trail, I develop a good sense of the capabilities of the LC (and my limitations as a driver).

All this being said, I just came to the realization that the stock tires that came on my LC are not all terrain tires. I never paid attention and assumed they would be. It was very obvious that the Bridgestone Dueller H/Ts that I had on my LC lacked what it takes to adequately deal with many offroad challenges.

Tomorrow I am dropping off my LC for its periodic service and had also intended on getting new tires (initially intending to get the same kind).

Do I want to stay with the Bridgestones H/Ts (Dueler H/T D684 II 285/60R18) to better support my towing and highway driving between Kansas and the western national parks? Or do I want to get an all terrain tire to give me more offroad capability for the national park 4x4 trails (and confidence as a driver to handle those trails)?

If I go with an all terrain tire, what kind should I get?

Bonus question: the edge of my rims got chewed up a bit was on the 4x4 course. On two of the rims there are areas on the outer edge (where tire meets rim) that are very rough. I am assuming they got banged up by some rocks. Do I need to get the rims replaced? Do these rough areas present a potential hazard to the tire?

Thank you,

Scott
Lansing, Kansas
2015 Land Cruiser

 

[NMC_EXP]

There may be better options but the BFG All Terrain T/A is hard to beat for a combination of highway manners and off road capability.

I've had three sets of the General Grabber AT-2 and been very pleased with them. Very similar to the BFG but lower cost.

You might want to stay with an A/T and avoid the Mud Terrain types. The M/Ts have the reputation of not doing well on wet and icy pavement and that is where we are 90% of the time.

Dings on the rim edge are not a problem. Most A/T tires have a raised flange where it meet the rim to protect the tire.

If you have not done so, poke around on Tire Rack. It has a good customer rating system. Do your own research. If you go to a tire dealer blind he will try to sell you what he has in stock, not what you need.

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

 

[TeCKis300]

With being armored and towing a travel trailer, you would benefit from a LT (light truck) tire rather than a P-metric (passenger) load rated tire to handle the added load with durability. Load range C to D would be ideal, but unfortunately, most everything you'll find in the aftermarket is load range E. This will give you more stability and puncture resistance. This doesn't directly answer your question as to what model tire. But most model tires come in P and load range E, I would recommend the latter spec for whatever tire you wind up with.

That said, other than a more capable A/T tire (which I do highly encourage over a highway tire), what priorities are important to you? Quietness? Snow rated (snowflake symbol)? Rain? Treadwear? Off-road ability?

 

[Romer]

I would go AT as it provides longevity, capability for offroad or highway with little noise and great snow performance

In all the cruisers and all the research I have done over the years, my two favorite ATs are Toyo ATIIs and BFG AT KO2's

 

[canyonrider]

FWIW, the BFG KO2s in the stock size are D-rated. I just bought a set after narrowing it down to those and the Cooper AT3. Very similar usage as you, often towing a travel trailer that is 3000 lbs dry but also wanting capability for moderate off-pavement routes without the trailer.

I also considered the Yokohama Geolandar G015, but the Coopers and BFGs seemed a little more stout with better reviews. Any of those would probably have been fine, though.

 

[auggafj80]

I'm about due for a new set. I've gotten about 85K out of Wrangler Duratrac's (275/70/18's) I'm impressed with them in everyway, except the road noise. I'm going to go with the BFG's (285/65/18). A little smaller height wise than the duratrac's but not much. From my research on this site BFG's are the way to go for most, and I've heard they are a little quieter.

 

[TeCKis300]

My vote is still for the Falken AT3Ws that I've recently installed. Great road manners for an aggressive A/T tire.

Here's a copy of info I've posted in another thread:

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Loving these tires so far. They are very quite, with just a background whoosh on highway speeds. Much like wind noise. An achievement given how deep the tread is (supposedly deepest in the class at 20/32). Rain performance (as we just had a big storm come through) is epic. I was pushing the limits of this over standing water, and not once did I feel these hydroplane or have to really push aside the water. Credit likely goes to the aggressive tread voids. Anecdotal comments say these are also great in snow and ice.
There were a few really standout comments by tire insiders on their vote of confidence for the Wildpeaks.

This post from an insider in another forum, in particular sealed the deal for me:

The AT3W was released on February 1st of this year [2016], however not all sizes have reached the US yet. The new tread design is one of the deepest tread depths on the market and the tires have a border line Mud tire look, while maintaining an excellent A/T on road feel and wear. Much of the technology in this tire is brand new and at the top of the industry, and data is showing that these tires are testing well above our competition, and even above the likes of the heralded KO2. All sizes carry a 55k mile tread warranty including the LT sizes, and all sizes carry the Severe Snow Rating.

Once you see these tires in person you will be impressed. I can go on, but I won't, because you already think I am biased. Just know that I have worked for other manufacturers, and right now, this is what I would put on my 4Runner regardless of my employer.

 

[houstonfj40]

if your lifted, the Michelin LTX A/T2 is a nice tire, strong sidewall, little heavy at 55 lbs I think