What stock size tires would you buy.

[hkeller]

Back to SWUtah's originial question. What do you all think about the Michelin LTX A/T? How does it compare to the M/S? It is obviously not an agressive off road tire, but it is a Micheline, which means quality, in spite of its French origini, which I hate. It is in the LTX line, which I assume means something. How does it compare millage wise, noise, snow, mud, ice, etc? Thanks!

 

[hoser]

Looks like they like the tires to be 31" or less over in OZ. Why do you think you guys use smaller tires?

I thought it was more of a regulation than a preference.

 

[rzpapp]

On the LTX M/S vs A/T... I would recommentd the Pilot LTX vs the M/S, I hat the Pilot LTX on a ML320 and they preform very well on the highway and snow. Go with the A/T if you use the vehicle for off-road as well... but don't expect the handling on dry roads to be near as good as the Pilot.

 

[Tonym]

Looks like they like the tires to be 31" or less over in OZ. Why do you think you guys use smaller tires? I know that in OZ you guys do more to use the potential of the LC off road then anywhere else in the world. Do you find that the LC performs better off road with smaller tires? Just wondering since there seems to be a different approach to the same desired result??

No, most people that use their vehicle for offroad work put an AT or MT on just the same as most other places. In remote outback areas though if you destroy a BFG MT or a tyre of that kind and size (33" or bigger) the chances that you will be able to replace it at the next roadhouse or garage is nearly nill as they dont keep these in stock. They do tend to keep the STOCK sizes though such as 205/16s and 275/70 16s. There does not seem to be the same trend to go to 18" wheels and bigger here other than on the latest up market types such as LR3 and BMW X5 and VW Toureg. In areas of hard tracks with high vehicle use the larger tyres are generaly the best option. These areas are more often used on day or weekend trips. As I said before I think the original post as to "stock tyres" was misunderstood. Stock to me implies "as from the factory"
Regards
tonym

 

[hoser]

Yeah I saw the thread with your 35-inchers, I'm waiting for the pictures of the front whne you get the spacers.... which leads me to question. Will I need the spacers with the 33"... ?

There's a good chance you will need spacers but its always good to increase the track width when you raise the center of gravity anyway. Take a look now and you probably see about a finger of clearance between the tire and ball joint.

Others are using 35's in the same width w/o a spacer but the Toyo MT has quite a bit of "sidewall tread." Only a trial fit will know for sure.

 

[rzpapp]

FYI to all: Toyo Open Country M/T 33x12.50R18 are on 60 day back order at cost $366 each

 

[hoser]

The Toyo A/T and Nitto Terra Grapler both come in 33" tires for 18's. The only problem is that they measure 13" wide. Probably a bit too wide for an 8" wheel.

 

[tabraha]

Yup, folks been waiting to get those Toyo's a while now. Hoser's pics look like they are worth the wait though.

TonyM: I understand your point but I didn't want SWutah to go shopping with blinders on for factory spec tires. Yes I know about the door stickers on every vehicle sold in the world. It's also incorrect many times here in the states. Stateside dealers change rim/tire packages all the time regardless of the door sticker without any adjustments to the vehicle including ignoring speedo recalibration. Also included on those oh so important door stickers is a psi which also can change as soon as you change brands of tires, even if you stick with the same size. Again, dealers make no changes. The ports of entry for the US also make many of these changes so they can pass along upcharges as well, of course they make no changes to speedo's or anything else. My main point is don't blindly believe everything you see in the manual or in your door jamb. Verify everything.

 

[SWUtah]

FYI to all: Toyo Open Country M/T 33x12.50R18 are on 60 day back order at cost $366 each

Your kidding with that $366 each right???

 

[rzpapp]

I wish I was... my thoughts are drifting back to the BFG AT 285/65R18, Costco $152 each and includes mounting/balancing.... only a weeks worth of wait for those.

 

[macneill]

Wow, that's a lot. I just put BFG ATRs 33x10.50R16s on the 60 and it was a bit over $600 total.

FYI to all: Toyo Open Country M/T 33x12.50R18 are on 60 day back order at cost $366 each