What to expect in terms of ride quality (Going from 18's with Michelins to 16's with AT)

[Kabanstva]

Hello,

I am about to purchase some new tires for my 07 LX.

Currently it's completely stock, on the factory 18" wheels with the OEM size Michelin all-season tires 275/60/18

I have a spare set of 16" wheels off a 98-00 LX that I am planning on putting the BFG AT KO2s on 285/75/16

Curious what to expect in terms of on-road performance, ride comfort, noise level, etc.

Will it be a harsher or softer ride going over bumps etc.?

 

[Sandroad]

There are lots of tire discussions, including an entire sub -forum on that topic.

Tire and Wheel Tech

Here are a few data points. It looks like the new tires will be 1.8" larger in diameter and weigh about 22 lbs more each (37 vs 50). (Assuming you have the SL rated and not the E rated Michelins now.) The KO2 tires come only in E rated, so they will be heavier all around. Ride will depend at least somewhat on what pressure you run. The Michelins are rated to 44 psi and the KO2 are rated to 80 psi. Not that you would ever run either at their max, but pressure sure affects ride. Your speedo will be off about 4 mph low with the new tires.

 

[OG 91 LC]

Expect all around awesomeness!

 

[CruiseLanderAZ]

Did similar switch a few months ago. You'll like it.

 

[Lotarp100]

I'm running this combo and have to say, it's almost as if it were made for it.
Unless you're windows down in town, you won't even hear them. Ride quality improved from the Michelin's they replaced. I can't get them NOT grip anything. Just did a week in 6" snow in Michigan, i'd recommend these to anyone for winter driving too.

 

[Kabanstva]

Thank you for the feedback. I am actually thinking of going 265/75/16 now. Are there other members running this size?

I am not sure I need a really wide tire for what I am going to do (mainly road driving and some light trails possibly).

 

[Emcd]

I run that size in the Bridgestone Revo 2 AT. Plenty of tire, good road manners and low noise. It's not as beefy looking as the KO2s, but is a good compromise

 

[Kabanstva]

I noticed the KO2s in the size I am interested in only come in an E rating. From everything I am reading that kind of tire is going to be stifer with poor ride quality. How true is this, now it's making me wonder if this is the right tire for me? I don't do any kind of towing and most of the time it's going to be unloaded.

 

[DuckLN]

Fuel mileage is gonna reflect additional mass from those grippers

 

[Kabanstva]

Fuel mileage is gonna reflect additional mass from those grippers

I don't really care about the MPGs. I just don't want the vehicle to ride like crap.

 

[cmck]

I don't know, but I know this kind of thing seems to happen more.

 

[cmck]

Seriously and oddly, I have just put a set of used Mich's on my extra 18's, but have not run them yet since it's like still winter up here.

 

[Kabanstva]

What is the recommended tire pressure on a set of 265/75/16 for city and highway driving if vehicle is only loaded with a few passenger and some gear in the trunk, a mountain bike rack on the hitch 3-4 bikes, nothing too crazy?

 

[bctlex]

Thank you for the feedback. I am actually thinking of going 265/75/16 now. Are there other members running this size?

I am not sure I need a really wide tire for what I am going to do (mainly road driving and some light trails possibly).

I do have KO2 in 265 75 16. Installed about 1 year ~10K miles ago. No complain so far. The LC is my wife dd, and she has not complain for the quality of the ride. We have taken the LC for long trips, and it rides fine. It is mostly driven on pavement. Pretty quiet for an aggressive tire. It is heavier, and not as quiet and smooth than the Michelin street tire, but it make the LC looks much better. The LC is stock, with pretty new OEM shocks. I do sometime regret not buying the larger 285 75 16, but tbh that would be overkill for our purpose.