Lightweight vs Bigger tires

Posted this in the Wheel and Tire forum but still undecided.

Picking my truck up in a few days and have been going back and forth on tire choice for months now.

Here is the TLDR:

2022 TRDOR 6MT

Going to run Enkei RPT1 16x8 ET0, no suspension mods besides SuperSpringsbumpstops.

I am deciding on 265/75/16 or 286/75/16.

My two options I am choosing between mainly comes down to weight and looks.

Would you rather lose 20lbs of unsprung weight, but run the smaller 265/75/16 tires? Or run the larger 285/75/16 tires and gain 36lbs of unsprung weight?

My main worry is choosing the lighter setup and wishing I went bigger. But also I don’t want to choose the heavier/bigger setup and the truck feel sluggish and ride rough. This is will be my first truck, mainly planning on exploring some national forest in the area and ultimately be my DD.


Data for nerds:

WheelWeight (LBS)

Enkei RPT1 16x8 ET0 18lbs

Stock TRDOR Wheel 25lbs

Tires

Cooper Adventurer XLT 285/75r16 54lbs

GY WrangerUltraTerrain 265/75r16 40lbs

GY Stock Tire 265/70r16 38lbs

Stock:

GY Stock Tire 265/70r16 38lbs

Stock TRDOR Wheel 25lbs


Edit: I’ll update the math when I get home.

 

for your purpose, Daily Driver, and national forest roads, 265/75/16 will work very well.

 

I'll summarize the thread before it starts;
Its a truck, who cares about mpg, get a prius, blah blah.

That being said, looks like you've done some research on the matter and trying to make an educated decision, but conflicted with wants vs needs. At the end of the day, just join the crowd and go big and be happy. MPG sucks no matter what you do to the truck, and drivability decreases with each and every mod, so might as well just build it as much as your heart wants. Congrats on the new truck!

FWIW, my personal opinion is the truck will do what you want it do and more on the stock tires. But our hearts want an aggressive tread pattern and lift, so we go big, and pay the price.

 

I remember your posting(s).

As others said: Keep it simple. Don't overthink it. You should avoid the 285's unless you want to deal with rubbing - because stock height you will rub even during DD.

Don't lose sleep over it. Get the tires and rims you like. 265's won't make that much of a difference in weight. If you have to keep posting over and over, you are over thinking it.

 

Lighter for sure. Less stress on the suspension, better handling, better acceleration, better mileage.

 

I would go bigger if you are planning on venturing off pavement. I can't imagine that you will notice a difference in steering geometry and performance if you are not messing with your suspension.

 

You realize that you're going to have a ton of rubbing issues with 285's on stock suspension right?

 

Its all in what looks best to your eyes. I like the looks of the 285/70/17s but I run a 265/70/17 toyo at2s. I prefer to not cut,trim,loose power, loss of gas mileage, added weight and more wear and calibration issues. I know these can all be overcomed but knowing a 265 will do me just fine as it looks good on a 2/1 lift like I run. I may do 285s but its a long shot.

 

Not exactly, 16x8 ET0 plus the smaller 285 that the AT3 XLT is I should only have to do some slight massaging with a heat gun if anything.

 

If you're not messing with lift or upgrading UCA's to get alignment to push the wheel forward, you may be in for a surprise; especially if you plan to flex any.

 

edit: my bad didnt read enough to see r16

 

You theoretically could go with a 255/85R16 as well. Makes them taller and a little skinnier with no trimming/rubbing based on OEM rims. Would unfortunately be heavier due to needing E rated at that size (not sure if it applies to every single tire manufacturer).

 

I went with 265/70/17s. My wife actually has been encouraging me to move up to 285 because they look better. My wife's boyfriend thinks I should stick with the smaller tires... Just no winning.

You're just stuck. If you get the bigger tires you'll fixate on your gas milage and troubleshoot that rub in reverse while turning. If you get the smaller tires you will look at other trucks and wish you were a little bit taller. Or maybe you are a half-full kind of guy. Then you will be happy every time you fill up your truck because your gas milage would have been worse on bigger tires or smile every time you walk out to your slightly cooler looking truck. For your happiness and sanity I hope you are a glass-half-full kind of guy.

 

Falken Rubitrek looks like it may be a decent light weight option. Due to me starting to travel for work and high fuel prices I am pulling off my 285s and going to a 245. Plus, I can save my new tires and some cash for my Colorado trip in the spring.

 

No man, you are going to rub the cab mount.

 

Look at Firestone Destination X/T. They are E-rated but light.

 

Yes!

10ply E rated LT tires are stiffer, heavier, and will negatively change the acceleration, braking, and suspension characteristics

 

If it's about the width...
In 265s, there are a some tires that run 1/2" wider(8.5")in tread width when compared to like size(8"). BFG KO2s and Falken AT3W come to mind...
Most 285s run 9" in tread width, regardless.

 

A skinnier 33” tire would help with weight. I have 16” SCS SR8s and 255/85/16 ST Maxx for a per corner weight increase of 15lbs over the stock wheel/tire combo.