Tire Size and Load Rating - Best Match for Trailhunter on 17" and 18"

[bemmster]

Looking for input - I can't make up my mind.

I want to do some Dobinsons springs on my Trailhunter. That will get me another 1-2" of lift depending on which spring I get and the load.

That being said, I'm looking at different tires and I have no idea which way to go. I def want to go with Method bead grip wheels. Either the 703s or the 705s (the 705s actually come in an 18" +18mm version which could be cool). I'm leaning towards the 705s in either 17" or 18" since they are lighter.

What I can't decide on is the tire size for either the 18" or 17". I don't want a rough ride when on road since this is the daily, but I would like to do trails now and again and some camping weekends. Should I stick with C load or would an E load KO3 or AT4 be ok? I know @tacorancher posted previously he thought the E load AT4s were pretty rough. Anyone got experience on the KO3? Has anyone else compared a C to E load and what are your thoughts?

I'm open to taking the crash/safety brackets out to make room, so I'm thinking with swapping the springs a 285/75/17 or a 35x12.5 would probably be fine. I would like to go slightly bigger over stock.

Would genuinely like to hear others opinions on what they have experience with and how they like it. Thanks!!

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[Sagebrush]

Should I stick with C load or would an E load

I'm off the beaten path enough that I'm a big believer in 10-ply E-loads. My doughnut tire will probably never see the light of day.

 

[nato0825]

Looking for input - I can't make up my mind.

I want to do some Dobinsons springs on my Trailhunter. That will get me another 1-2" of lift depending on which spring I get and the load.

That being said, I'm looking at different tires and I have no idea which way to go. I def want to go with Method bead grip wheels. Either the 703s or the 705s (the 705s actually come in an 18" +18mm version which could be cool). I'm leaning towards the 705s in either 17" or 18" since they are lighter.

What I can't decide on is the tire size for either the 18" or 17". I don't want a rough ride when on road since this is the daily, but I would like to do trails now and again and some camping weekends. Should I stick with C load or would an E load KO3 or AT4 be ok? I know @tacorancher posted previously he thought the E load AT4s were pretty rough. Anyone got experience on the KO3? Has anyone else compared a C to E load and what are your thoughts?

I'm open to taking the crash/safety brackets out to make room, so I'm thinking with swapping the springs a 285/75/17 or a 35x12.5 would probably be fine. I would like to go slightly bigger over stock.

Would genuinely like to hear others opinions on what they have experience with and how they like it. Thanks!!

I put KO3s on my Sport a couple thousand miles ago. Honestly, no noticeable difference in ride quality, at least in my experience. No harm in going up to a load E in my opinion.

 

[Rsuperman]

I put KO3s on my Sport a couple thousand miles ago. Honestly, no noticeable difference in ride quality, at least in my experience. No harm in going up to a load E in my opinion.

What psi are you running in ko3's, any mpg/acceleration loss?

 

[bemmster]

I put KO3s on my Sport a couple thousand miles ago. Honestly, no noticeable difference in ride quality, at least in my experience. No harm in going up to a load E in my opinion.

What PSI?

 

[nato0825]

What psi are you running in ko3's, any mpg/acceleration loss?

What PSI?

~35 psi right now. As for mpg/acc loss, that is noticeable, but expected with heavier tires. Definitely expect 2-3mpg loss.

 

[GDobbins]

Here are 703s on a Falken WP 285/75/17 and 0mm offset. I am thinking about doing these springs too, especially after the smart cap, and loads that I have in the rear.

e

 

[Rsuperman]

Here are 703s on a Falken WP 285/75/17 and 0mm offset. I am thinking about doing these springs too, especially after the smart cap, and loads that I have in the rear.

e

Beautiful.

 

[cswitz]

I have an OR Hybrid and just put ko3’s on stock size last weekend. I was pretty concerned about ride quality with E load tires but I’ve been surprised how minimal the difference is. I stuck with stock size (265/70/18) to minimize the added weight. It’s only been a few days, but peace of mind has been worth it on remote forest roads and some upper end green trails in OnX app. I think MPG probably dropped about 2-3. Acceleration is maybe a little slower but not too bad. I only have about 150 miles on them so far so things may change, but for now I’m thrilled.

This photo is right after those trails last weekend.

 

[bemmster]

Here are 703s on a Falken WP 285/75/17 and 0mm offset. I am thinking about doing these springs too, especially after the smart cap, and loads that I have in the rear.

e

Looks great! That size is a C Load I think in those? How is the ride? I know those tires are heavy in that size, what have you noticed in MPG loss?

 

[GDobbins]

Looks great! That size is a C Load I think in those? How is the ride? I know those tires are heavy in that size, what have you noticed in MPG loss?

Yeah, but with the area I live in and the off roading I do, anything less than 10 ply is not an option. I did get a 2-3MPG loss. Ride is still great.

 

[ArnoldN.]

I don't have a trailhunter got an OR but I did switch out UCA and did King 2.5s all around with the icon rear spring. I'm sitting about an inch higher from center hub to fender from what a trailhunter sits. I put 285/75/17 Ridgegrapplers in an E1 rating on a wheel that is 17" with a +25 offset and can attest to not having to remove crash plate or do any cutting. I don't rub at all and have taken it on a moderate trail with no rubbing.

 

[TH_Don]

Had “E” Goodyear wrangler Duratrac RT in stock size and at 35 psig (supposed minimum recommended pressure for LTs) ride was miserably stiff and unliveable in my opinion. Swapped to same size in SL load rating and enjoying the truck now as it’s still stiffer than stock but an acceptable ride now.

 

[ArnoldN.]

I'm set to 35psi and the ride is fine. I will say the stock tires on the OR did feel better but the ride quality is marginally different for me. I'm not sure how it would feel on K03s.

 

[bemmster]

Lots of good info, keep it coming

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