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

[bemmster]

I have 275/70/r18 Ko3's in E load on my TRD Off Road non hybrid. No power loss at all. Got the OTT tune and now it's way faster than it was stock. Ride is great. After a thousand miles or so I found that 35Psi was a bit stiff for me. The Ko3's temp will shoot up to 40 psi when driving on the highway so I dropped down to 32psi and they tend to not heat up as much now and tend to stay around 35psi. Ride feels great on and offroad. As quiet as the bfg trail terrains that came on my truck.

Did the OTT tune help with mileage at all? Very interested on your thoughts for that OTT tune, I'm really considering it. How much was it and did you take it to one of their "tuners" or did you do it yourself?

Sponsored

 

[JakeJoeBob]

Did the OTT tune help with mileage at all? Very interested on your thoughts for that OTT tune, I'm really considering it. How much was it and did you take it to one of their "tuners" or did you do it yourself?

I am a huge fan of the OTT tune. I paid 700 dollars to a local so cal tunner (tk 421 tunning). Took about 30 minutes. The truck is about the same mpg wise. However, the truck has so much more power and responsiveness that it's hard to hyper mile it. I will say the bigger tires did way more too negatively affect gas milage. The stage 1 OTT tune changes a lot about the truck from adding cooling to changing all of the drive modes for the better. With premium the truck makes about 308hp and 377lb-ft accroding to an OTT dyno pull chart. So in addition to the benefits of a more responsive throttle and a smarter transmission you gain a lot of tangible power. It makes the truck a lot of fun.

 

[bemmster]

I am a huge fan of the OTT tune. I paid 700 dollars to a local so cal tunner (tk 421 tunning). Took about 30 minutes. The truck is about the same mpg wise. However, the truck has so much more power and responsiveness that it's hard to hyper mile it. I will say the bigger tires did way more too negatively affect gas milage. The stage 1 OTT tune changes a lot about the truck from adding cooling to changing all of the drive modes for the better. With premium the truck makes about 308hp and 377lb-ft accroding to an OTT dyno pull chart. So in addition to the benefits of a more responsive throttle and a smarter transmission you gain a lot of tangible power. It makes the truck a lot of fun.

I know they have different options for the tunes, which one did you get? I think i remember reading there is a base and then an enhanced version or something.

 

[JakeJoeBob]

I know they have different options for the tunes, which one did you get? I think i remember reading there is a base and then an enhanced version or something.

Stage 1 which I believe is the enhanced version.

 

[Vidman]

So here is what I ended up going with:

Method 703 black 17" +35 offset
Toyo Open Country A/T III 35x12.5 C load ~35psi (still playing around with psi)
Dobinson 820 front springs
Dobinson 819 rear springs

Tire poke is the same as stock, come right to the edge of the TH fenders. Slight rake when there is no weight in the bed other than my Leitner rack and gear pods by design so there is no sag once I load it up. I might end up doing a 1" spacer up front If i find that it doesn't sag too much with what I take camping and fishing, still testing all that out and seeing what I end up loading up with. Did remove the crash bracket, pretty sure it would have rubbed with any flex. Other than that no trimming at all.

Rides amazing. Not too harsh, takes bumps well, takes smaller obstacles and ditches very well. Feels way more stable and planted on sharper turns. Went over several ~7" drops offs and everything felt great. I haven't had a chance to really put it all to the test yet, just went on the closest trail to me that was pretty easy as an initial test. Anything harder is like 3-4hrs away minimum and haven't had the chance yet.

Even at 60lbs per tire, I can notice a tiny bit of acceleration loss but it's nothing major at all. I was averaging 16.3mpg according to the truck (i'm not on the highway a lot) and after the wheels and tires I reset it. Now averaging 15.1 which I think is actually really good considering each wheel is 27lbs for a total wheel and tire weight of 87lbs.

Snapped some pics while unloading my fishing gear, that kayak only weighs about 50lbs (Hobie Lynx) and the rest of the bed is empty so that's not affecting the rear height at all in the pics.

What did the 820s give you for a lift up front from stock springs..great looking truck

 

[Briscoelab]

C load are definitely more appropriate for our trucks. If you're looking at KO3 they are equivalent in sidewall protection to the E rated KO3s. But in BFG tires, all of them are reasonable as far as ride quality is concerned. So if you want a 275/70r18 load E tire (what I'm running on my TH actually), then know it will be fine.

This is a main reason I did NOT go with a Falken AT4w. I wanted a 3 ply sidewall. The Falken load E in a 275/70r18 is only a 2 ply, despite being an E load tire. I'd have had to step up to the 285/70R18 for get the 3 ply Duraspec sidewall and it was a much heavier tire. So I went with the KO3.

Avoid the blind assumption an E load tire is more puncture resistant in the sidewall. The could be, depending on design priorities. But, more often than not... they are simply designed for increased load/payload needed for HD trucks in towing applications. That is based on carryover assumptions from when higher load rating tires were actually constructed with more physical plies. Now it's just tweaks in the layup, thread/belt spacing, etc that gives them more PSI capability, resulting in higher load ratings. If a MFG designs one to have a more puncture/abrasion resistant sidewall, you better believe they will be explicitly touting that as a selling point.

All that said, I've used some E load tires on lightweight trucks that definitely impacted ride quality. Mickey Thomson 255/85R17 E rated Baja Boss AT were AWESOME tires off-road and in the snow. Skinny 35" tires are amazing. But they felt like absolute dog$hit on the road. Comparatively, C rated Falked AT4w 35x11.5R17 C rated were great, despite being heavier and as such contributing more to unsprung weight. But in the BFG range, you should be good with either load rating choice. This applies to KO2, KO3 and the KM3. Yes, E will be stiffer and I'd choose a C if you can. But don't sweat it if the size you need/want can only come in an E.

 

[tacorancher]

C load are definitely more appropriate for our trucks. If you're looking at KO3 they are equivalent in sidewall protection to the E rated KO3s. But in BFG tires, all of them are reasonable as far as ride quality is concerned. So if you want a 275/70r18 load E tire (what I'm running on my TH actually), then know it will be fine.

This is a main reason I did NOT go with a Falken AT4w. I wanted a 3 ply sidewall. The Falken load E in a 275/70r18 is only a 2 ply, despite being an E load tire. I'd have had to step up to the 285/70R18 for get the 3 ply Duraspec sidewall and it was a much heavier tire. So I went with the KO3.

Avoid the blind assumption an E load tire is more puncture resistant in the sidewall. The could be, depending on design priorities. But, more often than not... they are simply designed for increased load/payload needed for HD trucks in towing applications. That is based on carryover assumptions from when higher load rating tires were actually constructed with more physical plies. Now it's just tweaks in the layup, thread/belt spacing, etc that gives them more PSI capability, resulting in higher load ratings. If a MFG designs one to have a more puncture/abrasion resistant sidewall, you better believe they will be explicitly touting that as a selling point.

All that said, I've used some E load tires on lightweight trucks that definitely impacted ride quality. Mickey Thomson 255/85R17 E rated Baja Boss AT were AWESOME tires off-road and in the snow. Skinny 35" tires are amazing. But they felt like absolute dog$hit on the road. Comparatively, C rated Falked AT4w 35x11.5R17 C rated were great, despite being heavier and as such contributing more to unsprung weight. But in the BFG range, you should be good with either load rating choice. This applies to KO2, KO3 and the KM3. Yes, E will be stiffer and I'd choose a C if you can. But don't sweat it if the size you need/want can only come in an E.

Good analysis. I agree.


I’m getting the 35” itch. My plan, at some point, is to revert to my OEM wheels and get 35x11.5 Falken AT4W C load, 2 ply, coming in at only 62 pounds. I’ve not seen anyone go this route but they look perfect and aren’t too heavy and not an E load.

 

[Briscoelab]

Good analysis. I agree.


I’m getting the 35” itch. My plan, at some point, is to revert to my OEM wheels and get 35x11.5 Falken AT4W C load, 2 ply, coming in at only 62 pounds. I’ve not seen anyone go this route but they look perfect and aren’t too heavy and not an E load.

I’m at a complete loss as to why Falken gave that tire a standard sidewall. The 17” version (what I have used) is a Duraspec sidewall. But if you don’t need the sidewall strength, then I think that would be a really good option for these trucks (18”) using the stock wheels and a load C. Then you can avoid the weight hit of the duraspec C rated 285/70/R18 (which would be nearly the same size as the 35x11.5 in the real world).

 

[tacorancher]

I’m at a complete loss as to why Falken gave that tire a standard sidewall. The 17” version (what I have used) is a Duraspec sidewall. But if you don’t need the sidewall strength, then I think that would be a really good option for these trucks (18”) using the stock wheels and a load C. Then you can avoid the weight hit of the duraspec C rated 285/70/R18 (which would be nearly the same size as the 35x11.5 in the real world).

I hate super heavy tires so I need to compromise somewhere - for me I am happy they gave a large tire a break from the super insanely heavy Duraspec. I’ve got a sidewall patcher and I’d trade the extra security for better road handling. I was specifically looking for a non duraspec and non E load.

 

[Briscoelab]

I hate super heavy tires so I need to compromise somewhere - for me I am happy they gave a large tire a break from the super insanely heavy Duraspec. I’ve got a sidewall patcher and I’d trade the extra security for better road handling. I was specifically looking for a non duraspec and non E load.

Yep. It's all about tradeoffs and your priorities and use case. I also am not a fan of heavy tires on these trucks, 4 runners, or LC250s. I previously had a diesel Jeep Gladiator and that thing could care less about how heavy of a tire you put on it, with regards to fuel mileage and power at least. 75mph on the highway... heavy 35" tires and it was still pulling low 20's all day long. But the heavy tires did make it handle worse and the excessive unsprung weight put more demands on the suspension.

 

[ramcoma]

So here is what I ended up going with:

Method 703 black 17" +35 offset
Toyo Open Country A/T III 35x12.5 C load ~35psi (still playing around with psi)
Dobinson 820 front springs
Dobinson 819 rear springs

Tire poke is the same as stock, come right to the edge of the TH fenders. Slight rake when there is no weight in the bed other than my Leitner rack and gear pods by design so there is no sag once I load it up. I might end up doing a 1" spacer up front If i find that it doesn't sag too much with what I take camping and fishing, still testing all that out and seeing what I end up loading up with. Did remove the crash bracket, pretty sure it would have rubbed with any flex. Other than that no trimming at all.

Rides amazing. Not too harsh, takes bumps well, takes smaller obstacles and ditches very well. Feels way more stable and planted on sharper turns. Went over several ~7" drops offs and everything felt great. I haven't had a chance to really put it all to the test yet, just went on the closest trail to me that was pretty easy as an initial test. Anything harder is like 3-4hrs away minimum and haven't had the chance yet.

Even at 60lbs per tire, I can notice a tiny bit of acceleration loss but it's nothing major at all. I was averaging 16.3mpg according to the truck (i'm not on the highway a lot) and after the wheels and tires I reset it. Now averaging 15.1 which I think is actually really good considering each wheel is 27lbs for a total wheel and tire weight of 87lbs.

Snapped some pics while unloading my fishing gear, that kayak only weighs about 50lbs (Hobie Lynx) and the rest of the bed is empty so that's not affecting the rear height at all in the pics.

Do you go off-roading?? I assume you do. So have you checked the clearance on your rear brake lines.. how are they holding up?

 

[UTAHTRLHNTR]

Brand new to the forum here. I'm a big fan of checking into what everybody envisions for their rig to give it that "personal" touch/look. Having said that, I cannot, for the life of me, understand why anybody would want to modify their trailhunter suspension (if they happen to have that particular model). In my opinion, the OME setup is hands down, the best OEM suspension that I have ever had on a truck. I understand wanting to go larger tire size whether it be solely for looks, or off-road prowess, or even to increase load rating for overlanding purposes. 99% of the time I throw on a larger tire size than OEM immediately after I buy a new truck. Most of the time, that means sacrificing ride quality because the larger tire is almost always a 10-ply, E-load rated with stiff as hell sidewalls. However, since the ride quality of the TH is so exquisite, I didn't want to do anything to detract from that (such as going with an E-Load rate tire).

The stock Wrangler Territory RTs just were not going to work for what I want/need to do with the truck. My compromise is I went with the Mickey Thomson Baja Boss ATs, sized 275/65R18, SL Rated. Yes, they are "smaller" than the stock RTs, but only by .2", which is hardly noticeable to the naked eye, plus they are a bit wider than the stock RTs. The Mickeys ride just as good as the RTs, if not better. At 46 pounds, they are only 6 pounds heavier than the RTs. AMAZINGLY, my truck feels faster upon acceleration and I GAINED 1 mpg with the Mickeys!! I honestly cannot explain that phenomenon other than perhaps there is less surface contact with the road due to the more aggressive tread. The absolute only negative is that they are a bit louder than the RTs. It is a tradeoff I'm willing to accept since the Mickeys are tremendously more aggressive and have the 3PMSF which is an absolute must have where I live.

Anyways, I am happy to be here and look forward to gleaning as much information as I can from all of you experts.

 

[tacorancher]

Brand new to the forum here. I'm a big fan of checking into what everybody envisions for their rig to give it that "personal" touch/look. Having said that, I cannot, for the life of me, understand why anybody would want to modify their trailhunter suspension (if they happen to have that particular model). In my opinion, the OME setup is hands down, the best OEM suspension that I have ever had on a truck. I understand wanting to go larger tire size whether it be solely for looks, or off-road prowess, or even to increase load rating for overlanding purposes. 99% of the time I throw on a larger tire size than OEM immediately after I buy a new truck. Most of the time, that means sacrificing ride quality because the larger tire is almost always a 10-ply, E-load rated with stiff as hell sidewalls. However, since the ride quality of the TH is so exquisite, I didn't want to do anything to detract from that (such as going with an E-Load rate tire).

The stock Wrangler Territory RTs just were not going to work for what I want/need to do with the truck. My compromise is I went with the Mickey Thomson Baja Boss ATs, sized 275/65R18, SL Rated. Yes, they are "smaller" than the stock RTs, but only by .2", which is hardly noticeable to the naked eye, plus they are a bit wider than the stock RTs. The Mickeys ride just as good as the RTs, if not better. At 46 pounds, they are only 6 pounds heavier than the RTs. AMAZINGLY, my truck feels faster upon acceleration and I GAINED 1 mpg with the Mickeys!! I honestly cannot explain that phenomenon other than perhaps there is less surface contact with the road due to the more aggressive tread. The absolute only negative is that they are a bit louder than the RTs. It is a tradeoff I'm willing to accept since the Mickeys are tremendously more aggressive and have the 3PMSF which is an absolute must have where I live.

Anyways, I am happy to be here and look forward to gleaning as much information as I can from all of you experts.

Agree on suspension. I’ll never change it. I wanted bigger/wider tires but the same overall weighf per wheel and tire package, so I had to buy some, new lighter wheels in 17” and paired them with 285/70/17 Falkens. Overall weight is the same and truck is super nimble. I will one day go back to the OEM wheels but have not sorted out which tires. But yes this truck has amazing suspension. I had to break in the tires a bit because for the first 500 miles or so they ran firm. Now they are lovely.

Sponsored