Opinions on tires 235/65/16 or 4Runner takeoffs on 1st Gen Tundra?

Thoughts on my dilemma? Sometimes talking thru this with other folks is helpful, if nothing more than opinions...

Time to get some new summer tires and remove the winter ones (245/75/16 Firestone Winterforce). I have a gorgeous new old stock set of 7x16 Tundra rims I intend on ideally using.

Going the used route, since retail is gouging. One can typically find a essentially new set for 1/2 of retail.

Option 1, wait for the right size tire to surface, something in the factory 245/70/16 range.

Option 2, I can get a set of 4Runner takeoffs usually in excellent condition with rims for around $500, generally about 265/70/17 or thereabouts. Dunlops or Bridgestone Duellers, both of which have mediocre reputations. These are Passenger rated tires, typically.

Option 3: I have a 4Runner and 2 sets of tires on the nice new rims. The 4Runner wears a set of near new Toyo open country 265/70/17 in the winter months, and Dunlop 265/70/17 A/S in the summer. I could just keep the Toyos on the 4Runner and move the Dunlops to the Tundra... I don't know if this saves any money or not, as it will just wear out my better Toyos faster on the 4Runner (UV, driving).

Option 4: I have a line on 6 new takeoff Continental VanTrac LT235/65/16 inch tires. These would fit on my 7x16 rims I'd like to use. I know these are a bit smaller than factory, about 5% off on speedometer, and I cannot find any reviews. But I bet I can get all 6 for $200, and my tire guy will install for ~$15 per tire. So the price is right for 6 tires... I like these since they are rated light truck, not passenger. Is this size going to be too small or narrow? I have some steel rims to mount the other 2 on, giving me 2 spares which I like to have.

 

Pretty small. 10% smaller than the 265/70/16 that came factory on the 4wd models. It's likely plenty of tire for daily duties. I like more width on a vehicle this heavy. I like more sidewall on mine cause it's 4wd and I like to be able to ignore common vehicular obstacles like curbs and holes and ruts and what not. I've never bought a vehicle and wished I could put smaller tires on it. If your use is pretty normal on road stuff, they will work. I wouldn't like them that small on my truck though.

 

Yeah, that's sorta what I am thinking too... Also, on two major websites these Continentals get terrible reviews. Odd, as the company is good and the design looks good. I don't but a lot of stock in such things but it's a data point.

I think I'll hold out for a good set of factory sized or slightly larger 16s. Thanks!

 

I've had a bad experience with some Conti's in the past, different line of tires than those. Sidewalls all started cracking open after 20k miles, was told it was fine and kick rocks.

 

If you are a Costco member I think they still have $150 off a set of Bridgestones. I got a set of Dueler Revos in LT245x75x17.

 

The 4runner and Tacoma take off rims and tires have been good for me in the past. Decent all around tire and as you said you can get a full set for $500, wear out the tires and then sell the rims for $300.

Also you mentioned truck tires, if that means a load rating of D or E, I hated how they rode on my truck. If you tow a lot the heavier tires are probably better, but for daily driving I found them rough.

 

The are slightly stiffer but in my case it didn't seem that bad perhaps because I chose a narrow size. In any event, the Bridgestones come in both LT and P metric sizes so there's a choice.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. I scored a fantastic nearly new set of Jeep takeoff 245/75/17 Bridgestone Dueler tires and rims for only $200. They were marked midyear 2020 so only a year old, and looked nearly new rims and tires. I traded my tire guy the set of rims for the entire installation job (dismount, remount, balance, put on vehicle, and new lug nuts x24), so in the end it was a fantastic deal, only about $25 per tire, mounted, balanced and installed on a different set of 4Runner classic 6 spoke 17" rims I acquired separately for practically nothing. The tires are 5% taller. The truck looks great and drives fantastic!

My tire guy is awesome and he was happy to get the rims for his GF who has a Jeep.

 

Pics or it didn't happen...

 

win win