Case for staying stock size AT?

Are there any performance advantages to running a larger than stock tire on an all-around use truck? I agree they look great, but my pragmatic self is begging the question.

I thought I would run my stock 275/65/18 Michelins until they wore out, then ask these questions but at 1500 miles I just poked an unfixable hole through one and I am taking this as a sign of more flats to come.

I use the truck on pavement, junky gravel roads, moderate 4x4 trails, and snow here in New Hampshire. I am interested in staying as nimble and lean as possible for on road, but would like more confidence in tire durablility off road.

I am finding a lot of good info here. Just curious if anyone wants to pass on some wisdom/experience. Is there a stock size 10ply or E-rated that anyone likes? Is it a purely aesthetic gain to bump up to 275/70r18...I agree they look better and add a pinch of height but I am picky about adding weight....

 

I run 275/70-18 E load. Running the E load because that is what you get when installing larger 18 inch tires on a Tundra. They ride harder, even when playing close attention to air pressure. E load is considerable heavier so impact acceleration some, MPG too. I wanted larger tires, so knew the tradeoffs.

If you don't need larger tires for ground clearance, looks or other reasons, you may be happier with stockish size standard load tires. They will be smoother driving, much lighter, you will get better MPG. The stock sizes in standard load will handle everything the truck can do- towing, hauling, etc. They also cost less vs moving to larger, heavier load tires.

So, suggest you look at some stock size ATs. There are many great choices out there. With the area you live, look for the 3 peak symbol. You may loose a little MPG going with an AT vs road tires, but nothing like what you will see when moving to larger, heavier E load tires. I dropped about 1.5 MPG with the change.

One thing I do like about E load, steering input is better. My stock Michelins always felt wallowy in turns. They do look great too and have performed very well.

It boils down to how you use the truck and if you prefer the best ride/drive or are willing to trade off some of that for the larger meats.

 

I run a stock size (275/65R18) commercial tire (Toyo Open Country CT). I think they look decently aggressive/not undersized with the factory suspension and 4x4 clearance. I assume the size is spec’d for various reasons by the engineers but don’t pretend to know

 

Truthfully unless that 1/2 inch ground is ground clearance is going to make a night and day difference off-road or your dead set on the looks of a larger tire I see no reason to go larger. Admittedly they do look better but it DOES affect the performance, braking, and maneuverability of the vehicle.

Unless you tow constantly or Off-road regularly an E rated tire MAY not be the best way to go...

 

When you go larger it takes more to turn those larger, heavier tires. So it could feel sluggish depending on how big you go. I would think a small size increase would not be very noticable. Would take a mpg hit too.

I'm new to the Tundra world but with Tacomas folks would regear after getting bigger tires.

My main use for the Tundra is to pull our camping trailer. Getting bigger tires would not help me.

 

Here are the 275/70s for comparison and this size fits on a stock truck no issues at all.

 

With our lack of mpgs, I wouldn't worry about that small of a weight.

 

Lots of good responses, it seems.

My two cents: the purpose you are using your truck for determines how you set up your truck; you're right about that.

Example: I use my truck pretty much only for fun trips, weekend getaways, vacations when we take the 4-wheelers.

Since I am towing, I want to keep my stopping distance down. I run a 275/65/18 stock and went to a 275/70/18 (same width, 1-inch taller) for reasons of VANITY [I like the larger tire size look]. Went e-rated [Falken Wildpeaks/10-ply], so I wouldn't get a flat when pulling the trailer on back roads. Left my rake because the truck handles so much better, and I am going to be taking long, highway runs or short trips of 3-5 hours or so. If I was keeping my truck local, I'd lift it.

I'm pretty sure guys with rakes are impotent, and guys with lifts are all alpha males.

Just do you.

Or, if you think something entirely different, that's cool too ...

 

I have found that the 275/70/18 or 275/60/20 is my ideal all purpose truck tire that most mileage is on pavement.
Decent price, tons of options, and not ridiculously heavy.
A good tire in these sizes will handle any off-road obstacle the truck is capable of handling while still giving very good road manners.

 

Thanks for the helpful input everyone! From the advice given , I’m going to research stock-sized E-rated ATs, and 3 peak rated which I didn’t know about.

I do prefer the looks of the 275/70r18, however, if I am jumping up from passenger to E-rated, I will compare weight differences to decide what seems right. I will also mention I have a considerable constant bed load ~500lbs and also I am at 2.75” lift so yeah the stocks look puny but I don’t really care -function first for this truck.

I do think I drive enough sharp gravel and tow enough to justify the E, but even so I went ahead and just ordered the replacement stock Michelin since I don’t wish to drive without spare and don’t wish to rush this decision. Now I can settle in to hours of reading tire reviews for nights on end...unless there is an obvious

 

Sorry for the emoji attachment, I don’t know how that got there or how to remove it so...

 

Here is what I have tried on my truck

OE michelins
275/65 bfgs
275/70 duratracs

Yes you can feel the extra height if the 275/70’s during street driving. There is plenty of power for the extra height, however they do mess with the shift points of the trans slightly. Which does affect driving experience IMO. Just being real about what to expect. I would have no issue running that size again myself

10 ply 275/65’s - no change in acceleration, ride is worse. No change in city MPG either from tire weight alone in my experience

 

I stay with stock size 18" Michelin M/S and A/T.

 

Has anyone runnjng the OEM Michelins experienced bad luck with flats?

 

Hey man, I can appreciate that rake for sure! I have towed a lot of heavy farm/ranch stuff behind 1/2 ton to 1 ton sized rigs. I could never stand sag, especially with live cargo or bumpy roads.

 

Seems like a 10ply 275/65 might work well for me....is 10ply all E load or are there 10 ply options between passenger and E?

 

I agree about the Michelins being wallowy in turns and would value more driver input as you describe. I am transitoning from driving a 1 ton and actually prefer a stiffer ride than most- I like the feedback to an extent and things feel just right when I am fully loaded or towing.

 

275/70s def look better, but weigh a LOT more in most brands, and are quite a bit more expensive. Outside of looks, there is nothing wrong with the stock size and SL rating unless you primarily using your truck for or or towing heavy stuff all the time... YMMV (and will with bigger heavier tires)

There is another option too

https://www.tundras.com/threads/a-case-for-265-70-18s.88597/#post-2228037

 

Another good thing about using the stock tires is a ton of people take them off immediately and sell them super cheap.

I tow way more than drive offroad so I like the stock tires.

 

I’m leaning toward a stock size, E-load AT. If I find time to research I will look into D-load as well.

For me the stock Michelins are feeling too squishy with my bed load, especially with trailer attached. I really like the aesthetic (and +1/2”) of the 275/70/18 but I’ve decided not to give quarter to my vanity on this one due a deeper desire to keep handling/shifting/mpg as is.

I’m looking at Coopers, Falkens, and several others listed on here. 3 Peak a must.