Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Recommendation

I have decided to buy the Falken Wildpeaks but can't decide on which size and load range. I have read many reviews and threads but thought it would be worth it to ask about my particular situation. I currently have Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx in LT 275/65R18 which weigh ~58 lbs each and I get an average of 16 MPG. I had the truck leveled with Bilstein 5100s.
The options are:

• 265/70R18 SL - 47 lbs
• LT265/70R18 - 60 lbs
• LT275/70R18 - 61 lbs

I live in Colorado, and will be spending this winter at high elevation. In the summer I spend some time on rocky 4WD roads. I'd say 80% of my driving is on the highway. I do not tow anything or load the truck with much weight. I know the LT tires will be better off-road for puncture resistance, but I'm not sure if they are worth the MPG hit since I never tow or haul heavy loads.

As far as the tire size, I realize that the difference is probably negligible. But am I correct in assuming that the skinnier tires will be better in snow and the wider tires better off-road?

 

A 265 and 275 wouldn't be much different. Since you're 80% highway, just go with the SL 265/70/18 to safe a few MPG's and increase your acceleration/braking performance.

 

Since you are concerned about mpg and if you are concerned about ride, then stick with the SL tires. E load is more than a Tundra needs, they are significantly heavier and do ride harder/firmer (which you may or may not like). I run 275/70-18 Wildpeaks, E load, ran them stock and now with 2 inch lift, expect to see a 1-2 MPG drop due to the larger tire, higher load rating, heavier weight and aggressive tread. Plus is that size looks really nice and beefy.

If you dont need a bigger tire the SL Wildpeak will be hard to beat for increase performance over stock without too much a hit on MPG, ride.

 

sorry to bring up an old thread. Like what others have stated, the SL tire/non-LT size tire would be your best bet based on the criteria stated. Typically, LTs are needed when you are going to be frequently towing or subjecting the vehicle to heavy payloads, where the extra tire capacity would help. However, the trade off is a drop in MPG, negative accel/braking performance, handling, and overall increased wear and tear.

Both non-LT and LT sizes in the Wildpeak AT line contain a two ply sidewall, which helps in maintaining daily ride comfort. Two ply sidewalls are more of the norm on modern day A/T tires in the market. However, there are still some A/T brands that do contain a 3 ply sidewall for those that want an A/T tire and durability/stability.

The Wildpeak AT3w's do contain a 30 day/1000 mile trial period, so there is some peace of mind of testing the tire without much obligation to stay in them.

 

[LT265/70R18 - 60 lbs ] would be my choice based on your criteria.