07 Work Truck tires

Hello all. In January I bought a 2007 Tundra DC with a 5.7. It is used 90% + for towing and hauling as I have a Frontier for my daily and wife's Accord for long highway journeys. It has some issues that I'm gradually fixing but it runs and drives great and has only 123k on it with a pretty clean frame and a sweet flatbed.


I purchased it with 20" TIS wheels that are not necessarily my taste but not bad enough that I want to swap them out. It has Michelin Defenders on it that have great tread but have a 2016 manufacturing date and a shallow sidewall slit both of which worry me. Hoping to make it to next spring with these (I'll drive Frontier in the snow) unless y'all tell me otherwise. They hold air and seem to tow my light trailer just fine.


My landscaping trailer that I tow with this is around 2500lb loaded but down the line I intend to upgrade to a 7000lb rated trailer. It would be generally loaded to around 4000lb max but I'd like the capability to occasionally haul the full 7k for firewood, mulch etc. I do about 5-6k miles a year with the trailer.


I don't do any actual (intentional) off roading but I do have clients that live down rough and long driveways and I drive through fields with sticks and rocks in them a lot. All while towing my lifesavings in lawn care equipment. So durability is pretty crucial. But I'm not a rock crawler.


What tires should I get? I'm looking at 275-55R20s, and I think E load? Firestone Destination XT has caught my eye due to the light weight, also the Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT. There are other options in D load, Grabber ATX, KO2, AT3W.


I am also looking at my leaf springs and wondering if they need replacement, but not sure if I should ask about suspension related stuff here or make a new thread?


Just looking for recommendations from some Tundra guys. Thank you.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

Love the flat bed. The 20's aren't exactly optimum for work truck activities, but they'll pass. Some 285/60/20's look nice and add some extra sidewall. LT's aren't necessary for these trucks as they aren't HDs but may up the durability factor your looking for. You'll pay for the durability with a more punishing ride. Any big name manufacturer's offerings should suffice, although I am not a Goodyear guy. I've never liked a single tire from them ever, but admittedly have not tried the Duratracs most seem to like. The coopers are solid and made in the USA. As for the rear leafs, get you some General springs HD leaf packs. They come with an additional leaf over stock and add 500# of additional load carrying support, so a little lift and less sag when hauling. They do not of course increase payload rating, just the rear suspensions ability to hold the weight. The General springs come in many brands that are all the same, I bought a set off of RockAuto much cheaper and they are the same springs. These are Husky Branded but the same setup for much less $$$.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7467788&cc=1438333&pt=7544&jsn=976

 

You're right, that is a sweet flatbed. Very nice! If it were my truck, I would 100% replace those 8-year-old, dry-rotting tires. Not worth the risk to you or others on the road.

 

Awesome, thank you for the reply!

285/60s are a fair bit larger than stock. Would the extra height affect my acceleration and mileage while towing? I don't want the truck to work any harder than it has to.

I don't mind the rough ride at all. I have LT265/75R16 Wildpeaks on my Frontier and it is definitely not as comfy as stock but I can tolerate it. The added weight does concern me though. I intend to keep this truck forever so I don't want any more wear and tear than necessary.

Do you think it's worth it to source some 18s? There's always a set or two of steel takeoffs on marketplace for $250 or less. I'd imagine I could recoup most of the cost by selling my current set up even though they are in rough shape.

The general springs are the set I was looking at, glad to hear they are solid.

 

Thank you! This is the answer I feared lol, guess it is time to start seriously looking at some tires.

 

18’s will give you more sidewall for the same overall diameter tire. The TRD OR alloys can be had for pretty cheap. Sometimes with tires already in them.

 

Well I bit the bullet on some Cooper AT3XLTs in 275/55R20. Set to be installed this weekend. Thanks all

 

It's CM Alumabed I believe. I put the sidewalls up, but I bought it with the bed. Definitely a selling point lol. Never had a flatbed before. It is so insanely useful

 

I know this isn't the suspension forum but my tire issue is resolved so ...What do y'all think about these leaf springs? Shot?

 

Figured. Oh well, reckon that's my next purchase. Thank you

 

They are so expensive but I'm not sure I'll be able to go back now after having it I think all my future trucks will have a flat bed.

The tool boxes on that model are very slick

 

Love the flatbed.

I agree with going down to an 18" wheel. But if you decide to stick to the 20" I'd go with either the Firestone XT or the Cooper AT3 XLT. Both come in an E rated and good mileage warranty.

 

I have an appointment to get the Coopers put on Saturday 275/55R20. I'd have preferred some 18s myself or even 17s but not ready to drop the coin on some that weren't an eyesore.

From what I have read, at least the TIS wheels are good quality so I can live with ugly and a little less sidewall.

Thank you!

 

Great choice. I have heard good things about the XLTs.