275/70/18 MPG Loss.

It's about time to consider replacing my factory tires with something a little better in the traction and handling department (have almost 25k on this set). I know the MPG vs tire size has been beaten to death. I understand upsizing a tire, and even changing a load rating can have an effect, but my biggest concern is by how much? My plan was to level the front 1.5" (maybe before, maybe after tires...haven't decided), and stick with 275/70s as they're usually a little better priced than the 285/65s.

Most likely going with AT2s, or AT3's. Right now, in my mixed commute, I'm usually at 15.8mpg +/- .5mpg. I've seen 18 once, and that was a trip to Canada across flat terrain. I don't really want to drop into the lower half teens as I commute 20 miles each way to work every day, but I HATE stock/HT tires. I know I can't have my cake and eat it, too, so I'm just seeing what my options are. What type of hit should I expect jumping to 275/70s? I could keep the tires stock sized, but I'm afraid it may look a little disproportional with a leveled truck (even if it's only a mild level up front).

Appreciate any insight you guys/gals may have.

 

Any size beyond stock will have a slight change in MPG. You are moving a heavier tire. I would guess maybe 1-2 MPG loss, but I have 37's and regeared, so I can't comment on an exact number. We have a close to 400 HP truck, so MPG will never be great. Probably the biggest key is keeping your foot out of it. I get 12-13 MPG with my 37's, and that's very little hi-way driving. I feel that's nothing to complain about. Good luck with all and I think a minor front lift and little bigger tires will give you a smile and keeps your mind off the MPG...

 

I used to average around 16.5 mpg with the 4.6L now im floating around 15 most of the time. (Bilstein middle setting + Cooper St Maxx 275/70/18)

I'm sure the difference will be a little less noticeable with the 5.7L.

Coopers seem to be a little on the heavy side also, so depending which tire you go with you may be better off.

 

I lost 1 mpg going to 275/70r18 bfg ko2s I felt a small difference in the way the truck rolled. I want my next set to be a little bigger some sort of 34.
I'm surprised you only got 25k out of your stock tires I got 54k out if my stock ltx tires.

 

I would guess that he has plenty of tread left, just an easy way to say : " honey, I'm due for new tires and an all-terrain will be much safer in the rain"....

 

You got it They have tread left, but they're awful in anything but dry pavement.

 

I don't have any problems with my stock tires. They have 25000 on them. Wet grass, mud, rain, up hill on wet grass. Think I would buy them again. Think you just want new tires. I've been driving along time and have mad skills though

 

with 33" and light lift (2.5") I get 15.4 mpg mostly freeway
5.7L engine and toyo R/t tires

 

Apples/oranges. You're running different stocks than I am (LTXs vs Dueler HTs on the SR5). Maybe it's just my lack of mad skills, though.

But, I digress. Never asked if I should get new tires, just what to expect when I do .

Thanks for the help everyone. Will take it all into consideration.

 

The loss can be kept to a minimum by simply keeping a close eye on tire weight. There is a thread on here somewhere listing all or most tires available and their respective weight.

Moving Up too a load range "E" will definitely have a noticeable effect on your mpg. The stock size tires are something like 40lbs in the ltx at2. Most tires I looked at in a load range E In a slightly larger size jumped up to anywhere from 50-60lbs a tire. When you think of that in terms of percentage gained it is quite significant.

Choose wisely and you can maintain relative efficiency.

 

Well, not that it helps your MPG question as I didn't keep the stock tires long enough to compare, but I think this is a fun picture of the size tire you are looking at going with!


That's going from the stock SR5 highway Michelin's to a 275/70/18 KO2. Love the tires.

Good luck in your search. Best part with this size, no rub at all on stock SR5 suspension, yet will still look great with a 1.5" lift.

I went this route to get a taller tire (a fuzz taller than a 33") but still save a bit on weight and drag than with a significantly wider tire. Very pleased!

 

Is that a 18x8 or 18x9 wheel?

 

It's a 18x8.5 . BFG specs recommend a max of 8.5" wheel for this size KO2.

 

I upsized with heavy e-rated tires and lost somewhat more than 3 mpg. Trail Grappler is pretty hefty. I tend to think that the weight of the tires affects the mpg more than the diameter of the tire (both will certainly play a role). 275/70/18 should fair a lot better though.

Here's my fun picture (295/70/18 vs 275/65/18), haha (granted that the tires look a lot bigger before mounting).

 

I just put 275/70/18 Cooper ST max on with 4,500 on truck. I couldn't be more happy.
I can't notice any real change in mpg