New Tires 305 or 285?

Own a 2019 with 18”SCS wheels and Nitto Ridge Grapplers with 32,000 miles. For the last 5,000 miles the tires have gotten really loud and the rubber compound has hardened and makes for a stiff daily commute. I’m ready to replace. Also have a 1.9” Bilstein 6112 lift up front, no lift in the rear.

Looking at Ridge Recons, Ridge Grapplers again and Toyo AT3’s and wondering if anyone is running a 305/65r18 with a similar suspension lift. Do they clear or do they rub? The 305 is 12.2” wide, whereby the 285 is 11.5” wide and make for a nice fit. Feedback and experience with 305/65r18 would be appreciated?

Here is a pic of my truck on a gloomy morning awhile back with the 285’s.

-GB

 

I think the 285 is perfect for these trucks. No trimming, clears the OEM UCAs nicely on OEM wheels, not too big a hit on mpg…also I think it helps keeps your turn radius down rather than widening your track with different offset wheels and really wide tires…

 

Keep in mind that just because somebody else clears with a similar lift and the tire size you want doesn't mean you will. Wheel offset plays a big part in this, but even with the same offset you can have different actual measurements between different tire brands/lines. I bought the tires I did because another member with an identical set up had the same size with zero rub, but I bought a different brand tire and I have issues when turning in reverse. Turns out, his 275/70R18s are about a quarter inch smaller than mine were when brand new.

 

I just ordered Toyo AT3 they are pricey! I know a lot on this forum go the nitto grappler route but I have heard this a few times now about the noise and it might not bother others but that was a big deciding factor for me. Also the 50k life expectancy on the Toyos is nice.

With 305’s wouldn’t you have to do a BMC?

 

I stopped messing with Nitto or Toyo for reasons you said. BFG all day. The last set of 305/65/18 KO2s I had lasted 70k and didn’t sound bad the last 20k miles

 

The only problem with BFG's is they they are stone magnets and often have balancing issues.....even when new. Someone on here in the past had to get swapped into a 3rd set before they would balance properly.

 

I bought my truck with 44k miles and was planning to replace the BFG KO2. Just before this my 08 had KM3 and they were great for 25k miles until my truck got totaled. Those KO2s lasted another 25k miles and I could’ve got more out of the rears. Also in the past with Toyo OC MT and nitto trail grapplers I had to religiously rotate and best I would get is 40k. (Granted they’re mud tires). The last few sets would get to 25k and sound like sheet. I stayed away from KO2 due to the supposed issues I had heard with balancing. I can say that with my new set of KO2 which I just bought in July. I have had zero balancing issues. If you go 305/65/18 the KO2 is the best all around tire. They’re not the best in the rain after 60k tread life but still far better than TOYO OC MT and Nitto Trail Grappler. Way quieter and good off road performance. Naturally the mud tires are better in mud. But the KO2s do good in that department. The sidewalls do throw stuff up so be careful with tire shine.

 

If a 305 requires a BMC I would not be interested but honestly not sure. Any others running a 305?

 

It shouldnt, yes my CYA is that every truck is different, but your wheel offset is really ideal.

Icons are 17x8.5 +25 and are test fit with 35s, fully articulated and have no rub. I ran them on my Pro and had no rub, so a smaller 305/65r18 should clear as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK2y9NcqpYg

 

What size AT3’s did you order? I’m seeing 285’s in California for 375 a tire.

 

295/70/18, I checked two local places and 3 online retailers all came around the same price.
1650 but then you have 21.00 a tire for install, taxes - which was 120!, tire disposal etc. it all adds up quick

 

Thanks for all the discussion here, will stay with the 285. Nitto has announced the Recon Grappler in this size. Not available anywhere yet, so I’ll be waiting awhile and will most photos when I’m able to get a set of them.

 

I have 305s on my 2008 with a 2.5" front and 1" rear leveling kit and it rubs like crazy. Im sure the wheel offset affects it too (not sure what the offset is TBH) but I will say it looks good lol. I drive the truck 10 to 20 miles per week so it isnt that big of a deal but it is annoying those few times Im in it.

 

Huge help. Will stay away.

 

Did you replace after all? Do you have images?

 

What offset?
What tires?

 

No, still not available in my area. May end up just repurchasing a set of Ridge Grapplers.

 

Are those not your first choice? I’ve had Ridge Grapplers and they’ve been my least favorite tire.

 

They’re good but once I hit 25,000 miles the compound hardened and are driving me a little mad. This is why I need new tires.

 

I know exactly what you mean. I’ve had other tires that last a whole lot more. 25,000 is about when my ridge grapplers started driving like crap. I actually lost traction and got in a small accident that cost me about $2,800 because of their poor performance at about 30,000 miles.
I definitely won’t buy those again. I ordered a set of Duratrac tires. I’ve had those before and they’ve been much better in every aspect.

 

Wildpeak AT3 305s here. 3" up front and 3" in the rear. 25k miles and the tires are still AWESOME! Once these wear out, my next set will be narrower and NOT 10 ply.

 

I like the Wildpeaks, we’re moving to Idaho this year, need the snow rated goodness, May spring for these. Have you seen the new Falken R/T tire?

 

Cali to Idaho huh? What part? I just looked up the R/T. Seems the AT3s are still better.

 

I remember a bunch of guys on T4R.org having a similar experience as you and @georgiey22 with Ridge Grapplers.

I’ve got 35k on my Duratracs. They’re great. I’m just planning on going with these again. Mine have never had any balancing issues, and I rotate so frequently (@ ~3k), it seems like they can’t wear funny.

 

@Terndrerrr I have nothing bad to say about Duratrac tires. I had them on a 4Runner for about 40,000 miles and when I sold the 4Runner they still had plenty of life left.

 

Gem County, we are excited.

Agree if I go with Falken, I’d stay with AT3’s.

 

Nice! I was just in Caldwell on the 16th picking up a motorcycle. Enjoy the move and area!

Yes, Wildpeak AT3s are hard to beat!

 

Cooper AT3''s - Made in America

 

Envious to read you were in our future home area. We love Caldwell, it’s about 20 min from where we’ll be. We can’t escape CA fast enough, we are trying to sell our home at the moment and then we’ll move.

Congrats on the bike!