What Size Tire For My '09 Taco

I have a stock 2009 Tacoma Access 4 x 2 4cyl. that finally needs new tires. It came with the black wall stock tires that have worn very well and have always been smooth and quiet. They have always looked a bit small for the truck so what I would like to do if possible is to go up in size a bit with some white letter tires. Also I would like to know the negatives of going larger if any. BTW, I do not do any off roading or even drive in snow so a smooth and quiet ride is preferred. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Personally I would stick with stock size tires if you want the benefits of a continued smooth ride, gas mileage etc. but a lot of folks on here feel otherwise...

 

If you have a 6 lug truck, you could go to the 265/70-16 tires that the higher trim trucks have and probably not notice any difference with how the truck drives. Very similar in diameter just a bit wider.

 

You can go +1" in size and avoid rubbing. At most you'll need to remove your front mud flaps. You can fit 265/75r16 OR 265/70r17 depending what size wheel you have. Check out the Cooper AT3. It's a fantastic tire, and if you get it in standard load, you'll notice very little, if any, reduced MPG.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ggcMAA&usg=AFQjCNGG8xaXQhNu1ogHgN3nW87NKjcGqQ


Cons bigger tire Mpg

Pros...

 

Is your truck 5 or 6 lug?

 

Mine are 5 lug.

 

You'd have better luck in here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/5-lug.114/

 

Thanks for the linky.

 

Was guessing it might be. Mine is too.

You can go to a 235 x 75 x 15 tire with no clearance issues on your stock wheels and suspension. I like the look a little better, as well as the handling.

It will slightly ding your performance, but MPG is stable.

So. Using that info you can research tires between the OE 215 and the 235, using the tire calculator found here to help you predict results.

I went with Bridgestone Duelers from Costco when on sale. I use my truck about as you describe, although you do have colder weather and I do drive (quite successfully) on packed sand. If I drove more miles/year I would have gone with the Michelin Defenders. Which is what I'd do if I lived in Kentucky. While you may not get much snow there, you do have wet winters most times, right? (Family in Glasgow)

Hope that helps.

 

[QUOTE="Clearwater Bill, post: 15405691, member: 140097" While you may not get much snow there, you do have wet winters most times, right? (Family in Glasgow)
[/QUOTE]
Being retired I usually stay in during inclement weather but if I have to get our I use the wife's AWD Highlander.

Thanks for the info. Nice website. I did a comparison for 235 75R 15 to the OEM 215 70R 15 and it shows them at 1" bigger in radius (2" total in height). The overlay comparison is very interesting and informative.

 

I have a question. I live in a small city and have very limited tire dealers. There is a Tire Discounters, Big O, Walmart and Goodyear and a couple of mom and pops. Another option is my Toyota Dealer. Has anyone purchased tires from the dealer?

 

Don't go to Wal-Mart or the dealer for tires. Look for a discount tire or order direct from tirerack and have them mounted locally.

 

What I always do it purchase from discounttiredirect.com and get them mounted wherever is convenient to me. They're tax free and free shipping.

 

is the cooper discovery atp lt265/70r17 a quiet tire?

 

I've got that tire in standard load, and it's quiet.

 

I didn't plan on going to Walmart. But why not the dealer if the price is right? My local Toyota dealer is top notch and has treated us like family for 8 years. And I have no local shop to install tires unless you buy the tires from them.

 

Don't shy away from walmart. I've had three different sets of tires from there, and every time has been a pleasant experience. Their prices are usually better too. First was a set of Goodyear Authorities for my first gen, zero issues. Then a set of same tires for my second gen, again, no issues. Just a few weeks ago I got a pair of more road friendly tires on my 3rd gen 4runner, and it was again, very pleasant. Tires are great too and smooth as butter, almost too smooth. Every now and then I'll look down at the speedo and I'll be do 85 thinking I'm traveling 65. I have black wheels on my second gen, and from mounting to every rotate and balance, no scratches have been put on them. Meanwhile there are plenty of threads where guys have had their wheels dinged up at the dealer or discount tire.

 

I've never heard of any tire shop not mounting and balancing tires if you bring them your own tires. I've now done it 6-7 times and never had an issue.

 

I have bought tires from dealers before. The promotions sometimes are the best deal.The last set I bought from 4 Wheel and Off Road Parts.. They beat everyone by $150.00 for the set.