I'm Running 215/85r16 PIZZA CUTTERS

I got 24 from Moab to salt lake, of course that was driving 64 or less and upsetting people behind me , lol.
So far, pure city driving I got 18.3 mpg with these new tires 215 85 r16 . I think The difference is probably incalculable however if I can keep driving nice and easy I think 18 in the city is great, might not do any long highway trips until fall.

 

15000 MILE UPDATE 215/85r16 @31 PSI on 2004 double cab

After going through a heavy Utah winter, these tires were fantastic in the snow. You can't beat skinny! Drove in upwards of 1 foot of snow at times with great traction.

Been on several camping trips, tires had no problem gripping loose/wet terrain.

Tires are wearing incredibly well, have 13/32nd's tread left (came with 16/32). Still maintaining 18-20 mpg

So far my only beef is that these are load range "E" tires, and are very stiff, making bumps more noticeable on and off road. If they made this tire size in a "C" or less, we'd have a winner. It's too bad all skinny tires are heavy rated, but its good if you add a camper or lots of extra weight. The "E" is also more durable, so less chances of failure off road from punctures and slashes. Just make sure you air down significantly off-road for a smooth ride.

As far as the cooper AT3 design, hands down my favorite. I've converted all my brothers to this company. You cant beat the price and "Made in USA" feature!

 

Nice! I just had 235/85r16 KO2s installed. Much better performance than the 285/75s they replaced.

 

Thats a great size! I would have gone with that size but wanted the better gas mileage offered by running 215/85's. I ran that size on my first gen tundra and loved it. Again, too bad its "E" rated!

 

Running 235/85/16 here. Thought about 255/85/16, but not sure without regearing since it a 2.7L.

 

Nice! I ran 255/85's on my first gen tundra and hated them. Poor gas mileage, low power, bad wear and hard on joints. A re-gearing would be essential to running that size. 235/85/16 was much better, definitely considering that size again when its time to buy new tires.

 

The acceleration, braking and overall handling has improved drastically.

 

Sort of in a similar vein, I just put a set of Hercules Avalanche X-treme LT245/75/r16 snow tires on my truck. Diameter is essentially the same, but .8" narrower. They come in C and E load, and decided for C. I've only had them on for a day, but they definitely seem grippier than the stock tires. I'm looking forward to seeing how they do this winter. My driveway is a couple hundred yards long with turns and a steep approach. It's a heck of a lot of fun with crappy tires, but that gets old..

 

NICE! If they are that close in size and you can get it in C load, its a no brainer for snow (I'll have to consider that size after this one). Sounds like your driveway will be even more fun now that you can charge it in the snow.

 

Hi everyone. My first post here so I apologize in advance if it is lengthy or I do something wrong. A huge thank you to Bangini for starting this thread. Prior to stumbling across this last night, I really thought I was the only person in the world who wanted to put 215/85R16 on my Tacoma. Happy to know I’m not alone and it is an option.


The most difficult part for me has been finding a 16x6” rim. I found a set I loved, the Level8 Hauler matte black but they are sold out everywhere and future stock is still a mystery. I was convinced I needed a 6” rim until last night. I understand it may be a better fit overall but for now, I will opt for a 7” instead.


With that said, I’m not a huge fan of the stock rims and really like the look of a black rim. I am leaning towards the Dexstar mini mod black https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Dexstar/AM20757.html

While I’ve done a lot of research, I still find myself unsure at times. We do not have the same resources as far as good knowledgeable shops go around here, so I’m grateful for this site and forum. These Dexstar wheels seem to match up quite well, but will a 0 offset give me any problems? If these don’t work out, I think I am out of options and will just have to install my new winters on my stock rims.


This leads me to the topic of tires. Again, prior to this awesome thread, I had decided on sticking with the stock size of 245/75R16 and even went as far as ordering a set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2. Now some three weeks later and my tires still haven’t arrived, I am looking to another shop to purchase from. I was thrilled to find the Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 Studded winter tires https://www.kaltire.com/en/tires/ha...3=tire_rim_diameter&prefn4=tire_width&start=1. I think the combination of soft compound and added studs will be the ultimate combination for our northern Ontario winters. The best part (unlike the DM-V2) is that they are available in a 215/85R16. If the snow ever disappears, I will be purchasing a set of Cooper tires (model tbd) and hope that by then, the Level8 rims will be back in stock.


Again, I apologize for the lengthy post. I hope I haven’t overstepped my boundaries. Winter has hit full force here in Timmins and I would love to be able to order my tires and rims soon.

 

First off, welcome!

Secondly this tire size is bomb in the snow, and running them in snow tires you'll have too much grip! haha

As far as offset goes, I'd try to find a wheel that has positive offset. This size already brings the tire in to the truck significantly. I considered getting spacers or new wheels to push these tires out and get more positive offset. You want to make sure you clear the calipers.

+1 on cooper, you cant go wrong with any if the at3's! Also I've heard nothing but great reviews about those winter tires.

I'd say find some cheap stock tires on local classifieds and powder coat them black

 

Thank you kindly - and also for the quick reply. I guess I was really trying to find a 6” rim but I guess it will have to be a 7”. I’m assuming it’s safe still and the tire will seal properly? I found a set of steelies with a +30mm offset and I believe that matches factory. It says the backspacing is 5.18? Is that ok? Also bore is 106 - is that the same as 106.1? https://www.customwheeloffset.com/buy-wheel-offset/RTX-45483/rtx-winter-steel-16x7-30

Sorry for all the questions but this process has been a challenge. Funny though if you want to go wider, they are extremely accommodating but when you say you want to go narrower, well they look at you like you have two heads.

 

For real! When I had big o tires order and install my tires they kept asking me "are you sure about this?" "Awfully skinny." "Why did you get such a narrow tire?" Haha. I got in an argument with the worker there that skinny is better off road than fat unless 2 feet of snow or mud. He wasn't convinced.

They did confirm that a 7 inch wheel is the max for this size and would seal no problem. That backspacing should be fine, get em and post pics here!

 

It’s just crazy considering the main reasons we are going with narrower tires are for practicality and effectiveness. I, like you, think aesthetically they look great too, which is a bonus. Like most things, many seem to think larger is better. Just look at my 2010 Taco vs yours. Stock tire sizes follow that trend and just keep getting bigger. They put 18” rims on SUVs and they’re left with no clearance between the tire and wheel well. Then the snow builds up, turns to ice and causes handling issues and can be dangerous.

I’ll stop my rant now lol. I did order the Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 studded today with black steelies and apparently they will install them Saturday. I will make sure to take photos as soon as it’s out of the shop and post them here.

Thanks again for your help.

 

Just got my new Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT2 studded winter tires installed this morning. Of course, in pizza cutter 215/85R16 size. Personally love the look of a black winter rim on a truck (until they get rusty that is). The grip on these are ridiculous and I’m not sure if I’ll need 4x4 anytime soon. I apologize for all the snow on the tires but I’ll try to get better photos of them if the snow melts off once parked in the sun.
.

 

I have been planning a auxiliary fuel tank (for a long time) for the 2nd gen;

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/auxiliary-17-gallon-fuel-tank-idea.477475/

I was wondering about a narrower tire/ wheel so that I could still carry a spare tire under the bed in the factory location and still have the proper diameter to use it as a spare if needed.

 

Looks good!

 

Looks great
Also, is that a front tow hitch? Just curious

 

Thanks for the detailed update.
And thanks for setting up the thread to begin with, definitely an underrated tire size. Great to hear they’re going well

 

Yes it is. It’s made by Curt - they have specific models for particular trucks. I have an aluminum cargo carrier that I load my Honda snowblower on and having the front mount option allows me to pull my trailer and open my truck cap doors without obstruction. It’s really handy and I get lots of strange looks. I’m not sure why more don’t do it - it wasn’t very expensive and very handy. My goal is still to purchase a small Meyers plow that mounts via the hitch, but that’ll be next year I believe. I’ll try to remember to take a photo next time I use it.