255 Toyo MT, 255 BFG MT, or 285 BFG AT?

Truck is my DD, I try getting in a wheeling trip once a month... but it's been more like once every other month. I've got about 30k since buying new in May '08.

I live in Oregon where the state bird is a raincloud.

I don't go in sand, I don't do heavy mudding, I prefer trails (think this and this)


This is how I see it.

255/85/16 Toyo Open Country MT or BFG MT KM2
+Better offroad performance due to size
+more clearance
+less trimming to correct rubbing
+I can use stock rims
~I might get away with stock UCAs, depending on alignment findings
+MPG due to size is better
-MPG due to mud terrain is worse
-longevity is lowered due to MT
-rain handling might suck
-loud on the road

285/75/16 BFG AT
-Less offroad performance than 255 due to size
-less clearance
-more trimming to correct rubbing
-needs new rims
-needs UCAs
-MPG due to size is worse
+MPG due to AT is better
+longevity is increased due to AT
+Rain handling should be great
+quiet on the road


Am I weighing these right or is there something I've got wrong/not considering?

 

You shouldn't need new UCAs for 285/75R16, but you might need new wheels or a wheel spacer if you're using stock rims.

 

255 FTW!

 

x2

yes

 

yes check out barlowrs rig.

 

Yeah, I run 255/85 KM2...and one thing to note, they are suprisingly quiet given they are MT (i saw the noise on your list). Mine work just fine with stock UCA

 

The Toyo MTs are heavy so that will impact gas mileage more than say a lighter mt tire. I don't know what the weight difference is between the Toyo and KM2, but when I was purchasing 35's there was a 12lbs difference for each tire in the same size. I wouldn't buy the BFG AT. My friend had a set and they suck on anything other than asphalt. It you are going to go with an AT I would go with the Toyo AT. Mine have been great for on an off road. They have impressed me with some of the place they have taken me. They last for quite a while, as well.

 

Thought I had my mind made up last week, Barlowrs is who's making me reconsider this all over again

From everything I read, the UCA is needed for the clearance and for alignment. Practically a given.
I'm not even considering spacers. I'd be going for some inexpensive alloys.
You can't put 285 on a stock rim.

I guess my main concerns at this point are longevity, mpg, and rain handling. Not sure if it's really possible to answer but I'm hoping one of you guys has something to weight in.

 

The BFG KM2 are good tires. That is what I am running on stock rims and no rubbing. They are not my daily tires though. I use them only for trail running and the snow running. They work real good.

 

One thing I didnt mention in my PM is that you are correct, wet weather the KM2 suck....but just be mindful that you have them on and dont go fishtailing around turns and you will be good. Its a truck after all, not a sports car.

 

That's what I've been looking at, but also heard the Toyo has a longer tread life... so it's life vs. mpg again. Also heard the KM2 tends to chunk up (you'd think they would just go back to KM from all you read about )

I wheel with an FJ guy who said they were fine enough in Moab and TSF, but he's a ton more experienced and drives with a lot more speed than I do. I was hedging BFG based on weight again.

 

I'm trying to get out of having two sets of tires, though... garage space is a premium and I'm trying to be a cheapskate and get out of buying an extra set of rims

 

I love the KM2's. They are a bit soft, but not too bad.

 

The Toyos do last long. I had 40-45k on my AT's and they still have about 30% life in them. My dads Toyo MTs on his F350 lasted 50k. They are a great tire they just weigh a lot. I would have picked them over my KM2s but the weight is what drew me away from them and the fact that they only came in E range in the size I was looking. Also, if you are in the rocks the KM2's will chunk. My last trip with Eric, both his and my tires had some chunks missing. If I could buy tires again I would probably pick the MT/R's over the KM2s.

As for the BFG ATs... Our wheeling in WA is a little different. Most of the time it's wet here. They do fine in dry stuff but in the mud/slick surfaces they aren't that great. I've pulled my friend out 5-6 times on stuff that I made it up/through. I'd still choose the Toyo AT's over the BFG AT's if you went that route.

 

Ah no worries. Its not for everyone. I was just saying I like the BFG KM2. But I drive 200 miles in 4 days for work so the taller tire is no good for me for fuel mileage. I keep with the stock tires for daily driving.

 

km2s

 

If you don't want a mud terrain, try the coppers. There s a tread that list all of the tires in a 255/85/16 size.

 

whats the price difference between bfg's and toyo mts? i know the toyo mts are damn pricey, but ive good things about treadwear considering they are an mt, so they may cost a bit more, but they should also last longer.
i personally am going with 255/85 toyos once i regear and lock the ass end