The Fellowship of PNW Tacomas | PDX Area Wheeling

Not the same tire but I went through a similar dilemma except I debated another set of duratracs or the new Toyo AT3s. Was also interested in the Toyos for the sake of trying something different/newer.

I messaged the discount tire rep on here and he made a good point that if I’m happy with the duratracs why switch? He said he’s all for trying the latest tech but if what you’ve got works why change it?

I’m really happy with my decision to not change it up hahaha

 

That is a good point. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
My biggest thing was to try and trim some weight, but seems like I give up other aspects by doing that.

 

Changing things up might surprise you, so I say go for it. Switching between quality brands of tires give you a chance to see what you may or may not be missing out on. Tires with less side wall layers could give a bit of increased MPG, as well as softer ride when aired down than tires with more side wall layers. There may be other positive or negative aspects, but those are subject to the rest of the vehicle and driving style of the owner.

On a side note, I have really liked the quality and function of both the BFG KOs and KO2s for 20+ years across several of my trucks. So, when I was in the process of lifting my truck I looked directly for another set of KO2s but ended up with BFG KM3s as a result of minimal options in the 255/85R16 size. So far over 1000 miles on them, I am completely happy with the handling, and comfort of these mud tires. Completely blown away with these! I've had mud tires years ago, and although they worked really well in mud, but they were horrible on the road. I feel that these skinny KM3s actually handle better than the stock Goodyears on the road, and certainly way better off road. However, my MPGs have taken a good dip from avg 17 MPG down to 14.5MPG with these tires because of the added weight, offset in final drive gearing and probably tread friction on the pavement. Hopefully I will see an improvement back towards normal after my upcoming 4:88 regear and speedo calibration.

 

Anyone doing anything Saturday morning??

 

Not to muddy the waters but in my case I also forgot to mention I picked the discount tire rep's brain about the Toyo AT3 vs Duratrac performance and that also swayed my decision. My top priorities are snow and offroad performance which he said the duratrac would be better performing in both of those categories (but he also said they're both great). He said comparing the two smooth/quiet ride was the main advantage to the Toyo over the Duratrac. This was a big factor for me in NOT changing it up. Plus I prefer the look of a more aggressive sidewall which is kinda disappointing on the Toyos.

The noise of my old Duratracs never bothered me - honestly I never noticed, I daily drive an armored, lifted, pickup truck with a wedge camper and don't expect it to sound like a luxury sedan.

But I do also appreciate the merits of a lighter tire. I debated C or D load and ultimately ended up going C because it was 4 lbs lighter than the D rated duratrac (and 5 lbs lighter than the C rated Toyo AT3). I would've liked the sturdier sidewall of the D offroad but figure that's what discount tire replacement certificates are for

Stepping up to 285s I tried to err on the lightweight side since I was already adding some extra meat and am not trying to regear until I go up to 35s. In a 285/70r17 C load duratrac weighs 50 lbs, D load duratrac is 54 lbs, and C load Toyo AT3 is 55 lbs.

Once again I know not the same tire but I just went through a very similar debate last month so I figured I'd share my experience.

 

Both of these experiences are quite helpful! I’m still waiting to see some reviews on the Toyo ATIII. By brother in law has them on his 4Runner, so I keep trying to get him out to the snow to test.
I’m going to move up in size so thought if I could go up in size and keep the weight down, it might be helpful. But ultimately I see a lot of benefits it the KO2S that I don’t find in others.
I am pretty set on keeping to a tire with the 3 mountain peak snow rating, so that rules out some other pretty great options. But I’m too lazy to chain up just because the sign says traction devices required.
There are some new tires that I don’t know much about like the Kendra Klever and Maxxis AT that look good, but they’re new and hard to find info on, let alone purchase.

 

I feel ya on the lack of Toyo reviews, especially in the snow. That's part of what ultimately steered me in another direction. I was due for new tires end of last winter but limped them through the summer so I NEEDED them right now for ski season. 3 mountain peak rated is also mandatory for me, driving up to the mountain every weekend I don't wanna deal with chaining up when I could just buy the right tire.

I ended up only gaining 5 lbs per tire going from 265/75r16 duratracs to 285/70r17. Honestly I can't feel any noticeable difference in acceleration or braking and that includes some freeway miles and drives up/down Hood. It's still alittle early to gauge mileage change since I only been through 2 tanks since changing but so far only about a 1 mpg drop once I calibrated my scangauge to correct for the tire size. I was afraid I'd make the truck a slug based off alot of posts on here but I think being weight conscious with the swap helped alot and is something lots of people overlook so I'd say you're thinking in the right direction!

 

Ok ok enough tire talk. Hahaha.

anyone going out Saturday morning?? Hahaha

 

Wait I wasn’t done! What is the biggest size wheel I can fit on my 18” tire?

 

ffs hahaha

 

Sorry.

It did look like there could be fresh snow Saturday morning

 

doesn’t even need to be a snow run. But it’s either going off road or going fishing

 

Well, I don't know. I don't think I have a lot on my plate. We may be able to get out for a bit. Whats your area of interest?

 

anything that doesn’t require sliders and skid plates LOL. It doesn’t even have to be snow. I have a 2 1/2 to 3 inch lift and 275/17 tires that are brand new... I have a compressor and traction boards but no other recovery gear. I also have two radios

 

I'd be in for saturday. Never been up with you guys, but I have a compressor and basic recovery gear (straps/shackles/come-a-long). No radios yet though.

 

I also forgot to mention I don’t wanna deal with ice

 

I’m supposed to tag along with some friends but I’m down to join you guys if they bail out. Following along...

 

Oh yeah one last thing I’m not trying to stay out super long time I got plans in the evening

 

Where you thinking of going?

 

@Superhulk LB didn’t didn’t really have a plan I was just throwing out feelers before I made a decision to go fishing instead