The SKINNY on skinny tires

One of the best things when moving from a 1st gen to 3rd gen was being able to switch the speedo to the way it should be...I wish we would finally adopt the metric system

 

What I mean- will they say that they’re not going to install such a large diameter tire on a Tacoma since the OD of the stock tire is 2.5” smaller? Had Sam’s club do this to me once even though the tires I was mounting fit my vehicle fine.

 

The short answer is yes if you go to a major tire center most small shop’s probably don’t care, I went to Town Fair Tire a local to new england area chain which saved me a ton of money as they price match, the staff was pretty cool but they were hesitant because it’s not a recommended size and they put on paper that it was a test fit during install. they noted that it did rub when turn-braking which I fixed by taking off mud guards

 

Whatcha got hiding back there?!

 

My local America's Tire knew my 33" skinnies were larger than the stock size and asked if I wanted to test fit first. I told them no need as I knew there would be some rubbing involved. Installed/balanced all 5 tires (+spare) within an hour. They also price match which was nice.

 

Discount/America's Tire will test fit and install any assemblies that meet wheel width and load requirements of a vehicle. It all comes down to the safety of our customers.

 

New Tall n Skinny 255/75/17LT Kumho AT52's. 43lbs! So far I'm a big fan.

 

@2013XSPX that is a crazy rugged looking Taco! Love the snorkel and the bronze wheels just pop! Great job on the mods.

 

I think that I've narrowed down to two skinny tires to mount up on my 17x7 4R TRD SEMA summer wheels, I have dedicated winter tires & wheels. Looking for a somewhat aggressive tire for off-roading around Reno/Tahoe while staying weight conscious since mpg already sucks due to altitude (home is at 7300 ft) and the fact that ~100% of driving involves 1000+ ft of elevation change around town. Truck is not a daily driver and gets very few miles put on it. Riding on the stock suspension.

Any feedback about these tires? Factors that I may be overlooking?


Option 1: 255/75/17 Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003

• Pros:

• • C rating, should be more well-mannered on the road?
  • 49 lbs - so 3 lbs lighter per corner, less impact on power and mpg
  • Lower chance of rubbing
  • Easier to get the spare in and out?
  • Probably cheaper (I haven't price shopped yet)

• Cons:

• • C rating, could be more prone to sidewall punctures
  • 1" shorter than the competitor

Option 2: 255/80/17 Toyo Open Country R/T Trail

• Pros:

• • E rating, should be less prone to sidewall punctures on the trail
  • 1" taller than the competitor

• Cons:

• • E rating, won't ride as well on the road?
  • 52 lbs - so 3 lbs heavier per corner
  • Higher chance of rubbing
  • Harder to get the spare in and out?
  • Newer tire, so fewer reviews to evaluate long-term performance

 

I just put on 255 75 17 BFG ATs. better MPG and drives better than the 265 70 17s I replaced. Almost 9 pounds less each. I'm happy with less sidewall.

 

See my post on the AT52's. I think they're a great compromise. Just took them on the interstate and they were great. Camping this weekend so I'll get some 4x4 time.

 

Haha, the valance will come off at some point (stump bumper and skid plate soon) but for now it’s not limiting me much. It doesn’t really mess anything up unless you really need that high clearance, and in 98% of driving scenarios, I do not.

 

Good eye! Also on skinnies:

(1977 FJ45)

 

NOICE!!!

 

This week’s fillup was all commute and skiing, but no 4x4 except in the ski resort parking lot. ~ 12 L/100 km (~20 mpg). They were still not great on ice in the morning, but ridiculously fun in the deep mud on the sides of the resort access road in the afternoon. Realistically, shouldn’t put them on if compact snow or ice is expected…unless you are willing to take it very gently. Any AT would be better.

The noise is definitely noticeable; more than once I have checked to see if I left it in 4x4 on some corners (didn’t) and it hums at highway speeds. But…will be heading into the woods in a few weeks, and that’s where they shine.

 

Thanks for the update. Glad you are enjoying them! The old lady and I are moving next year to an area that actually receives winter weather. She grew up in the southwestern US desert and I in the southeast, so I’m trying to do some research on what our next tires will be. We’re both experienced in driving in the conditions with many cross country trips and ski trips under our belt, but want to make sure we’re happy with what we invest in next. The feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

This. Company policy is 9/10 in place to save money in the end should some knucklehead lawyer up for their bad decision to mount something crazy. Smaller shops may do it but will give you ‘the talk’ before and after that they’re not responsible.

I tried to get a set of 32s put on a GX470 at Sam’s once and they said they wouldn’t due to the size discrepancy and the fact I also had some SpiderTrax spacers on in preparation of the mounting. Went home and put it on jackstands then took the wheels back up there that afternoon. They gladly mounted them but the techs asked if I please bring it back so they could see it. I obliged and they were giddy how well it came out. I had to heat and mold some trim up front but wasn’t anything major.

 

I've had one manager with you guys and a few at Costco over the year say no.

The other two DT's have been fantastic (both have 4x4 leaning employee's).

Their group here is also fantastic for setting it up!

 

Ok, question for all...and I apologize if this is in the previous 300+ pages somewhere lol.

Stock 23 TRDOR DCSB, I want to lift around 2" (no higher because I want to keep the stock UCAs and good geometry). Been going back and forth with 285/75/16 or 255/85/16 possibly on the lighter 2020 pro wheels with +13mm offset. For a little wider stance, I believe adding 3/4" Bora spacers to the wheels (bring to -6mm) if they were on 285s would probably cause rubbing. Would the same spacer setup on the 255s be better? The wheels are 7".

I've heard the "magic wheel" is any 16X8 with 0 offset, however I don't care for many of the aftermarket/wider wheels. For lift, I'm considering Westcott, probably without the top shim.

Also, for the 'numbers' guys... Is a 16X8 with 0 offset close to a 16X7 with +13mm in terms of wheel placement on the truck? My thought is the 13mm on 7" becomes 'close' to 0mm on 8" maybe close to same poke.

 

A 16x8 with 0 offset should be the same clearance on the inner wheel near the suspension/control arms as a 16x7 with +13mm offset. It will stick out somewhere between 25-26mm (about 1") further away from the vehicle. In my case, it didn't cause more rubbing issues as I initially bought my truck with a spacer lift and 285/70/17. 255/85/16 should fit fine, with 285s you most likely will have to trim. Here are the 16s I bought with the 16x8 0mm offset you mentioned and mounted some 285/75/16. https://www.powerhousewheels.com/shop/motegi-mr150-trailite-satin-black/