Tall and Skinny MTs?

Right now I have 265/75/16 BFG All Terrains.

My problem is that my truck is pretty light being a 4cyl regular cab, and I think they give me TOO MUCH surface area because I have a tendency to slide in the mud. We're talking unreal amount of sliding. The last time I was in some real mud, I got the tires good and caked. I was kinda turning when I got back on the pavement, and my tires had enough mud/ surface area that I skidded completely sideways (not fishtail, but skid) with no control for a good 20 feet . They're great in the sand and dirt though.

It's got me thinking a skinnier tire might be better, also:
I just re-geared to 4.56 and would like to go taller
Like the idea of improving gas mileage

I'm thinking 255/85/16 BFG MT KM2. I hear they handle pretty good on the road, much better than the old Mud Terrains.

Thoughts?

 

my 2.5 c

Regardless of size of tire patch will be same size.

(wt of truck)/(tire pressure) = (sq inch of tire patch)

lowering pressure = larger patch

change tire = change in patch shape

 

If I jack up the pressure in the tires I have (already preyy high), I'll get alot of wear in the middle.

The new tires would require less inflation to get a smaller patch. No abnormal wear?

 

Also, remember that change in tire diameter will change speedo calibration and therefore falsely change your calculated mpg.

 

Since I re-geared to 4.56, 33" tires will put my speedo right back where it should be.

 

Could I get another 1.5c and a vote?

 

Yes while 'on road' you would adversely effect the tire wear by abnormally high or low pressure. While off road this is not as big a deal since you are driving at a lower speed and the road is not as consistent as a highway surface. So, adjust pressure for each situation.

 

I say get the MTs.....afterall, you geared for the bigger tire. Should help a little with the sliding. The BFG AT's clog up pretty easy.

 

It sounds like your complaint would be best served by buying some deflators (screw them on the valve stem and they deflate your tires to a pre-set pressure). Don't go much below 18 psi 'cause you may break a bead and Really begin to slide!

Otherwise you may need a lift and that will cost you much more than just a news set of tires. -Hope this helps.

 

I would agree but I'm not good about spending others money.

 

Also, I don't get to play much in the mud - our mud is dry - we call it sand ;-)

 

IF you are going into mud alot- Then the MT's are the way to go.
It sounds like the ATs aren't great about clearing themselves out- Maybe look at some other brands?? Cause an MT will probably have more road noise

 

have you compared the spec tire weight of each size?

 

Bfg at's are my favorite tire ive had several sets over the years. They however suck in mud. I have em on my 90 4x4 chevy. This the second set on this truck. If you stay in very light mud or sand they're excelent. They also have very good road manners with minimal noise. Go for the mudders

 

Like it's been said. You're complaining cause an All Terrain tire caused you to slide in mud? Would you also complain about summer tires being shit on ice?

Not trying to be a dick, but stick to what you want the tires to do. All terrains aren't made for heavy mud.

That being said you already regeared so it sounds like you already have your mind made up.

 

It sounds like part or most of your sliding problem is from your tires not clearing out the mud, maybe not so much surface area?

That said I'd say go with the MT. The difference is night and day in mud from an AT to MT.

 

Well, I re-geared for the tires I have now and left a little room for bigger ones down the road. Just trying to get some opinions on sizes and treads.

I can understand that these tires aren't the best IN mud, but I don't think any tire should let you slide that much on pavement no matter how much mud is caked in there.

 

ya go km2