Towing with 33's?

Just ordered suspension and now it's time to pick tires and wheels. I have a full OME suspension with 887's, Dakar's, and Camburg UCA's sitting in the garage. I want 285/75r16's, but don't really want to regear the truck at this point. We have a 17' Coachmen Clipper (about 3500 lbs. loaded) and my only concern is if the truck can pull it without a regear. I have the 4.0 v6 with automatic transmission. Can the truck handle it with the stock gears?

If not, what about a 275/70r17? I don't really want to get 17" wheels but it does seem to be a good compromise between a 265 and a 285. I feel that 265/75r16's would look funny with the lift, and am not really a fan of the 255/85r16's either.

I am getting the Cooper ST Maxx on Method NV wheels. Just not sure of tire size so I need to make a decision. The difference between the 275 and 285 is about an inch. I'd really rather go with 33's but I just want to be sure that I will be able to tow with it.

What do you guys think?

 

have you thought about getting the Cooper ST MAXX in 255/85-16

 

Yeah I have. I was seriously considering them at one point, but I think that I've convinced myself that they're too skinny. I know they're supposed to be great though. More power, less rubbing. But I really would prefer a bit wider tire as far as looks go.

 

i didnt notice any measurable decrease in mpg from 31s to 33s but i have a manual trans.

 

Here's the camper. Not huge or anything, but we have to drive in the mountains from time to time.

 

just under 6500 lbs. running 315/70/17 MTs. stock gearing. you I spend a lot more time in 3rd and 4th gear, but it tows well. just have to realize that it will drive very differently in all regards. been towing this boat since the truck was brand new (8 years), and never had a problem.

 

you wanted a bed rack right ?
put one of those on the build an air foil to move air above and around the front of the camper.
the weigh load isn't the issue its the wind load you'll be putting the truck under with the taller tires it will exaggerate the issue.

our '12 flagstaff pop-up weighs in @ 3500, have had little issue pulling, trans temps never really seemed to go above 160° at any given point last summer. but thats a pop-up and the roof line is not a lot higher than the tailgate and bed sides, not a lot of wind break there.

if you don't have the ability to read trans temp, get a Scan Guage with XGauge or Ultra gauge, or there are a few apps and plug in devices that can allow this as well. trans temp will tell you all you need to know about the load you're putting on the truck.

 

I have 285/70/r17 k02s and my gearing is fine as a matter a fact the odometer is the exact speed and still shifts great

 

Thanks guys. Do I need some kind of aftermarket transmission cooler or did the tow package come with a sufficient one? I guess I need to buy a scan gauge too. So my impression is that yeah it can tow it but watch the transmission temp. And get a camper shell to divert some air.

@colinb17 ... wow. Nice truck.

 

Transmission shop buddy of mine recommended a larger cooler. the factory cooler works, but a larger cooler with a thermostat in line would be better.

 

Well it towed the camper yesterday for the first time after the lift and tires. Not too bad at all. Tires are 255/85/16's. I do plan on upgrading towing package cooler to a larger Hayden unit since this truck will see mountain duty. Also getting that scangauge.

 

I'm in the same boat. I recently installed icon suspension with ride rite airbags and daystar cradles. It's been a great combo for towing our 3000lb travel trailer and running 100s of miles of forest roads and washes where most of my offroading takes place. I haven't been limited in my offroad travels yet due to tire size but some bigger meats sure would look nice. I am however hesitant due to loss of towing perfromance.

I always thought that the overall diameter of the tire is what affected final drive ratio and would would put more strain on the drive-train( especially while towing). Are the 255 85 r16 a better choice since it's less rotational mass or is there something else? Any advice or explanation would be appreciated.

 

I'll suggest changing out the axle(s) gearing to 4.56 - 4.88

For the 3.4L
4.56 = manual trans
4.88 = auto trans

My Tacoma is the 3.4L
I originally had the 4.10(s) and swapped to 4.88(s) (5sp manual trans)
did great with 285's installed (on or off road)
and pulled my laden 1/4 Ton trailer anywhere and everywhere.
Including 4 trips to Moab from SoCal. (elevation climb - no problem)

Bumped up to 295's (34") awhile back.
and the 4.88's still do quite well.
Lost maybe 200-300 rpm.

I have a friend with a DC (auto trans/3.4L)
and he runs 255's using the stock 4.10 axle gearing.

But he always removes his 255's and installs 265's
when he's not off road - wheelin'

To compensate for his taller 255's
He needed upgrade his cooling system.
As the auto trans got kinda warm under load.
The 255's also screw up his auto trans shift points.
So a trans. cooler is a smart addition using taller tires.
That and leave the dang overdrive off (especially when laden or towing)

He also upgraded to the larger Tundra brakes...
'cuz bigger tires require more stopping power.

I didn't... but did install better Akebono ceramic pads
and doing that seemingly gets it done acceptably.

If I were running the 2.7 L Tacoma
I'd probably utilize 4.88 - 5.56

For the 2.7L
4.88 = manual trans
5.56 = auto trans *

* additional auto trans cooling recommended / turn off the OD when laden or towing.


IMO altercation is necessary...
when selecting taller/larger tires.

Doing it right...
costs a little more.

But doing nothing...
spells trouble down the road.

Good luck with whatever route you go.

 

What is the dry weight of your rig? I'm looking at about the same size.