Looking for a more puncture resistant tire than Open Country AT2

I've had Open Country AT and AT2's on my truck for the last 7 years, but I've finally had it with them. In that time I've had 3 flats and 1 blister on a sidewall between 8 tires. I've had 2 of those flats in less than a year. They're fine highway tires, but I do wildlife surveys on really nasty logging roads, and live at the end of a 5 mile gravel road. Turns out Open Country just isn't up to the task.

I'm looking for something with at least 8 ply, preferably a little more on the mud terrain end of things but still has some highway manners, and ideally that can take studs. I know, a lot to ask.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a replacement? I've been looking at the Dean Back Country MT, but am not totally sold on having to go up a tire size (I have a 1st gen Tacoma with 265/70r16) and the Back Country MT is only available in 265/75r16, or I could get a narrower tire and go with 245/75r16.

I look forward to any suggestions. Thanks!

 

Cooper STMaxx.

Will stand up to whatever you can throw at it.

 

The Cooper ST Maxx would be a solid choice. It is very durable and you can put studs in them. All of our pricing includes free shipping to your door.

Here is a link to them online:

Cooper ST Maxx | Discount Tire Direct

Please let us know if we can help.

 

I have been looking for a C load range tire forever and short of a Duratrac in a 265/75/16 it is slim pickings. I want a hybrid type tire or aggressive AT. What are some softer E rated tires? I don't need an E rated tire but would imagine some are softer than others. I'm looking to save as much weight and have the E rated tire as soft as possible. Any suggestions DTD? Thanks.

 

Besides the Goodyear DuraTrac the Yokohama Geolandar G015 is a good AT tire. I have been running the LT version on my FJ Cruiser and absolutely love the ride and traction. They look much better in person than in a photo.

Yokohama Geolandar G015 | Discount Tire Direct



Another solid tire is the Falken Wild Peak A/T3W:

Falken Wild Peak A/T3W | Discount Tire Direct

 

How about the General Grabber AT2's? Not a mud terrain, but they have very good puncture resistance and have the ability to accept studs. I believe they also come in a 265/70/16 like you wanted.

 

I'm looking at that tire. I'm either going to upsize to 265/75/16 or go to a 17 to have more options. I like the extra sidewall that the 16s have and hate to upsize but it does give me more choices.

 

Hmmmm I like Yokohama AT GO15. Like the fact it's great in rain and snow

 

Thanks but that Yokohama is not aggressive enough for me.

 

I'll be the guy to recommend KO2s. I can't speak for the C rated version, but the 10 ply E rated are tough as hell (and heavy to boot). I beat the piss out of my last set, mostly on rocks and desert terrain and never had an issue with punctures/flats. They aren't M/Ts but they perform well and are popular for good reason.

 

The dean tire back country mt will be fantastic. Much heavier. Thicker sidewalks. Cut and chip resistant. Will do better in mud, dirt, gravel, deep snow. Will probably not ride as good or do as well in rain ice or light snow. I'm assuming you've seen them at your local les schwab as they are the only one with rights to the tire. They have very little siping If you choose them, get them siped

 

That Dean MT is kinda built like the st maxx tires, but doesn't use all the same features, it is also made by Cooper tire.. by the way..