Tough SL rated tires in 265/70/16?

I agree the chances of rubbing on 265/75/16 is small but some say they have it. I wish I had more disposable income to just get a set and take a chance on all working out, but sadly I don't. Have to get this tire purchase right this first time. So safe bet is just to stay OEM size.

 

Don't underestimate how annoying tire hum is while you are making multi hour drives. I would rather deal with having to take a different line off-road, personally.

Rubbing with 265/75r16's comes from buying aftermarket wheels with too little back spacing. I did this on my 2006 Tacoma. I learned my lesson and stay with stock wheels now on my 16. You won't rub with 265/75r16's on stock wheels. Aftermarket wheels will get you into trouble.

 

I would upsize. 265/75 looks way better considering it’s only an inch taller. In some cases it will actually correct the speedo and make it more accurate. You are unlikely to rub at all, and if you get a light rub flexed out once in a while on a trail there’s no harm done. The difference in size won’t be noticeable from a power perspective, and there are dozens more choices in brand and type of tire.

SL 265/75r16 Michelin MS2 are light, quiet, smooth, grippy, and last forever.

 

Love the Michelin LTX Defender. But think it might rub a little in 265/75R16....

 

How does the Michelin LTX Defender fair offroad? I know their reputation on road is stellar.

 

I don’t do hardcore off-roading. Mostly mild stuff, fire roads etc. for that they’re fine. Most of my driving is on road, so I appreciate the gas mileage and tires.

 

Op, I'm in the same boat as you. I really want to dump the stock Kevlar's, but the more tire threads I read here, the more confused I get hahaha. I've thinking about going with the General Grabber AT2 in 265/70/16; they're SL rated with 16/32 tread depth and weigh 41 lbs. according to Discount Tire.

 

LOL Exactly.....just when I think I know which way to go I confuse myself by reading another tire thread.

I am getting resigned to the fact I am going to either have to sacrifice something. Side wall strength and give up on road drivability, or vise versa. The places I go when I do off road are very remote....especially out in the desert. Yes I have tire patch kits and a spare, but I want to have a tire that gives me ultimate confidence. For that I am going to have to give up a little daily drivability and mpg. At this point I will probably go with the BFG KO2 in the OEM size E rated. Have heard great things about their toughness and they are still mountain snowflake rated for the snow. But I am still thinking on it.

The Generals area good tire and I have read a lot of great things.....I think you will be happy with that choice!

 

Maybe look into a C load tire, a little beefier than an SL but not as harsh as an E load.

Edit: Found a few AT options in 265/75r16 for load C: Toyo at2, Cooper at3 LT, Goodyear trailrunner at, Goodyear duratrac

 

Thanks for the response and the C load tires in 265/75/16. I am hoping not to have to go up a tire size but that is an option your right. I think out of that list you posted I really like the Cooper At3 and the Toyo At2.....still have some thinking to do.

 

No worries. I have ridge grapplers in 285 in c load (I dont think they come in 265 load c) and they are pretty beefy, ive hit the sidewall a few times at low psi, still holding up strong. I'm sure the toyo and coopers would be pretty good too.

 

In the past I always have had LT tires on my trucks, however, the stock tire on the 2020 TRD Off-road is a 265/70r16 SL. I immediately purchased Goodyear Duratrac 265/70r16 SL's for my Off-Road as a replacement for the OEM All Terrain w/Kevlars at the advise of the Tire Shop, who said the SL tire was used by many with good reports. I just was not happy with the sidewall stiffness, especially if off-road here in Texas. After test driving for a few days I returned them and went with the 265/75r16 E's, as they were only $12 more expensive than the C's. I am now much more confident off-road, and the difference in handling, noise, and MPG is minimal compared to the SL's and I couldn't be happier. If you are making the switch, I would not recommend an SL tire if you are doing any off-road driving at all. As far as the C load tires are concerned, the difference between the C and E is about 12lbs, but you go from a 6ply rated tire to a 10ply with the E, and also have a 3 ply sidewall. I don't have a direct comparison with the C versus E load Duratrac, but from what I have heard, the handling and fuel mileage difference is minimal, and for $12, you buy some extra insurance against sidewall punctures. Mi dos centavos.