Highway Tires on an OR

Just check Michelin's web site?

As has been said, this a purely functional recommendation that fits the OPs requirements well.

I often wonder if the 99% pavement folks who sacrifice grip for 'aggressive looks' understand that the tire is the only thing connecting you to the road.

 

That's what I did when I was looking for a good tire for beach driving. I had to get new tires anyhow because I'd bought a set of 17" Sport wheels for my SR5.

After multitudes of consideration, I ended up with Toyo Open Country AT tires...even got them in the stock 265/65-17 size. Their almost exactly the height my 245/75-16 tires were. Just an inch or so wider.

 

Interesting...

I imagine the SL tire would be a smoother riding and lighter tire. Better gas mileage from the weight difference alone, I imagine. But I would be concerned about lowering the tires load rating. Yes, I load up the back quite a bit at times, and tow.

I did look for the SL tire so I could compare just how much different they are, but couldn't find them. Can you provide a link?

I'm guessing, but don't know for sure, that with a 'street' tire, I can likely go up in size without any concern of rubbing at all. I mean, even with tires of the same size, the more off road they seem to be designed for, the more of an 'overhang' of tread on the edges. As in extra tread for gripping mud, snow or whatnot, and also for when they may get aired down a bit for more traction. A true stree tire does not have that, so I imagine it would leave just a bit extra room.

So, even though most OR LT265/75R16 will only rub almost never, but it still happens, I would think a street tire may offer a bit more clearance than that even.

 

Tire size is the same for every tire of that size, regardless of tread pattern as the size is referncing the OUTSIDE dimensions. There are some inherent variances between brands etc but overall the nominal value of a certian sized tire is the same.

For a stock truck you should have no issue going one size up from stock (stock being 265/70R16 on the TRD OR, 245/75R16 on the base, and 265/65R17 on the sport etc). Stock sized tires are all essentially the same diameter. So to go up one size would be going to a 265/75R16 or 265/70R17 depening on rim size. You wont have any rubbing issues with them at all. Or stay stock if you are not after a bigger tire.



Here is a stock TRD OR replceament sized tire 265/70R16 (the "SL" Rated, not LT load range E)

$314+ Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tires

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire... White Letters&partnum=67TR6DLTXOWL&tab=Sizes

And here is a one size bigger 265/75R16

$314+ Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tires

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...White Letters&partnum=675TR6DLTXOWL&tab=Sizes


As far as load ranges, SL vs LT load range C/D/E etc. the 265/75R16 linked above is the lighter SL rated with a weight rating of 2,756Lbs the LT load range E holds 3,415 lbs in the same size. With our trucks being as light as they are stick with the SL, you will be WAY past the weight rating of the truck before tire weight rating is a concern with the SL tires.

 

Continuing (6 months later).... I looked at these and, 2020 being what it has been, have put off purchasing tires. I haven't gotten to the point of unsafe yet, but the tread is getting low (although even) and she just didn't handle as well in our last little snow here as I remember her doing driving across Nebraska and Kansas in the blizzard of 2019 (was it 2019? or 18?). She did wonderful then, I was impressed.

I ordered those Michelin Defender LTX M/S SL, and should have them on tomorrow. Stayed with the 265/70R16.

Updates, ....in time.....

I think we are expecting snow soon. Am not expecting any muddy construction sites for the foreseeable future.

 

You will be impressed with the Michelins

 

I ran a set of those on both of my previous vehicles. Expensive but worth it. Got 90k on a set on my 2wd explore sport, took them off around 70k on my 4Runner to put on KO2s after a lift. I don’t think I ever had a flat and they perform well pretty much everywhere. I even got through some pretty soft ground with them, great tire if you don’t plan to off road much, they will go places though with a 4x4.

 

I’m pretty sure I’ll be doing the same soon ... except one size up 265/75/R16.

 

My next set will be Mitchelin Ltx a/t2. Same stock size in passenger grade. Best all around tire you can get for daily use, light off roading, rain, snow, dry. IMO.

 

You will not be disappointed with your choice. I speak from experience through continued performance, where I use these exclusively on both trucks in my camp and past trucks for a good long while back.


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The Michelins will do you well. I had the previous version (LTX MS2) on my 4runner, not only great on the blacktop but surprisingly good performers off-road.

 

that’s what I run...

 

What size here?

 

I don't know about your OR, but mine came with the Goodyear Kevlar tires. I consider them a Highway tire.

Did the opposite of you and got some awesome Duratracs. The tire that should have been put on an OR.

 

I'm still trying to figure out what I'm gonna do. I've been leaning towards a set of Toyo Open Country AT IIIs, but I still don't know, because my truck will be more of a pavement princess than anything.

 

Done.

With very few miles so far, I'm impressed, but I should be.... going from 50k miles on wranglers to brand new Michelins. I have no doubt these will be fine for my purposes. Will probably handle construction site mud just fine.

For any curious what 265/70r16 Michelin LTX M/S look like on a bone stock 2017 OR suspension......

 

Nice. The only downside I’ve ever noticed with those tires is they ride a little “harder” after 50k or so. I think the rubber compound is softer to a point then it’s a harder longer wearing compound. You will get good life out of them no doubt. IMO they are just as aggressive as the factory Goodyear’s aside from the sidewall sipes. They do start to get a little hydroplane prone when they are near the end of their life on the wear-bars.

 

I'm between these and the AT2s...I do a lot of 4wd driving but mostly on my horse farm (no big rocks - just soft ground and mud). I've gone through 2 sets of the stock GY Kevlar Wranglers (right at 90K miles on my 2019 OR) and those did fine. I think the LTX may be the smarter choice as the reviews I see say they are better in rain on the highway and I do not think the GY tread is any more aggressive/better than the LTX tire.

 

These tires are quite capable off-road. Not saying mud but rocks and loose dirt yes.

 

I had them on my Landcruiser. They took me anywhere I wanted to go.