Which tire for a “working” Tacoma? C or E

Hey Les @Canadian Caber

I've got these Destinations that I've been driving for 34K+ miles.

Great ride quality and good in the rain/snow.

The drive, I compare to the 2003 Honda Pilot I bought new in 2002...can't remember what tires were on that SUV.

I'm really liking the Falken Wild Peaks that Connor @Dream Weaver currently has on his Sport so I've seen them/he agreed it's a good street tire as well as off-road.

He's also sporting the size I'm looking to go to...275/70R17s...except, he has not Lifted his truck like I have.

I've got time to save up for Wheel/Tire combo so nothing is set in stone.

 

Yep, going from a stock size, light highway tire to a larger A/T will be noticeable.

I ran Michelin Defenders for 25+ years. Such an awesome all round tire. Instead of purchasing them again I wanted to try a more aggressive tire for my Tacoma.

Toyo Open Country AT3’s were my first A/T. They are a SL load one size up. 265/70R17. It was cool doing this for the first time. Truck felt more like a truck. Steering felt a little heavier. MPGs went down by one. Looked so much better than those factory Firestone Destination LE2’s.

I really like these Toyos. They will be 4 years old this fall and will get down to 4-5/32nds soon. They were easy to live with. Balanced very nicely. Great rain performance for an A/T which was critical for me living in the PNW. Minimal noise. Not too much heavier than stock.

I’m going with another A/T this fall when I replace my Toyos. I’m also considering an even bigger tire this time. 255/80/17.

I daily drive my truck for work. I also light off road but do a lot of highway driving in the summer.

What I don’t want is an heavier tire for lower MPGs and ride comfort. I will be staying away from an E or a C load. I will be going with an SL again. Just haven’t decided on what A/T tire yet.

Choose a an A/T that you like in a size you want. Just keep in mind unsprung weight. E and C load can do that. Also larger tire too.

I dunno, if you off road a lot and air down, by all means go with an E or C load. But for what I do a nice balance is sticking with a SL load.



I do carry a patch kit and an air compressor for those times I’m off road.

Here is a sample of the FSR roads we explore.

Good luck with your decision. So many options out there!

https://youtu.be/-MHOyDcGA-I?si=G1eS-cfH0ZdVtX4-

 

Thanks for providing honest feedback about your tire selection, Les @Canadian Caber.

I don't air down at all...have not ventured out on trails to do so.

My commute to work one way is under 5 miles so I typically do 10 miles per day...and sometimes I take the long way home which adds another 7 miles to my daily roundtrip commute.

I'll definitely keep in mind the SL...and Toyo Open Country is another brand I will consider along with Falken Wild Peaks.

I'm gonna try 275/70R17s since I did the TRD Lift...should not have any rubbing issues from what I've read on TW and what Connor @Dream Weaver told me.

 

C>D>E

 

I agree with this 100%, (unless you constantly carry a load).