Thinking bout a new Tacoma- tire/wheel question

Hi All:

Thinking of going big on a 2014, likely a access cab v6, trd offroad package.

I dont like that they only give BGF rugged trail as the tires and so if I buy these would change, likely to straight BFG all-terrain on the same wheel. My ins said "no mods" so without asking Id just assume Id do no lift, but the upgrade to BFG all-terrain does provide a slight lift in my past experience, and looks better.

Now, the off road package comes with 16 in tires and the sport with 17- which I find backwards..? But anyway, I like the larger wider "look" to a point but would rather have a slightly narrower wheel/tire with BFG all-terrains for slightly better mileage. Does anyone know of a slightly narrower wheel I could go with compared to whats stock these days, assuming I was to bother changing- that still takes a 16 in BFG? And/or would it be worth it? Honestly a slightly taller but narrower would be nice.

thanks for your thoughts!

 

The reason the off road comes with a 16" wheel is so there is more sidewall on the tire for off-roading. The sport has a larger wheel with less side wall for more performance.

Your not going to gain a whole lot of mpg by going to a more narrow tire. You would gain a little by going to a smaller diameter tire, but that will look goofy. The rugged fails do suck. I would just go with a better tire and keep the factory size. If you want to change your wheels go for it.

Also, who is your insurance to tell you that you can't do mods?

 

Gieco. I just had them run me a hypothetical on what ins would cost for the new truck, and she rattled that off. I didnt bother to inquire.

 

And are you sure that width in tire doesnt at least equal tire height in reduction of efficiency? Think of a road bike tire- very narrow and tall.

 

BFG all terrain will be no taller than any other a/t tire of that size.

16= more tire/softer sidewall (can be better at absorbing imperfections)
17= less tire (slightly) and stiffer sidewalls (better for cornering onroad)


both the 16 and 17" wheels come with a 265 tire.......... same width

insurance has no say on lifts or tires.

as for MPG, I got 21mpg last fillup


tire pressure can have a large effect on mileage......... dont forget that

 

Your question is a little confusing. A wider tire will yield a little worse gas mileage but will give you better summer traction. The bigger the tire, width or height makes more weight and thus reduces efficiency.

 

I had stock tires on my 1st gen and switched to bfgs and it made a difference, not only in appearance, but in crossing waterbars on the ranch roads. No scraping.

The Ins said no modifications, I dont think new/better tires would matter.

 

those numbers are measurements, so are u sure u didnt go up a size last time?

http://www.ntb.com/tires/Side-Wall-Education.j

even in places where they spell them "Tyres"
http://www.4site4x4.co.uk/advice_Markings.aspx

or were ur old tires really worn down?

 

I may have gone up by virtue of the fact that BFG AT didnt come any smaller, or at least the fact that they have a fat thick tread as compared to a road tire. It was noticeable, either way, but theyre still smaller than anyone elses I know, though I dont think it looks bad, or "small".

 

There's a big difference in comparison to the width of a tire and height when it comes to mpgs. Height (larger side wall) will have a bigger change to mpg than the width will. Going with a narrow tire will also reduce your overall handling of the vehicle.

I went with a 265/75-16 and still have been able to maintain around 20 mpgs in the summer.

A motorcycle tire has to be narrow because the bike has to swing side to side in order to turn. It isn't ideal for traction.