Cooper Zeon LTZ's

I don't know a whole lot about tires. I currently have a 4 ply stock tire 265 65 17 on my TRD Sport Double cab 4x2. I want to put Cooper Zeon LTZ's on it but the tire dealers are telling me that these tires are meant to go on a much bigger truck. They are telling me that my Tacoma will ride like crap.
What do you guys recommend I do? What can you tell me about these tires on my truck? Will they affect fuel economy? Does it change the ride that much? Any tips for me?

Thanks!

 

PM Chris4x4

 

I would bet that your tire dealer doesn't carry Cooper and is suggesting you go with something else so that he can make the sale. I've had my zeon's on for 10,000 miles or so and they are smooth, fairly quiet with no problems to date. These tires were designed to have a good mix of on and offroad capability. The only way I can see these tires effecting your fuel economy would be if you went with a larger size, otherwise it shouldn't be a much different to what your mpg's are now. My only tip is to go to a reputable installer.

 

x2...they look so sick on his truck!

 

Chris 4x4 did a write-up on these tires.

As for your questions:
They'll ride stiffer if they are a heavier load rating (6, 8, 10pr etc). The higher the ply rating, the heavier the tire will be- increased rotating mass will effect gas mileage and acceleration.

 

I work for a dealership. I can get these tires at wholesale. The company's I called have been selling cooper tires for years and recommend them for the most part, they are just telling me that these Zeon tires are meant more for 3/4 ton type trucks.
I did manage to get a sweet price on some Nitto Terra Grapplers 265 70 17 for $130 a piece. The Coopers are about $30 more than the Nittos. And also kicking around General Grabbers UHPs.

These will be used for mostly road driving (city and hwy, dry and wet), some light trails around Florida. What psi do you keep in the Coopers Zeon LTZs?

I will say this, these Cooper Zeon LTZs sure do have some happy customers. All great reviews I keep reading. It appears that these will be some long lasting great handling tires....

Thanks for chiming in guys.

 

Thanks Chris. Yea, I saw that you have a bigger tire on there. I'm going to keep the stock tires for a while. Eventually I will slap on bigger rims, a bigger tire and a 2" or 3" lift.
man,,,,,, I just got this truck a few weeks ago and I wanna do so much so soon!! I swear, I could spend $5k in a few hours on this truck! lol!! Lord help me

 

I'm at 32psi all round on 275-60-20's.