Gravel Handling Tires (yet another tire recommendation thread)

I would recommend taking a closer look at the ST Maxx. I have run them in 265/75/16 and now 285/75/16 configuration. The are some of the toughest, most durable tires out there, awesome off road, with good road manners, very quiet, and for being as heavy as they are I only lost maybe 1 mpg with the 265's. 285's I have noticed a drop even when taking into consideration the 3% size difference. They do sling gravel quite a bit though. If you want something less aggressive, but tough with great tread life, the Michelin LTX MS/2 would be a great choice.

 

E are overkill, I have the Cooper AT3 in Load C and they throw rocks like a mofo

 

Road noise isn't a problem on extended drives, though I can't claim to have been in the truck for 8 hours. But I've driven several hours and it's never been a problem. The loss of MPGs I experienced was due to the increase in size and weight of tires, going from stock to 255/85-R16s.

 

Thanks guys!
So I will choose between ST Maxx and LTX and wrap my head around heavier tires. Last though. On the LTX MS, those 2 big grooves look to me like weakness points. But maybe I worry too much.