Replacement tires + size

Time to replace my Dunlap AT20's(50,000mi+) OEM's - P245/75R16 109S.

Looked at Michelin LTX M/S 2 - little too expensive. Good tire, just @$175???.

Currently looking at General Grabber HTS($115.) in same size. Seems to get reasonably good reviews for a highway tire. Do not expect to do very much off roading.

If I changed to a P265/70R16 or P265/75R16, what would be advantages vs disadvantages? The 70R16 was also an OEM tire. Do not want to negatively affect my fuel mileage. I know the 70R16 would be 20mm wider(more rolling friction - probably lower fuel mileage).

I can see the size difference in the P265/75R16(taller) vs P245/75R16.

Good forum.

 

265/75R16 will balance out your speedometer and make it read accurately. You will see a slight drop in fuel economy.

 

265X70R16 is almost exact height as your 245X75R16. See the tire size caluator at bottom of page and com pare various sizes.

If you can afford them, you will never regret getting the Michelin LTX M/S2s. You can expect over 100,000 miles of service from them.You will think you are in a different truck coming from the Dunlops.

My expenses dropped when I replaced my Dunlops, I did not have to change underwear after every drive. My Dunlops scared the crap out of me..

 

Nice '08 Taco. TU.

I checked out the calculator and could tell a size difference. I have read good reviews from the LTX's and the ideer of 100,000mi of service makes me re-think. My Dunlops never quite treated me that way, however, they are just a tad noisee.

 

I never noticed too much noise from my Dunlops. The loudest sound was me saying "Oh Shit, Oh Shit" as I went into a curve.

The Michelins will make your Tacoma feel like it is on rails through a curve.

 

Decided on the Michelin LTX M/S 2. Got a good deal from Discount Tire in Houston. It looks from your pic of your Taco that your white letters are on the inside. Am I right?

Having the tires installed tomorrow.

Thanks for your input.

 

When I had my Michelins put on, I could tell in 50 feet that I had made the right decision. Let us hear your opinion after yours are mounted.

 

Michelin LTX M/S are great tires especially if your are more concerned about how they drive or ride on road vs offroad. The ride is awsome and as mentioned could be night and day compared to many tires as some have mentioned. A great tire overall, but more a street tire and not a AT IMO...

 

That is soo right! Glad I "bit the bullet" and opted for the LTX M/S 2. Put the OEM size back on(P245/75R16). Cornering is much improved. The Discount Tire guy tells me to keep 35psi instead of the 29psi recommended by Toyota.

My Taco is more of a road truck. I may every once in awhile go down a gravel road or off in a pasture, but not to the extent a real offroad guy would. After only 40mi, the LTX's are noticeably better. My OEM Dunlaps were 4.5yrs old and probably getting a little hard.

I am wondering if I will see any improvement in the fuel mileage?

 

You should always chalk test new tires to figure out the best PSI for you.

http://www.ehow.com/how_6948382_chalk-tires.html

 

Thanks Maticuno, will check it out. I must confess I have never heard of this method before.

 

TacomaCZman, I knew you would like the Michelins. I can not say enough about my Michelins. You may see a modest gain in MPG, nothing spectacular.

The chalk test has you use a piece of chalk to draw a line accross your tire from left to right over the tread. You drive a very short distance(50-100 feet) and see where the chalk remains/ wears off. Uneven wear of the chalk line indicates improper tire pressure.

 

Where did you get your Michelin's? @175 would be a dream for me , up here in mass, i am looking to pay 236 each!!!

 

try samsclub you can view the prices online i got my bfgoodrich tires for $79 each but mine are 215/70/15

 

Different sizes, especially wheel sizes, each cost different. In general, the 17" tires are more expensive. You can't compare prices unless you're looking at the same tire size( and a few other things like load rating but that's not applicable here).

 

The $175/tire quote was from Discount Tire for a P245/75R16. I got a small savings from there with a price match. Also, the tire replacement certificates are worth the extra $30/tire IMHO. One misplaced nail, screw etc. and your tire is ruined. Also, Michelin was providing a $70 rebate(not cash, but a debit card).

They ended up beating the Tire Rack best price per tire.

 

I bumped up to 265/70/16s on mine from the 245/70/16s that were on it and had no change in mpg. I went with GY Silent Armors since I have GY cc, got 6 mnth same as cash, 160.00 mail in rebate from them, instant rebate 40.00 off & 100.00 from treadlightly dot org rebate. I went with these as my prerunner is also primarily dd pavement pounder vs. the duratracs I had on my 05. Ended up costing like 650 after all the rebates. As has been established, everything is better than the dunflops, lol.