Somebody talk me outta downsizing tires...

I have been running Dick Cepek tires on my Jeeps and now my Taco for years and have loved them. Currently on the Extreme Country 285/75/16s. Here's my dilemma, one of my kids moved to Philly this year to play soccer for the Union academy team so rather than offroading, I am finding myself on the highways. The M/T tire I have just isn't needed and obviously doesn't help ride or mileage due to tread and weight.

I've narrowed my choices I think, based mostly on this forum to be honest (you guys are awesome, thanks!). Anyhow, its the Falken AT3W, Ridge Grappler, or Cepek Fun Country in the lead. I think the Falkens would honestly suit my needs best though. If Nitto made that Terra Grappler G2 in 16, this would be a layup but, well, you know. Second place seems to be the Toyo Open Country AT2, Cooper AT3, or maybe Cepek Trail Country EXP.

All that said, Discount Tire has (in stock) the Falkens for only $121!! The catch is they are 265/76/16. I know, not a huge difference but I feel like I'm already losing some of the aggressive look and this would make that worse by going smaller too. The 285s in the same tire are $181. The weight difference is about 4lbs (but at 55lbs for my current tires, either is a big plus). So, what do you think? Smaller tires and save the cash or stick to size I have an bite the bullet? I can afford either, I just hate throwing money away.

 

Since you're even considering them, go with the smaller. Also, you mention concern for gas mileage. 4 lbs PER TIRE will still affect your gas mileage, so it's worth saving money on the tire price AND the hidden savings of better gas mileage by going with the 265/75R16's. I have a 2" lift on my truck and I think that size looks fine.

Your kid will appreciate seeing you all the time at their games. My parents did the same the entire time I played soccer in college and I appreciated it.

 

I have the Falken AT3W tires (265/75/16s) with a similar size lift as @JasonLee and I think it looks great tbh. If you wait for another eBay sale you could get them for 15-20% off too. When I ordered mine after the rebate it came out to $85-$90 a tire! I've never had any larger tires so I can't comment on gas savings.

 

I have the faulkens in the 265/75/16 and really like them. My truck is lifted a couple inches and I think the size is perfect. Very little road noise and smooth on the highway.

 

Thanks guys, this is helping. My lift is like yours, about 2ish". The 285s fit and look great and frankly, Im not sure I'd notice the size difference all that much. Mileage, man, I'd go from an M/T tread to AT and drop 15lbs/tire. That has to be meaningful at the pump!

 

where'd you play? College is a couple years away still for him but he's on the right track so time will tell. So many gifted players out there which is great to see for US Soccer!

 

I played at Penn State. In the spring of my freshman year I also ran track, but gave that up to change from a business major to engineering and piled up the credit hours.

 

that's no small accomplishment, well done!!

 

I won't try to talk you out of it. Sometimes big heavy tires are not the correct answer. Fit the tire to the need.

 

My 265/75r16 in C load treat me well.

 

Second set of wheels. OE can be had cheap as people 'upgrade' all the time.

Michelin Defenders in a stockish size and eat up the interstate, foul weather, mild off roading and bump up your MPG while being quiet.

Keep current setup for known extended forays offroad.

 

It will take a lot of miles to make up the cost of buying the new tires

 

Cleveland to Philly and back 20+ times a year...it adds up for sure at 14mpg. If I can pick up 4-5mpg, itll pay for itself in no time. Figure, 20gal tank, 3 tanks per round trip... more than that, the smoother ride for all of those miles will make the drive much nicer. That's really the reasoning for this switch. I'm just worried the 265 ATs will look puny compared to my 285 MTs. I only have about 2" lift and plan no more. Gotta search those threads for pics of that, I know its out there.

 

For a visual

 

Here's a better view

 

Fair enough. I run the wildpeaks in 265 with a 2 inch lift and the tires look ok. It will take some time to get used to looking at small tires but sounds like it will be worth it for you

 

is that stock suspension or small lit? Looks like you have some lift going on there?

 

2"

 

thanks a ton, your rig looks about perfect!!

 

Falken 265’s on 2” Eibach