Suitable tires for towing?

Prepping my Tacoma for Towing next year when I buy my camping trailer. Likely something like a smaller R-Pod or GeoPro. Looked through the Towing Bible (fantastic post btw) for things I need but the one thing I didn't see was type of tires. Searching through other posts don't really mention any tires recommended.

Currently, I have P245/75/R16 Pathfinder E series SL tires but they are in need of replacement very soon. Since I leveled my truck, I want to go with 285/75/16 which from what I read will fit just fine now, however I want to make sure what I get are good for towing as well as some very moderate off road driving.

Suggestions?

 

285s require trimming and a cmc

 

yeah 285's are gonna need cutting CMC and will hurt towing performance due to significantly larger diameter (unless you regear$$$), more rolling resistance and way more weight (hard to find that size in a load range C or P/SL rated tire).

Id say stick with a 265/75R16 tire... id say go with that size in a Michelin Defender LTX M/S in a SL 116T rated tire (not the LT load range E). Plenty of load carrying capabilities, and will have awesome road manners as well as be perfectly fine on easy/moderate stuff off road.

 

Thank you so much for you replies. I will check those out for sure.

 

Falken Wildpeak AT3W are available in the 245/75R16 in an E load range.

I own a set and typically run them in the winter time and like having them on while hauling my slide in camper (~1050lbs dry).

Not sure if you're looking into an E load range as you'll be towing but I think they're definitely a solid tire.

 

285's will fit with some trimming. But you'll effectively alter the axle ratio from 3.73 gears to 3.46 with a 2.5" taller tire. This will dramatically reduce the power and towing ability of the truck. They will give you just over 1" more ground clearance which might help a little in an off road situation. But you're going to be disappointed in the towing capability. It will probably still handle something in the 3000-3500 lb range, but not anything much heavier. The engine will struggle more and you'll spend more time in lower gears.

The standard "P" series tires that come on the truck are rated for more weight than the truck can come close to handling. That isn't the issue. But if you drive off road, or even on unimproved gravel and dirt roads an "E" series tire is going to be a lot tougher and less likely to be damaged by rocks or other road debris.

Personally I'd split the difference and go 265/75/16's in an "E" rated tire. They usually fit with no modification to the truck and being about 1" taller give a little more aggressive appearance without giving up as much power.

 

Ya don't want to do trimming or any more lifting. I read somewhere (would have to go back and look) that 285s would fit just fine on a leveled Tacoma but from what I have heard so far that would be a bad idea so thanks for that. That is no longer an option for me. I will be looking into the 265's for sure as I don't want to diminish the 6500 lb towing capacity.

 

75s on 16s you will want to keep the pressure up and that may run into issues of fitment especially under load on 285s.

 

@nd4spdbh and @Marshall R are right, I used to have a Jeep with 285’s in an E Load and towing was definitely a drag. I’ve since done extensive towing including some heavy loads with the Tacoma with 265s in regular P rated Cooper tires and had no issues. I’d consider an E load tire for the truck just for kicks someday, I liked the stiffness they add to the ride quality, but definitely not in 285’s.

 

Ya not gonna do the 285's any longer. Would this same fitment issue you speak of be an issue on the 265's? I haven't heard anything previous to this about low pressure causing issues.

 

I aired up my rear tires for towing which helps with the way everything feels, but I did wear out the center of my tires faster that way. That would be my reason for wanting to try E load, but I’m sure gas mileage would suffer.

 

I am going through Discount Tire, always have had good experiences there so will like go back for my next pair. Found these two options online that I like. The Michelin's mentioned earlier but not sure I want to spend 200 each tire. I found these other two options that seem would give what I want, thoughts?

PATHFINDER AT
265 /75 R16 116T SL OWL
$128 ea

COOPER DISCOVERER ATP
265 /75 R16 116T SL OWL
$148 ea

 

I’ve wanted to pull the trigger on the Michelin’s too but just can’t with that price tag, though the consensus seems to be they’re worth it. I’ve run Cooper Discoverer ATWs and the AT3 4S instead so far and have been quite pleased. My Jeep had the Cooper S/Ts and my dad has the regular AT3’s and all have impressed, so I guess I’m a Cooper tire guy now haha. No experience with the ATPs though.

 

Yes highway mileage would take a big hit but city, not so much from my experience.

 

Stock is 265/70r16 at 30.4 diameter 8.5 width and the 265/75r16 is 31.6 and 8.0 and it will alter your speedo.
I have towed max weight on stock P metric and they are fine. Michelin LTX A/T2s good all around. But yes, pricey.
Discount had for $186 and look at all others ads as they will match and holidays my see a $100 off coupon from Michelin.

 

Good info in this thread and honestly 265/75R16s look fantastic. They fill the wheel well really well and give a noticeably more aggressive look. Plus so many tires are made in the size with E ply for a stronger tire. E ply tires are pretty damn heavy though so watch the weight despite looking at the smaller tires. Check out C ply too, they're still tough with 6 plies, not 10 and generally speaking MUCH lighter.

 

@muddog321 mentioned in a post above that the SpeedO will be altered if 265/75R/16s are installed. Is that what you all have found to be the case and if so by how much?

 

The tire calculator on this site is a really good indicator, albeit not entirely accurate because all tire brands vary slightly, of speedometer differences. It won't be a lot though, stock size 265/70R16s to my 255/85R16s was only 7.19%

 

265/70/R16 to 265/75/R16 is about 3% difference in diameter of the tire. When I made the change to 265/75/R16 I found the speedo is more accurate per gps.

 

keep in mind it’s not just the speedometer, if that were the case I’ve had bumped up to 265/75’s as well. What’s held me back with 265/70’s is that it also affects your ODOmeter as well at the same rate, and for my use I value an accurate odometer.