Tire Suggestions, Fitment and Load range

Good morning all,
I realize this is one of many ongoing questions here on TW and there are tons of threads already started regarding this subject, many of which I have already read through adn researched, this is more for personal opinion and suggestions.

In June I will be swapping out my stock leaf packs with an AAL to OME Dakars, swapping out the iron man shocks with Billstein 5100's and losing my 265/70/16 rugged terrains for a set of 285/75/16 all terrains (set of coil overs and strut replacements already installed). I used to run BFG All Terrain KO's on all of my 1 tons in the past however as I have been researching the newer ko2's and I have noticed that they only become available in that size with a load E rating. I have seen folks who love them, and folks who wish they'd considered a different tire due to the loss in MPG, performance and braking.

I will be embarking on a 4 week cross country camping trip in the coming months, purchasing a hard shell camper top and living out of my truck for a month or so. My question is this; With the truck (2012 AC TRD) as a daily driver and commuter for my Wife (30-45 min each way) would you guys recommend going with a tire like a nitto terra grappler (285/75/16) in a load D rating, deeming it a bit lighter yet still capable of versatile terrain? During our trip we will be going all over the pacific north west, northern Montana, the Dakotas, so on and so forth encountering all types of weather and terrain. Mostly on road driving with some very light trail and off road driving at times. I want the tires for their size, and versatility but do not need an extremely aggressive tire that's going to kill Fuel consumption, braking and motor performance (V6) I am going for more of the subtly beefy look, nothing too extensive.

Any suggestions and or pictures of a similar setup would be greatly appreciated. While the days of large lifts and mud tires are still fun, I have become a bit more conservative in recent years and need to remain practical.

Thank you all in advance for your pictures stories and opinions.

-Pete

 

I have been doing some similar research
here are some reviews I googled so far

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/wheels-tires/129-1204-4x4-tire-guide/

http://www.offroaders.com/reviewbox/showcat.php?cat=4

http://expeditionportal.com/where-the-rubber-meets-the-road/

http://www.fourwheeler.com/product-reviews/1309-biggest-little-tire-test/

http://www.consumersearch.com/suv-tires/best-all-terrain-truck-tires

 

Most 285s are E rated and I'd rather spend more in gas than chance a C rated tire on a remote camping trip. I've also had many mud tires but I only wanted all terrains on the Tacoma. I went with the ko2 because it seems to have the most aggressive a/t tread pattern compared to other tires such as the terra grappler. Yes mpgs dropped a bit and so did acceleration. But it was worth the trade off. Don't forget you will probably need to do some minor trimming and a cab mount chop, I did. OME 887s with full Dakar on 285/70r17
Sorry pic wouldn't post.

 

Duratracs. They are the best fitment it seems for your needs. A little on the aggressive side for an all terrain but wonderful on and off road and great in just about every weather condition. People complain about the loss of traction in rain. It's bull shit only lose traction if you stomp on the gas from a stop other than that they handle great through everything

 

I suggest these :
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-four-bfg-ko2-285-75-16-650.430205/#post-12380712

 

Thanks for all the replies! @fishfinder i was just taking a look at those - would you consider meeting half way if interested?

 

Where are you located?

 

@fishfinder Downtown San Diego

 

Perhaps. I'm making a trip down to LA on May 18th-ish, if nobody local picks them up by then maybe we could meet?

 

@fishfinder Keep me posted

 

Anyone else have any suggestions or experiences with power and fuel mileage with 285/75/16's ?

 

Just did some looking through some past threads, anyone have an opinion on 265/75/16's?

 

I have them they are a perfect size for a stick truck if you plan on lifting yoy can keep them and it doesn't look really stupid but always looks better with bigger tires

 

@sladesdaddy1022 thanks for the insight, are those the tires you referenced in your media page?

 

I guess so? I'm not sure haha I have 265/75/16 duratracs and they look great and haven't let me down at all

 

Great thanks

 

I'm in the market for new tires this next month or so and still have no idea what I'll go with.....going up to a 17 inch wheel though

 

Confession to make, looks like the rugged terrains I have already are 265/75/16's - after looking a bit closer they look pretty decent as is, replacing the ironman leaf pack with OME Dakar's will most likely give me .75" of lift over what i currently have which is exactly what i was looking for. In an effort not to go over board i may simply run a more aggressive looking all terrain and keep the 265/75/16's - I've seen some great set ups on here. Not having met the previous owner of the truck, from what i can tell with the insight of my local off road shop (SoCal Suspension) i look to be running a 2-3" ironman kit. I don't want to overwhelm the front end so i feel a 265/75/16 will be the perfect option with a 1.25" spacer for a more filled our stance.

Thoughts -Suggestions?

Below is a picture of my set up just before I drove across the country back in September 2015 form Boston to San Diego.