(Pun intended)
I’m starting to look at getting a new set of tires for my truck. I’m pretty sold on the BFG KO2s, but brand/model is not exactly what I would like help with; there are a lot of options for load ratings, speed ratings, section widths, and aspect ratios. For reference, these will be going on an F-150 and my stock tires are 265/70R17.
I’m considering stepping up the overall diameter a little bit, but I’m having trouble determining what section width I should go for; should I look for a wider tire, similar, or narrower? I have a feeling one direction would be better than another for the general PNW area.
I also have the option to step up to an LT tire. This will give me thicker sidewalls (more protection?), but a harsher ride normally and less flex when aired down. Any thoughts?
I think there are similar trade offs for the load range. I can go higher for what I presume is better durability, but then the tire is heavier and less conforming to the terrain.
I’d appreciate any wisdom anyone with some more experience in this area has to share, I’m used to 2wd and not considering off road conditions when selecting tires.
Running a set of 265/75/R16 Falken Wildpeak AT3W on my frontier. Just a hare over 32" tall, amazing wet and snow performance, with a nice ride and great road manners with low noise on dry pavement. (MUCH less expensive than the KO2s)
Bigger tires don't automatically mean worse fuel economy either. Depending on your driving habits and how your truck is geared, it's possible for it to improve your highway mileage due to the increased ratio.
I have not looked too close into what is possible yet, but it seems most people run into issues when going bigger (2+ inches) and changing the offset with new wheels or spacers to get a "stanced" look.
I can calibrate the ODO/speedometer so I am not too worried about going bigger in diameter, but I also don't want to ruin my fuel economy more than I have to. That will probably be a balance I will have to decide for myself.
I also have LTs (Load Range E). If it works out though, next time around I'd go with a Load Range D. You do lose 2 plies, but generally a D tire has greater tread depth than an E tire.
As far as what size to go with, the place to start is seeing what you can fit. Do you want to go bigger? Can you fit bigger with your current width? Just because the tire doesn't touch anything wih the wheels pointing straight and the suspension sitting at neutral height doesn't mean they fit. Will they still fit at full bump with a wheels cranked hard over? If not, you may want to look into a skinnier tire to get a larger diameter.
Off pavement use will benefit from the switch to the LT rating. Forestry road travel will expose tender sidewalls to a dizzying array of pointy things that can get to them when aired down for comfort. Even running 3 ply walls I lose a tire a year to sidewall damage. Tread type, diameter and section width appear to be religious topics so I'll leave that to those ordained.