Question Off-road tire selection

[Climber76]

I have a new 09 double cab 4x4 SR-5 that will be used for around town, highway trips, and hunting and camping in the mountain west. I will be driving on gravel roads, mountain roads with lots of rock and rocky-outcroppings, and some mud/snow including greasy clay. The OE tires are the Dunlop AT-20s and I plan to swap them out for something that will be better for rock/mud/snow.

I have friends who think I should ditch P-spec tires and go with an LT tire, based on having seen p-spec tires come apart on rocky roads. Those of you who drive regularly on gravel and rock, how much does an LT tire help against punctures/exploding tires? I noted that most of the LTs available in my size 245/75-16 are E load rating, which seems like overkill and might be hard on brakes and shocks. These things weigh up to 12 lbs. more than the stock tires, that is 49 lbs. vs. 37 lbs. I was thinking in terms of the Bridgestone Revo Load C, but wasn't sure whether that would offer a meaningful improvement in durability v. a P-spec tire (which in the Revo is just 2 lbs lighter, 39 v. 41 lbs).

I would particularly appreciate feedback from any of you who have had p-spec tires come apart while driving on gravel roads or on rock, or who have put on E-rated tires, to comment on ride, mileage, affect on shocks or brakes.

Thanks alot -- I know this overlaps with some previous threads on tires but I particularly wanted to address to gravel/rocky roads issue.

[05Moose]

No comment on specific tires, but consider switching to the other stock tire size if it opens up a lot of tire options. I switched from the 245/75-16 years ago to the 265/70-16 (and wish I'd gone with the 265/75 since that would have eliminated my speedo error).

[Splicer]

Yup... 245/75-16 is virtually the same height as 265/70-16. 265/75-16 is ~1" taller (about 3%) and is the tallest tire that you can safely fit with no mods. Moose is right about that being pretty much what you need to correct the speedometer, too.

Personally, I would avoid LR-E on a Tacoma (weight, stiffness, fuel use...). LR-C would be an improvement over P-metric in rocky terrain because of better puncture resistance, and LR-D might not be too bad.... a lot of guys are running them in BFGs, Nittos etc.

There are quite a few tire threads... try searching and you'll find lots of good reading -- and more than a few opinions.

And welcome to TS from NorCal!

[megamole]

I am running p265/70/R17 Nitto Terra Grapplers on my 05 double cab with no modifications to the suspension or body. They are a little noisey, but run pretty well. They are as loud or louder than my jeeps 33/12.50/15 Goodyear MTRs that are half worn. You can also feel that weight difference from the Dunlops when you first get them, but then you get used to it. A much more stout tire than the Dunlops as well. Looks more suited for the truck.