Follow Up: Towing in What Gear and Nittos

[crah]

Ok. I just came back from the Grand Canyon again. My average mileage (computer only) was 8.6 miles per gallon on the way there (towing in 4th gear with cruise on). Shutting cruise off for hills that cause downshifting. 10.6 miles per gallon on the way back. Only difference than our usual trip is that we had 2 more passengers and their luggage. (Have done this trip at least 12 times) It's about +-4500 ft. elevation change. It was a little windy on the way back. I think 9.6 average is not too bad, but it's about 1 mpg lower than what I got on my previouse trip a week earlier. My tire pressure the week earlier was 45 psi front, and 55 psi rear. That may have effected the change.

285 65 18 Nitto Terra Grapplers (E Rated) follow up. Pressure was about 39 in front and 50 in rear this time. No sagging in tires. Still noticed a considerable amount of sway. (It could have been from the wind), but my old P rated michelins seemed better. It could all be in my head of course.

I changed out to the BFG AT KO's today, but do not have a chance to tow for a couple of more weeks. 10 miles of unloaded weight with the BFG's at 40psi all around seem to sway less than the Nittos. Again it may just be in my head. I will see how it does with the 5th wheel and report back.

[Only Toyota for me]

This is good info. Thanks.

Let us know how the new K/O's compare.

[mudfuel07]

I think you'll be really suprised at how well the BFG's handle when towing. I had the Nitto Dune Grapplers adn switching to the BFG's made a night and day difference, the only bad thing is that BFG is sure proud of their tire.

[TundraBay]

Originally Posted by mudfuel07

I think you'll be really suprised at how well the BFG's handle when towing. I had the Nitto Dune Grapplers adn switching to the BFG's made a night and day difference, the only bad thing is that BFG is sure proud of their tire.

= They charge like brain surgeons for this tire.

I had the BFG AT T/A KO tires on my Nissan Pathfinder, my 2500 Ram, and now my Tundra. I never wore out the set on the Nissan even after 80,000 miles. On the Ram, I switched off winter/summer (used the BFG winters and Michelin LTX summers) and I ALWAYS looked forward to winter for the better handling (in my mind anyway) of the BFGs.

Sure, they're pricey. The one mitigating factor is I expect to get 50,000 miles on this set. I'm approaching 40,000 miles, and can start to see some wear. Probably I'll need a new set this fall another $1,200.00!