tires -- what to consider when towing

[tcm]

I'll be needing new tires soon, and would like some thoughts on what I should consider when looking for a new set, since trailering is new to me this year. I've never factored this into buying a set of tires before.

I drive my 2000 Tundra in three different scenarios, all about equal miles over the course of a year:

o towing a 17-ft. aluminum car trailer (~4,500 lbs. total) in non-winter months
o alternate daily driver in non-winter months
o primary daily driver in winter months

I searched around a bit on this towing forum, but couldn't find much on this topic, so maybe the answer is...it doesn't matter--just buy good tires, period.

Thanks in advance.

[Herbicidal]

Not sure if you are still on your stock tires or not, but when mine wore out I went to a set of BFG All Terrains that are actual LT tires, not the P rated tires that come on the Tundra's. The LT's have a much stiffer sidewall and you'll notice the improvement when towing your trailer immediately.

About the only complaint I have with the BFG's are that they tend to clog up a bit with mud or snow. But they have been a great tire for towing our TT which is a 26' Outback. When loaded for camping it weighs in at 5,620 lbs. I use a WD hitch and inflate the truck tires up to 50 lbs, never had a problem. When I'm not towing or carrying stuff in the bed, I run them around 28 psi in the rear and 31 psi in the front.

My other recommendation would be a Hellwig anti-sway bar for the rear of your truck. I have had mine on now for about 4 years and love it!

[mirciulie]

Herbicidal,

I just wonder how the towing is with such a big trailer. I personally love the Outback line. I was looking at the 25RSS or the 21RS model, but they're over 4000# dry and that kind of gave me the chills. How's the gas mileage when you tow that? I'm curious since that's the exact setup that I was thinking a while back, so the data while be pretty acurate.

Also, I was thinking on getting the Hellwig swaybar for the back. I'm researching right now, to see exactly what the benefits are. I know I get plenty body roll, since I LOVE TO Corner FAST and it can be kind of scarry, especially when I have my pop up trailer behind...
If the antisway bar makes a big diffrence in this regard I'll be looking for one soon. THe group buy is still on I think.

Thanx.

Mike

[pistolpete]

Originally Posted by mirciulie

Herbicidal,

I just wonder how the towing is with such a big trailer. I personally love the Outback line. I was looking at the 25RSS or the 21RS model, but they're over 4000# dry and that kind of gave me the chills. How's the gas mileage when you tow that? I'm curious since that's the exact setup that I was thinking a while back, so the data while be pretty acurate.

Also, I was thinking on getting the Hellwig swaybar for the back. I'm researching right now, to see exactly what the benefits are. I know I get plenty body roll, since I LOVE TO Corner FAST and it can be kind of scarry, especially when I have my pop up trailer behind...
If the antisway bar makes a big diffrence in this regard I'll be looking for one soon. THe group buy is still on I think.

Thanx.

Mike

Mike yes the group buy on Hellwig is on till September 9th

[basura]

a few weeks ago - great mod - tracks around corners like my old civic SI

you'll need the TS Hellwig info with photos - then the install is less than 1.5 hours

[Herbicidal]

Originally Posted by mirciulie

Herbicidal,

I just wonder how the towing is with such a big trailer. I personally love the Outback line. I was looking at the 25RSS or the 21RS model, but they're over 4000# dry and that kind of gave me the chills. How's the gas mileage when you tow that? I'm curious since that's the exact setup that I was thinking a while back, so the data while be pretty acurate.

Also, I was thinking on getting the Hellwig swaybar for the back. I'm researching right now, to see exactly what the benefits are. I know I get plenty body roll, since I LOVE TO Corner FAST and it can be kind of scarry, especially when I have my pop up trailer behind...
If the antisway bar makes a big diffrence in this regard I'll be looking for one soon. THe group buy is still on I think.

Thanx.

Mike

Hi Mike!

I’m very happy with our 26RS. By the way, have you found www.Outbackers.com? I’m Herbicidal on that site as well. We have now owned our Outback for 2 years almost to the day. Previously, we owned a StarCraft Starmaster tent trailer. BIG difference going from one to the other. Personally, I wouldn’t want to tow anything longer or heavier with a Tundra. The “finished” weight posted in one of the cabinets for this model was 4,700 lbs. We added a second battery up front, but other than that, it was fully loaded, as in options. I have it properly setup with a weight distributing hitch and 1,000 lbs WD bars. I also upgraded my brake controller to a Prodigy and it works great! In my opinion, the Outback tows just fine. I was a bit nervous the first couple of trips, but now I am comfortable with the set up. I also picked up a set of McKesh mirrors and these extend far enough out that I have a good view beside and behind me. Previously I had a set of strap on mirrors and they honestly don’t compare.

The longest trip for us to date was at the end of July and we drove down I-5, over the Grapevine and camped within 2 miles of Malibu at a state park for a week. We towed the trailer just about 900 miles total. Gas mileage ranged from a low of 8 mpg on our way home to a high of 11 mpg on the way down. Coming home we were going against a head wind and I was driving a little faster than going down. I drive typically around 60 mph or slightly faster and always with OD turned off. I have slightly larger tires than stock, 285’s, so I know I lost a little low-end torque. However, I have since installed a set of JBA headers and the Unichip PnP, so I should have it back and a little more. I also replaced the stock tranny cooler with a larger aftermarket one to get better cooling.

I see others have already given Hellwig the thumbs up! For the relatively inexpensive cost, many have agreed it is the best mod for the $$$. I’ve had mine on now for over 3 years and love it! Since you like to corner fast (and tow a trailer), I would highly recommend it! That is one mod that you will NOT regret.

[mirciulie]

Herbicidal,Thanx for sharing.

I'll check that outbackers site. I kinda of los interest after I've got my pop up trailer. I'm happy to hear that your setup works great. I was pretty nervous about getting such a big trailer, but since I'm budget limited, I drop the idea and got a PU, as I said.

It works great for me right now. I get to store it in my garage, and it's easy to tow, and the mileage drops only 1 or 2 miles.

I will definetly get the antysway bar, as soon I can convince the lady that it's a safety issue and I really need it

[mc71454]

I run 10 Ply Mastercraft Tires (Cooper). I have tried all the rest, and always come back to Coopers. I run the 10 plys at 60 psi cold and the sidewalls are stiff and firm. My trailer weighs 1500 pounds and my race car 3600 pounds. I use a WD hitch and Prodigy controller too. The extra firm HD tires and the increased stability over a 6 ply tire is incredible.

I also plow with my truck and once again the 10 plys up front really help with the weight of the plow on my Bilstein HD's and Progressive rate springs.

I just put the Mastercraft (6 ply's) on my wifes Expedition and they are excellent as well.

The traction and stability in Winter is second to none in a street driveable AT tire.

I have had a dozen different Toyotas in 25 years and the Cooper Discoverer was the best tire on ALL of them. They don't sell that tire under Cooper anymore as it is marketed under their Mastercraft Line.

Just some Real World advice without the BS. I am pretty picky about tires.