Nitto - Toyo - Weight issues with upsizing?

DKZ71 · March 10, 2015

I am getting closer to making final decisions on my lift package for my SLT DC and was wondering about others' experiences with off road tires. I am pretty sure I will end up with a BDS 4" lift and use the stock GMC 20's. The truck will primarily be on pavement, but I want the off road look of an aggressive tire and I am looking at Nitto Trail Grapplers. Read good things about noise, ride and durability with those, but no first hand experience. Another choice would be Toyo OC AT2 Extreme in a 33" tire (305-55-20). Even though its listed as AT, I was surprised to see that both these tires weigh over 70 pounds a piece! 35's would be even worse.

Does anyone regret going to a load E tire and the extra weight killing performance, and/or mileage? I know you have to pay to play, but I don't want to spend the money and have something that will be a real dog or ride real stiff due to load E tires on the street. I was thinking 33's to avoid re-gearing at this time, but it doesn't look like I will be saving much at these weights. BFG AT or Mickey's might be lighter, but don't have the aggressive looks or positive reviews as the two listed above. Thoughts/comments?

Thanks!

Aldila · March 10, 2015

I'm am a diehard nitto/toyo fan, but they are heavy. They didn't hinder my diesel performance near as bad as my 5.3 motor. Without regearing, it will be sluggish to a turd depending on one's perception. If I would of stayed with gas I was seriously thinking about the Mastercraft mxt. The 305 55 20 weighs 61 pounds. That's a substantial drop in weight. The 35" only weighs 65 pounds. I've seen this tire in person (looks great) and know 2 guys that got 40k/42k out of their sets. I will never put another 70+ pound tire on a stock gas unless it's regeared correctly.

DKZ71 · March 10, 2015

Thanks for the reply. Anyone else have a comment?

hotrodz37 · March 10, 2015

Toyo makes the Open Country AT2 in a 295-55-20 that drops the weight down to 61lbs. The 305-55-20 jump to over 70+ lbs wouldn't be worth the extra width between the two in my opinion.

kstruckcountry · March 10, 2015

The radial momentum difference between those two will be about equivalent to having another passenger in the cab... But remember you're effectively going to a higher "gearing" so your performance is going to suffer either way...

DKZ71 · March 10, 2015

So heavier is not necessarily as bad as taller tires?

jvanwinkle2 · March 11, 2015

I have the stock rims with Toyo at 295/60/20. This is with a level kit. No rubbing. I like them. I do have the 6.2 with 3.73. I am also thinking of going with a 4" lift. Let me know what you go with and how things go with the lift.

Spurshot · March 11, 2015

So heavier is not necessarily as bad as taller tires?

Bingo!

When the tire is changed from the stock street, narrow, light, short, and mild tread tire, to a tall, heavy, wide and aggressive tread, it becomes harder to accelerate the heavier tire/wheel, the increased diameter hinders the mechanical forces from the engine, and the wide and aggressive tread increases the rolling resistance.

Everything about the larger, aggressive tires is working against fuel economy and acceleration.

So, you have to ask yourself...."How bad do I really want the look?"

Rewillia · March 11, 2015

Tire weight - was something I never contemplated when up-sizing to the Toyo OC ATii 295/55/R20's and still don't!

IMO, there are give and takes to any modification. Question should always be is the modification a "must have" or a "nice to have". My tire selection was a "nice to" but was not a necessity.

richard10688 · March 11, 2015

Tread Depot lists Toyo AT2 LT295/60R20 at 62.4 lbs.

Cooper S/T maxx LT305/55R20 comes in at 68 lbs

DKZ71 · March 12, 2015

Lifts and aggressive tires in my situation are "nice to haves". I don't off road, but like the look of an off road truck. There will be trade offs for sure; parking garages, performance, theft target, mileage, etc. etc. I just don't want to end up with something that makes me hate the truck after spending so much money. I wish I could find someone local with the tires to see how they perform. I drove a 6" pro comp with Dick Cepek mud country tires and I didn't find it to be a dog at all (5.3 with 3.42 and no mods). From my research, all aggressive tires are in that 70 pound range I guess. At some point, I will have to go all in.