Looking for advice on Tires...

[MagnoliaOverland]

I should mention first that I am 100% sure this discussion has been had 1,000 times amongst some of you but I'm brand new so take some pity on me.

I've mentioned in other threads that i'm fairly new to overlanding. I have a fair amount of experience in the general off road realm (mostly mud as I grew up in North Alabama) but I feel like I grew up in a world of bigger is always better when it comes to tires. This world of overloading obviously meshes the capability of the rig with the comfort of the rig and also the economical side of the rig (or mpg's).

I am planning to start building out a 2009 Lexus GX470 for general overlanding use and I find myself torn over tires (how big to go). I see other rigs here and on other sites that seem to be setting a standard at 285/70/17. Some of you may or may not know that on the GX, 285's require a generous lift and even then some cutting, trimming, and over all squeezing to fit. I'm leaning more towards a 265 or 275 tire but I also want it to be capable.

So the question is for all you experienced folks out there...how many times have you been left wishing you had a bigger tire and on the other side of that coin how many times have you been left wishing you maybe had a smaller tire?

Is bigger really necessary or is it just a convenience?

 

[Steve]

Mike,

I believer the GX470 is similar under it all to the 4th generation 4Runner, is it not? The T4R.org has separate forums for each generation of 4Runner, and you might find more in depth answers there. Be sure to do a thorough search before asking. There is a *lot* of information to be gleaned there, but the response to an oft asked question can at times be quite harsh.

On the 5th generation 4Runner, a lot of us are running the BFG KO2 all terrain tire. My 4Runner (which came with 265/70-17 all-season tires) has stock suspension, and easily fits 275/70-17 KO2s. 285s can be squeezed in with some fender liner manipulation. The Lexus has a bit more plastic around the wheel, so I can see why they might not fit as well. Take a look at 265 or 275 KO2s and see if they meet your need.

Here's larger merged thread of previous tire threads for your perusal: https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/what-tires-do-you-like-merged-thread.169/

Steve

 

[ASNOBODY]

This is arguably the most crucial decision you will make with ANY vehicle…but I feel suspension is very much up there as well in off road/overland situations. Bigger isn't always better IMO. I'd rather have a smaller well built tire with an appropriate tread pattern/compound and better road manners with more suspension travel than a larger tire. Some things to consider that I'm sure you've already thought about (beyond them just fitting) are lower MPG's and is re-gearing necessary...

That being said… I run 285/70r17 BFG KO2 in the winter and 305/70r17 BFG KM2 in the summer….and yes, I had to do some work (lift, body mount chop, upper control arm and good alignment) to make them fit and be useful. lol

You should be more than fine with a 265 tire. Again, it all depends what tire you get not necessarily what size.

 

[MagnoliaOverland]

Mike,

I believer the GX470 is similar under it all to the 4th generation 4Runner, is it not? The T4R.org has separate forums for each generation of 4Runner, and you might find more in depth answers there. Be sure to do a thorough search before asking. There is a *lot* of information to be gleaned there, but the response to an oft asked question can at times be quite harsh.

On the 5th generation 4Runner, a lot of us are running the BFG KO2 all terrain tire. My 4Runner (which came with 265/70-17 all-season tires) has stock suspension, and easily fits 275/70-17 KO2s. 285s can be squeezed in with some fender liner manipulation. The Lexus has a bit more plastic around the wheel, so I can see why they might not fit as well. Take a look at 265 or 275 KO2s and see if they meet your need.

Here's larger merged thread of previous tire threads for your perusal: https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/what-tires-do-you-like-merged-thread.169/

Steve

Steve,

Thanks for your advice. It is the same 120 platform as the 4th gen 4Runner however I do think your right about it being a bit tougher to fit those bigger tires.

I'm leaning towards a 275 with a very mild 1.5-2 inch lift with the goal their mainly to level the current rake out and get some heavier duty springs for more weight allowance.

I was just curious if their is a gold standard size tire that people see as the best combo of capability/economy/comfort. I realize that's a stretch.

 

[MagnoliaOverland]

This is arguably the most crucial decision you will make with ANY vehicle…but I feel suspension is very much up there as well in off road/overland situations. Bigger isn't always better IMO. I'd rather have a smaller well built tire with an appropriate tread pattern/compound and better road manners with more suspension travel than a larger tire. Some things to consider that I'm sure you've already thought about (beyond them just fitting) are lower MPG's and is re-gearing necessary...

That being said… I run 285/70r17 BFG KO2 in the winter and 305/70r17 BFG KM2 in the summer….and yes, I had to do some work (lift, body mount chop, upper control arm and good alignment) to make them fit and be useful. lol

You should be more than fine with a 265 tire. Again, it all depends what tire you get not necessarily what size.

I'm on a limited budget with two very young kiddos so I am afraid to get into needing upgraded UCA's and all that mess. I want to do extensive traveling but I doubt I'll find myself on the rubicon with this rig.

 

[ASNOBODY]

I'm on a limited budget with two very young kiddos so I am afraid to get into needing upgraded UCA's and all that mess. I want to do extensive traveling but I doubt I'll find myself on the rubicon with this rig.

As a father of two teenagers who consume everything in sight and keep getting larger and outgrowing everything despite my best efforts to limit their growth, I totally understand. Get GOOD tires that fit, simple as that :)

 

[BCBrian]

On my previous rig, a Nissan Frontier, I only went up to 265/75-16s from 265/70-16s and ran a lot of difficult trails. On my X, I have less lift but was able to fit 285s with a little melt mod on the fender liner combined with a small modification to the metal behind it. My current lift is only about 1.50"s but the reduced wheel base and slightly taller tires help a lot. I like the fact that I am not lifted more and appreciate the stability while off road.

I agree with ASNOBODY, a good tire in the smaller size will work fine. I love my DuraTracs and highly recommend them. They are quiet on the road and shine in the dirt and can handle snow pretty well too.

Good Luck with your decision!