FJ Cruisers of Northern California

New tires - I need advice

Hi, I had another flat tire last weekend while I was exploring the area near the 108 (by the way - that place is fantastic!)

Three of the tires I have right now are very used (and are still the stock ones).

I have a possible solution in mind: Nitto Terra Grappler AT 285/75R16 (I have 16" rims)

Any advice? I do not think I need MT tires, after all I do not do much rock crawling, most of my trips are just in very remote areas in Death Valley or other deserts, but of course I do not want to get something that would not allow to enjoy Moab a little, for example.

bye! Thanks
Alessio

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Permalink Reply by Bz on September 7, 2010 at 9:21pm

$ 199.00 ProComp Tires 285/75/16

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Permalink Reply by PBn'FJ on September 7, 2010 at 10:40pm

Ask dapit about the Nitto Terra Grapplers, he just bought a set in 315 for his swagger wagon.

I was looking at Goodyear Duratracs but they are likely to be more expensive than the Nitto TG's.

I've run Moab last 2 years on Toyo AT's and never thought I really needed a MT

Definitely need to go with 285 size at a minimum.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on September 8, 2010 at 6:55am

You say "at minimum", do you think there is another size I should consider?

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Permalink Reply by Ranger Jim on September 8, 2010 at 8:14am

I'm running Cooper Discoverer ATR's in 285/17's, I've gone all over on these, Mendo Forest, Pismo, Hwy 101 Ha Ha, Go with an AT, MT's wear WAAAAY too fast on pavement and are a waste as an everyday tire. IMO.
As far as size, get the biggest tire you can run without rubbing, it will give you the most clearance.

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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on September 8, 2010 at 8:18am

The Nitto's have been great so far. Very quiet tires and fairly cheap. I'd get the Nitto's, BFG AT's, or Duratracs if you're looking for AT's. For the amount of time I spend on the road (and being a DD) it was worth while for me to go AT's. 285/75/16 in the nittos are under 33" (I think 32.6") so think about going with the 295/75/16 or 315/75/16.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on September 8, 2010 at 9:16am

Interesting, do you have a source for all sorts of measurements? The spec numbers alone are evidently not enough to really understand the real size; now the "bigger" sizes you mention may create problems with rubbing, etc?

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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on September 8, 2010 at 10:37am

the rubbing issues can be worked out. Go to Nitto's web site or any other tire mfg you're interested in. They typically will have spec sheets.

But here is what I've got on the Nittos TG
285/75/16: 32.76"Diam x 11.42"W
295/75/16: 33.27"Diam x 11.73"W
305/70/16: 32.68"Diam x 12.40"W
315/75/16: 34.49"Diam x 12.32"W

BTW, it looks like they offer a D and E rated tire in the 285. Personally, I'd go witht the D

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on September 8, 2010 at 10:46am

Why D? E should be sturdier, right?

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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on September 8, 2010 at 10:57am

IMO, E is too stiff for the weight of the FJ but would differ by tire mfg. E would be more rough of an on-road ride compared to D rated tire of the same model. Airing down a D tire will allow more flex too. It's up to you though. I ran E rated MTR's and they rode too rough on the street.

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Permalink Reply by FJK on September 8, 2010 at 4:33pm

I have E rated Terra Grapplers, they don't seem harsh at all on the road, running at about 40psi. If you come down to the Santa Cruz area I'll give you a test ride, if you like.