tire/wheel opinions

[NewTrac17]

Now that I have been driving around with a body lift and stock tires/rims for a week, I am looking at upgrading.

Not sure about the tire size yet because I don't want to go too big and start destroying my truck, plus I would like to maintain the most stock performance possible. I only dive about 5 miles a day, but would still like to be able to pass cars on the highway during road trips. I would also like the maximum amount of ground clearance I can get for off-roading.

Right now I am considering kelly safari tsr 285/70/17 tires. Just over 33". Load range D. I know a few people with these tires and they love them. $200 each and $85 shipping for 4 tires. http://www.onlinetires.com/products/vehicle/tires/kelly/285%2F70-17+kelly+safari+tsr++bsl.html More information http://www.treaddepot.com/group/stsr.html

I like the MB TKO matte black rims, 01STrunner had these, in either 17X8.5 5-114.3 -6MTB or 17X8.5 5-114.3 18MTB. $120 each from discount tire. The only difference is offset. The reason I like these rims is because they are popular, so if I mess one up, then I can find another.

Let the opinions come!!! Thanks

 

[OffTrac]

Consider that ground clearance gained between a 32" tire and 33" tire is only .5". Pull out a tape measure and see how much you think that is going to make a difference off road. No trimming required if that concerns you. The trimming if you go 33" is really minimal, though, and is non-cosmetic.

Having seen 01STrunner's truck with those wheels on it, I can say that they do look very good. Rugged but not steel wheel boring nor look at me kind of wheels. The look very good.

Have you considered Treadwright?
https://www.treadwright.com/individual-product/187/GUARD%20DOG-285-70R17.00-D

 

[NewTrac17]

Consider that ground clearance gained between a 32" tire and 33" tire is only .5". Pull out a tape measure and see how much you think that is going to make a difference off road. No trimming required if that concerns you. The trimming if you go 33" is really minimal, though, and is non-cosmetic.

Having seen 01STrunner's truck with those wheels on it, I can say that they do look very good. Rugged but not steel wheel boring nor look at me kind of wheels. The look very good.

Have you considered Treadwright?
https://www.treadwright.com/individual-product/187/GUARD%20DOG-285-70R17.00-D

Good point on the ground clearance. My current tire is about 30", so 33" wouldn't raise it much. Maybe 3" of lift after tires and TT. Shouldn't affect performance by much.

How do you like your Treadwrights? Are they re-treads and how many miles do you have on yours?

 

[OffTrac]

They are retreads. That scares some people away and I was hesitant for a while but the cost savings on five 35" tires made it worth the trial and I gotta say I have not been disappointed. They do have a two year workmanship warranty and from I've read are very responsive to customers if they have a problem (which was hard to find examples of online).

I don't really know how many miles because I don't keep up with mileage on this truck but I'd guess about 5k miles in a year and a half, so admittedly not much. They've been great, though, and are wearing evenly and balanced easier than the BFG KM2s they replaced.

Just thought I'd toss out another tire option.

 

[NewTrac17]

They are retreads. That scares some people away and I was hesitant for a while but the cost savings on five 35" tires made it worth the trial and I gotta say I have not been disappointed. They do have a two year workmanship warranty and from I've read are very responsive to customers if they have a problem (which was hard to find examples of online).

I don't really know how many miles because I don't keep up with mileage on this truck but I'd guess about 5k miles in a year and a half, so admittedly not much. They've been great, though, and are wearing evenly and balanced easier than the BFG KM2s they replaced.

Just thought I'd toss out another tire option.

Definitely going to consider treadwright tires because of the price and from your personal experience.

 

[2TimingTom]

The Kelly's look like they would be horrible in snow. I wouldn't have too much braking confidence with them- really big tread blocks.

I use to have 30" BFG AT tires. They are narrow and have the snowflake symbol. Those 2 things should make for a good snow tire. They sucked. Now that I have big, wide 33s BFG ATs, I don't drive it in the street in the snow- the trail, yes. My AWD Mariner works just fine for around town in the snow. I know some people love this tire in the snow, but I was less than impressed. They'll accelerate like a scalded dog, but don't stop very well.

Have you looked at Goodyear Duratracs? Those are super popular- great offroad, good in the snow, good on the street.

 

[OffTrac]

Ooh, yes, good point. I didn't even consider snow because I'm in Georgia. I cannot say a single thing about Treadwright tires in snow. They do well in heavy rain and Lord knows we've had plenty of that in Georgia this winter/spring; I haven't hyrdoplaned once.

 

[NewTrac17]

Based on reviews and friends with the kelly's, they seem to do good in the snow. Wider tires might be harder to control in the snow, but I only have a short drive to school, so not too concerned.

Duratracs are another tire I have looked into, but are pricey. Kelly is made by Goodyear, and many say the safari tsr are very similar to duratracs.

The KM2's seem like a hard tire to control in the snow.

Keep the opinions coming!