What tire size and model for these very specific needs?

[Precision]

Ok so I think I'm going to bail on the ideal of getting 31x10.5x15s but need help with an alternate tire size and brand/model for this specific application.

Vehicle: 2000 5.0 XLT AWD

-I'm never going to lift

-I drive 60 miles a day to/from work and most of it is highway

-I live in New England and see a lot of snow, mud and trail terrain

-I want a versatile tire size that is still going to be a good value
(Once you hit a certain size prices sky rocket, what a a good size for my needs and the best value?)

-I don't want retreads

-Tire size that will look good considering the size of the rig

-I plan in doing lite tasteful off road friendly mods

Here are tires I have experience with:

Goodyear Dura Trac: my top choice but just soooo expensive
BFG All-Terrain: they get too gummed up with mud
Hankook Dynapro ATM: nice tire but only a 2 ply
Toyo Open Country AT: again get too gummed up with mud

I've seen some nice looking Goodyear wrangler tires but some look more aggressive than others yet I can't seem to figure out specific models and pricing

 

[Combat_Medic]

General Grabber AT2

I've never had a tire do so well in varied terrain and still be perfectly competent for city/highway driving. Pricing is very good for what you get and it should include a solid warranty. They look great and perform better. Check out the prices and see if you like that as well - I did.

My first set was 31x10.5, but my next will be 265/75r16.

 

[Precision]

I've never had a tire do so well in varied terrain and still be perfectly competent for city/highway driving. Pricing is very good for what you get and it should include a solid warranty. They look great and perform better. Check out the prices and see if you like that as well - I did.

My first set was 31x10.5, but my next will be 265/75r16.

I've considered those, however what size would you recommend instead of a 31x10.5 for an unlifted AWD? I'll be running stock 15s

 

[Combat_Medic]

Additionally...

I should mention that I'm going 265/75 for load range and height. You might want to check out the General Grabber AT2 in 265/70r16 if you are wanting a 31x10.5 size - This size is covered with a 60,000 mile warranty and has an SL load range. It's also significantly cheaper than what I'm getting.

Love me some AT2s...

 

[Combat_Medic]

http://www.generaltire.com/tires/custom-rides/grabber-at2#Specs

 

[Precision]

I don't want a 31x10.5 I want a more versitile off road/on road size for an unlifted AWD that won't kill my already crap mpg, but will be a good size for off road use as well as being priced well and good for a lot of ON road driving too. The stock size is a 235/75 15 I think. I have 15 inch stockers that I'm keeping. The stock size looks dumb though, this rig is too big for them I think. Stock size tire rack wants $115 each.

 

[Combat_Medic]

Well

My farm is about 33 miles out of town so I feel you on the mpg aspect. I've never run anything smaller than a 31x10.5 on any of my rigs(XJs, F-series, Navajo) though so I guess I can't help ya

 

[Precision]

Some must have experience with an alternate size

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

You won't be able to have everything you want in one tire, and also seem pretty indecisive. I live in NB, just across the border from Maine, and see my fair share of snow, cold temps, light off road, rain in the winter, terrible road conditions, the list goes on. On my old stock ride height '96 XL, I had 30 x 9.5 BFG A/T's, and absolutely loved them. Great in the winter, great for light off road use, with a pretty tough sidewall. Get these, they're a little loud on the highway, but that's why your stereo has a volume knob! Sure they might get caked with mud a little during light off road, but that means the treads are gripping the terrain and doing their job. I assume you have car washes in New England?

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

In my experience the Toyo A/T's offer similar performance with slightly reduced highway noise. If you're going to run one set of tires all year, don't go too wide or they'll float on top of the snow instead of digging in properly. I routinely drove through unplowed roads with almost 2 feet of fresh snow with the BFG's and never got stuck once.

 

[Precision]

30x9.5 seems like a good size no?

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

Get the BFG A/T's in 30 x 9.50 R15.