TeCKis300

Looking to change things up and switch my factory Michelin tires for some AT Tires. Anyone have experience with how much the ride quality changes with 10-ply AT tires in load range E? I'm hoping that since the LX570 already deals with the quiet firm low profile 20" wheel/tire, that it'll handle load range E truck tires well.

Specifically, I'd like to fit some Toyo Open Country AT2 tires, in 295/55/20 on the stock wheel. This is almost a 33" tire that is incrementally wider than stock. To better handle snow country when skiing, towing, and of course some overlanding.

hankinid

My experience is with 16's on an '01 LX and 18's on a '13 Cruiser. Ride quality feels better, maybe due to a more compliant sidewall.

If you're serious about driving in snow, get a second set of wheels and mount dedicated winter tires. The AT2's are marvelous in snow, Blizzak VM2's on the Cruiser are mind-blowing. It definitely would not hurt to consider 18" wheels, in fact I'd highly recommend them.

Chocolate

I have E-Load Michelin Defender LTX in 285/70/17 on the RWs. This helped convince me to go with them (same tire, just earlier version):

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/...-miles.404359/

Ride is definitely improved over the stock Dunlop P285/50/20 (which were already good - smoother than the GX 460 I drove with 18"), along with other improvements, the Toyos have a more aggressive tread pattern though.

I agree with hankinid, the 18s are widely available for so cheap that if you're spending the money for new tires anyway, something you should consider. 18" take-offs can be found for a few hundred. Remember that you'll always be getting shallower tread with 20s compared to 17/18s which is a big factor for me.

TeCKis300

Thanks for the comments guys. To give you some perspective, I previously had an '06 LX470 which I upgraded to AT tires. I had 305/60/18 Nitto Terra Grappler (v1) tires. Just short of a 33" AT tire (32.5"). Great tire that I put 50k+ miles, and still had a lot of tread when I sold them. Those NTG's were P-rated, albeit in extra load flavor. Ride did not suffer at all. It was certainly a more aggressive tire, but the fact that I upsized and added more sidewall made the ride just fine. Only barely louder on the highway. Still great handling.

I'm in Southern California so a set of winter tires is not justified. Though I do visit the mountains in winter time to ski regularly, hence the desire for a somewhat competent winter tire.

I'm hoping to do a similar upgrade for the LX570. Tire sizes are somewhat more limited in 20", but there are still plenty of choices. And I personally like the design of the OEM wheels. So looking for a well balanced 33" tire that will still give me great drivability, with a bit more capability all around. Most of them in the 33" diameter size I'm looking for are load range E. Which is just fine as I do tow every now and them.

Just hoping that the suspension on the LX570 deals with stiff side walls well, and looking for some feedback from anyone that's done the switch.

terrymc

Another thought if you are not locked into having an AT tire is the Michelin Defenders are available in a 285/60 20 which gives a 33.5" tall tire and they are E rated.
They also have the deeper tread depth.
Just a thought, that is what I am going to mount next on my Tundra that has the platinum 20 " wheels.

For reference I ran Open Country AT's for years and for an AT tire they were not bad on noise and ride.
But they are not even close to the Defenders for quiet and smoothness, they are the best I have used ever.

Chocolate

.Those would rub like a mother****** Though they may fit on a Tundra.

32.7" just barely touches the front wheel well at full lock.

For reference, here's a 305/70/17 (sitting in front of the other tire) which is 33.8."



https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/305...wheels.936123/

terrymc

Not surprising on the LX but from what I have read they should clear on the Tundra and I have run 33" tires before with no issue, so .5" may or may not create issues.
If it does the spot is usually the wheel well liner which can be trimmed a little on bigger tires.

But man do those Rock Warrior wheels look bad *** next to the LX!

Gordj

I have 18" AT2 Michelins on my '08 LandCruiser and I found that they were a little harsher riding than the Latitudes that came with it. My LX has Latitudes but I am going to put AT2's on it because I intend to pull a travel trailer up the Dempster Highway to Inuvik this summer and the 10 ply's will keep me in a more peaceful state of mind. The AT2's come in 285/55/20 which should fit fine.

ClaytonW

I also have AT2 but 275/65R18. They would be probably harsher than Latitudes in the same size but comparing to original 21" low profile tires, they are more comfortable :-) Quite good off-road.

TeCKis300

Now that I've got LT load E tires fitted, thought I'd come back and add impressions for future reference.

Pleasantly surprised by the ride quality on LT load E tires! There's an added layer of softness over road irregularities that didn't exist with the stock, relatively low profile tires. There are a bit more secondary (truckish) motions with the added unsprung weight, and very low level tire noise as fwy speeds, but well within expectations.

Some of the impressions are likely specific to the tires, and larger size I'm using, so take the feedback with a grain of salt. Credit really goes to the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W as I choose them for their better manners. Though they are big and heavy at 305/55/20 (33.2"x12.4") and 71 lbs.

Max707

Big time added unsprung weight 71 pound tires how are you liking them after some additional time driving on them

Max707

I know one member runs 275/60/20 BFG AT KO2's and another is running 275/60/20 Michelin LTX M/S2's, with no problem on stock wheels. If you check pricing it is also better on this size 33", gives a balanced look.

SamNBrown

Hi all--Sorry to be late to this party. I'd be curious for a longer-term perspective on running 305/55/20s on the stock wheels and suspension. Any interference with suspension or steering? Any impacts on wheel bearings or other driveline components from extra width and weight? Thanks!