Larger Tires - All Season vs All Terrain

[Triangle6887]

Looking at swapping the factory tires on my Mav with something a bit beefier. I'm looking at going up to 245/65R17 from the factory 225/65R17. I'm considering a pair of AT tires (either the Vredestein Pinza or Maxxis Razr) but I've read that I can expect a 1-3mpg decrease by switching to AT tires. Would the loss of MPG be spared at all by going with AS tire instead? I know a bigger tire will always result in worse MPG, but I'm wanting to minimize that MPG loss as much as possible. My truck lives 90% of its life on paved roads and the remaining 10% is gravel or dirt roads when I'm going shooting, camping, fishing, etc. I don't truly take it off roading so AT tires would more of an aesthetic rather than functional thing for me.

Just wondering if anybody knows how different AS and AT tires perform in terms of MPG? If the difference is small enough then I may say MPG be damned and get the AT tires for looks. I can't deny that Mavericks with AT tires look good, but they really aren't practical for my day to day use if I'm going to tank my MPG by doing so.

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[MakinDoForNow]

Looking at swapping the factory tires on my Mav with something a bit beefier. I'm looking at going up to 245/65R17 from the factory 225/65R17. I'm considering a pair of AT tires (either the Vredestein Pinza or Maxxis Razr) but I've read that I can expect a 1-3mpg decrease by switching to AT tires. Would the loss of MPG be spared at all by going with AS tire instead? I know a bigger tire will always result in worse MPG, but I'm wanting to minimize that MPG loss as much as possible. My truck lives 90% of its life on paved roads and the remaining 10% is gravel or dirt roads when I'm going shooting, camping, fishing, etc. I don't truly take it off roading so AT tires would more of an aesthetic rather than functional thing for me.

Just wondering if anybody knows how different AS and AT tires perform in terms of MPG? If the difference is small enough then I may say MPG be damned and get the AT tires for looks. I can't deny that Mavericks with AT tires look good, but they really aren't practical for my day to day use if I'm going to tank my MPG by doing so.

Check out Continental true contact tour 54 tires. They are good low rolling resistance, have good stopping and light snow with est tread wear 70k-80k. I like mine really well. The 225 are more of an SUV load rated lighter weight tire and 235 are more of a "light truck" tire with heavier load rating. I got the 225 as I very seldom have more than 2 occupants and 200 lbs max of cargo.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Choosing 245/65R17 Falken Wildpeak tires is a popular upgrade for mid-sized SUVs and crossovers. In this specific size, you are likely looking at two main models: the heavy-duty A/T4W (the new successor to the legendary A/T3W) or the crossover-specific A/T Trail.

If you want the "off-road look" and maximum snow traction without caring about a slight drop in fuel economy, go with the A/T4W. If you mostly commute on the highway but want a tire that won't pop on a gravel road during a weekend camping trip, the A/T Trail is the smarter, more comfortable buy.

 

[ScottyC]

BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A's are a nice rugged looking choice.

https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/auto/tires/bfgoodrich-trail-terrain-t-a

 

[710-oil-614]

You’re going to see a hit to efficiency.

There are two culprits here - increased weight of the new tire AND increased rolling resistance from a wider tire and a more aggressive tread pattern.

My opinion is that the heavier weight and increased surface area of the tire patch on the road (around 9%) will be more impactful than the tread pattern.

So if you’re married to the 245 size you might as well jump in with both feet and go AT

 

[Cherokee]

The weight of the tire is often overlooked.
You add four pounds per tire you will drop a mpg or two.
You add five or six pounds 2-3 mpg loss.
This line of thinking does not figure in rolling resistance of taller chunkier treads.

If you hear the tire noise your loosing mpg’s.
I’m climbing very steep gravel every time I come home.
My AWD never slips with my stock Michelin Primacy’s. Not one bit, It doesn’t even flip the first rock.
I’m sticking to All Seasons.

For me, It’s about the ride not the looks.
Lone Wolf, I go my own way.
I like my extra sound proofing in my Lariat, especially the sound deadening windshield.
I don’t want to ruin that with tread roar.

My Maverick has a rare look not often seen.
It’s called, ‘Box Stock’ with mud flaps.
:’P

In the defense of AT’s
They will transform your ride,
Five times the off road capabilities,
Way way WAY better looking on any truck, even on our mini trucks.

Real Men want, no as you were.
Real men need chunky treads I say !

 

[Cancunbadlands]

The weight of the tire is often overlooked.
You add four pounds per tire you will drop a mpg or two.
You add five or six pounds 2-3 mpg loss.
This line of thinking does not figure in rolling resistance of taller chunkier treads.

If you hear the tire noise your loosing mpg’s.
I’m climbing very steep gravel every time I come home.
My AWD never slips with my stock Michelin Primacy’s. Not one bit, It doesn’t even flip the first rock.
I’m sticking to All Seasons.

For me, It’s about the ride not the looks.
Lone Wolf, I go my own way.
I like my extra sound proofing in my Lariat, especially the sound deadening windshield.
I don’t want to ruin that with tread roar.

My Maverick has a rare look not often seen.
It’s called, ‘Box Stock’ with mud flaps.
:’P

I got the same exact 235/65R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3 tires in both of my vehicles, 2023 BS BL and 2024 Lariat Tremor from factory, I like them both, I'd like to upgrade to the 245's but iI don't drive a lot, I won't need a new set of tires in the nearest future

 

[Cherokee]

I will go up in size just a little bit.
From 225/60R18 to 235/60R18
Not for looks but because I feel that’s a better choice/fit for my stock rim width and the increased contact patch just may help me in the inevitable, ‘Oh shit’
moment when I may need to ask ‘Pepper’
To get me out of a jam.

I’m going slightly wider because of the increased, ‘Idiot avoidance’ capabilities of more rubber on the road.
Plus going up to 235’s will let me run one PSI lower.
Better road feel,
Better gravel road handling,
At least that’s how it feels every time I’ve done this in the past.

Plus dropping one psi always gives me more even tread wear. Odd I know but I depth check my treads monthly when I look under the hood and reset my tire pressures.

 

[DaddyDan]

If you went with a 235/65/17 you'd be taller and wider but not at the max of the stock suspension. Likely to minimize your MPG loss. Personally hard for me to fathom why you would go to the max size the stock suspension can handle if you are just going to stay on pavement.

If you decide to stick with an all season I'd recommend General Altimax 365 AW. The tread pattern is reminiscent of the way truck tires looked before all terrain/mud terrain was a thing

 

[710-oil-614]

I will go up in size just a little bit.
From 225/60R18 to 235/60R18
Not for looks but because I feel that’s a better choice/fit for my stock rim width and the increased contact patch just may help me in the inevitable, ‘Oh shit’
moment when I may need to ask ‘Pepper’
To get me out of a jam.

I’m going slightly wider because of the increased, ‘Idiot avoidance’ capabilities of more rubber on the road.
Plus going up to 235’s will let me run one PSI lower.
Better road feel,
Better gravel road handling,
At least that’s how it feels every time I’ve done this in the past.

Plus dropping one psi always gives me more even tread wear. Odd I know but I depth check my treads monthly when I look under the hood and reset my tire pressures.

I run about 2-3psi below the foor sticker, not every tire and vehicle is the same but that’s my general starting point. Agreed on the even tread wear and I feel like a less bouncy ride.

 

[Hunters Edge]

I would think it depends on your goal. Case in point I ordered a 24 FX4, I didn't care for the reviews on the pirelli scorpions or the black wheels. I opted for the optional at the time P235 wildpeaks. One which hasn't been posted is ordering from the factory vs changing later I'm assuming the speedometer and odometer has been recalibrated thus showing the correct speed and mileage. Also going up just one size offers a little height for ground clearance a little wider for traction but not sacrificing my fuel economy badly. That was one thing I was looking forward to after coming from a 5.8 liter F150 crew.

Then again I lean more toward function rather than looks. Best of luck on your decision, just hope you will be happy with the decision you make.

 

[Triangle6887]

Choosing 245/65R17 Falken Wildpeak tires is a popular upgrade for mid-sized SUVs and crossovers. In this specific size, you are likely looking at two main models: the heavy-duty A/T4W (the new successor to the legendary A/T3W) or the crossover-specific A/T Trail.

If you want the "off-road look" and maximum snow traction without caring about a slight drop in fuel economy, go with the A/T4W. If you mostly commute on the highway but want a tire that won't pop on a gravel road during a weekend camping trip, the A/T Trail is the smarter, more comfortable buy.

The A/T Trail looks interesting to me. Looks like its meant for someone like me who mostly needs a good road tire but something that is still capable when I go up gravel logging roads to go shooting, or down dirt roads to get to campsites in the woods. Nothing extreme. I'm going to do some more research over my weekend and probably pull the trigger this week on the new tires.

 

[bgn]

The A/T Trail looks interesting to me. Looks like its meant for someone like me who mostly needs a good road tire but something that is still capable when I go up gravel logging roads to go shooting, or down dirt roads to get to campsites in the woods. Nothing extreme. I'm going to do some more research over my weekend and probably pull the trigger this week on the new tires.

Just a note: look closely at weights too. That tire is almost 4 pounds heavier and has a thinner construction than the Toyo Open Country IIIs I run in the same 245/65R17. That means it'll likely sap your MPGs more than the tire I run, but give you a more supple ride than my tires.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

The A/T Trail looks interesting to me. Looks like its meant for someone like me who mostly needs a good road tire but something that is still capable when I go up gravel logging roads to go shooting, or down dirt roads to get to campsites in the woods. Nothing extreme. I'm going to do some more research over my weekend and probably pull the trigger this week on the new tires.

That sounds like a plan! Go get it!

 

[Triangle6887]

After some further research, I settled on the Nokian Outpost APT in 245/65R17. Upon further research, the Pinza ATs seemed to have mixed reviews once you start to exceed ~25k miles. I looked briefly at the Falken Wildpeak AT Trails but found some reports on Reddit of balancing issues and only a ~30k life (despite an advertised 65k tread life). Another user messaged me about the Outpost APTs and I did some research on them and I was happy with what I found. It seemed to be exactly what I was looking for - a jack of all trades tire. I also found it to be slightly cheaper than the other two options at $213/tire whereas other shops had the Pinza at about $220/tire and the Wildpeak Trails at $216/tire. The downside is that I have to order the Outpost APTs so they won't be here for a week or so. I will report back after they're installed and I've driven a bit on them.

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