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mscot

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
The wife and I will be packing it up and moving to Denver this coming November. As luck would have it, I'm approaching the due date for a new set of tires. I had really hoped I could make it until we moved but the tread is starting to run a bit low on the stock tires (21k miles, ugh).
Question is, what kind of tire should I get? I'll be driving to the slopes as much as possible and I go offroad (mostly fire roads in the mountains or to camp sites) about once a month here in LA through spring and fall and I assume that will continue post move.

I'd like to get offroad tires but i'm concerned on how they'll perform on the highway and in the snow. I definitely want them to be as quiet as possible.
I'm thinking 265/65/17.

I had looked at the nitto grapplers (dura or terra), hancook dynapro, and the goodyear silent armors but I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts.

i've gone through the search function but it's a bit overwhelming.
 
Well as you know I run a 245/70/17 on mine and I have a very slight tire rub on low speed turns. I personally would go narrow for snow,but that is me. I don't like wide tires for snow at all. I roll on the highway with no issues at all, but tend to run my dampening in sport mode all the time. I don't recall if you have air or not. I thought you guys were moving to UT? I guess not so much now.... :)
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Denver seemed to speak to us more than Salt Lake did. Plus, we have friends in Denver so it will make the move a little easier. I feel like i want something a little wider than that. I like the looks of these: VWVortex.com - Firestone Destination M/T Mud Tires

I do have air suspension. I've only had to put it in the extra offroad setting once but i like that it's there.
 
Just make sure you don't go above a 30.5" diameter tire. If you do they will rub the intercooler vents. 245 is not as narrow as you may think. I could get you a pic of mine if you are curious about it.
 
I really like the Nitto Terra Grapplers. I have them on my '06.... they're great.
 
I have the Hankook Dynapro ATM RF10 in a 265/60/18. Absolutely love them. They were unstoppable in the snow and are great in the dry as well. Handling wise I notice no difference with them, compared to the Michelin Latitude Tours I had on before.

Road noise is a non issue when going straight, but with windows down, if I take a turn fast, I do hear a little bit of tire noise.

Image
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
treginco,
would you be willing to take the terra grapplers on a cross country roadtrip? i'm leaning towards them as they're $200 cheaper than the goodyears and hankooks
 
With my Hankooks I've driven long road trips and they're great. An AT tire is perfectly suited to highway driving. I just looked at discount tire direct (where I bought my Hankooks and had great customer service), the Hankook is actually cheaper than the Nitto.

Nitto $156:
Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct

Hankook $152:
Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct

I also think the sidewall on the Nitto is kind of ugly, and the Hankook is less ugly, while I think the BFG ATs have the best looking sidewall. Obviously this isn't hugely important, but it is a consideration.

Also, the Hankooks have a T speed rating, while the Nittos have an S rating. Just another thing to consider...
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
bradski, i was looking at tirebuyer.com where the nittos are $140

Buy 265 65 17 Tires at TireBuyer.com

Discount Tire Direct doesn't have as many installers near me and it looks like I'd be saving $100 after all is said and done. And, FWIW, I actually like the sidewalls of both the hankook and the nitto. Not so much that BFG.

The only issue with Tirebuyer is they don't sell a road hazard warranty. Is that sort of thing even worth it?



I'm assuming the 265/65/17 size wouldn't have a problem on my stock 17" wheels. Please advise if they are going to be too wide and I'll downsize to the 245/70/17.


I freaking love this forum!
 
The 265/65/17 will fit the rims no problem and your diameter is going to be 30.6". You will more then likely rub the intercooler vents when turning at slow speed. The width will be fine. My size at 245/70/17 is a 30.5" diameter and I get some rubbing at slow speed as well. It is up to you and what you want to deal with.
 
treginco,
would you be willing to take the terra grapplers on a cross country roadtrip? i'm leaning towards them as they're $200 cheaper than the goodyears and hankooks

Hell yes!
 
If you're worried about rubbing on intercooler vents, consider sizing down slightly to 255/65R17. There's no rubbing issues with my RF10's in that size. And I haven't seen any reports of rubbing from other make tires in that size. Hope this helps--Chris
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
thanks for the tip Schubie. I just picked up a set from discounttiredirect.com for $550 shipped. I went ahead and got the road hazard warranty so it ended up around $625 actually. not too shabby.
 
You're welcome. It's good to see you grabbed that unbeatable DTD deal. ;)
 
Good stuff! Looking forward to some pics of them in their element. ;)
 
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