Great! Wish I had the guts to go to these!

Wonder how noisy they'll be on the road?

And I assume you know your speedo will be about 8% slow: you'll be doing 65 when it shows 60?

 

And I assume you know your speedo will be about 8% slow: you'll be doing 65 when it shows 60?

Well, with the stock tires the speedo reads about 5mph off around 65mph (reads 70 when the real speed is 65-66), so now it should be right about in the correct spot (±1-2mph)

 

Already thought of that, I calculate mileage based upon my nav. Over the past 10-12 tanks it has always been within 1% of the odometer (been doing this w/ the anticipation of bigger tires and the change)

 

FINALLY! The spacers arrived this morning and I got the tires mounted up this afternoon... I've put about 45 miles on them including stop'n'go lights and highway driving and here are my impressions so far:
--Big "harsh" bumps (highway speed) are much softer
--Steering isn't quite as responsive, to be expected with another 2.5" of sidewall height
--Road noise is certainly present, not obnoxious, but w/ the rear seats down I can start to hear it around 45-50 and it doesn't really get any louder up to 75ish
--Overall handling is very simliar to the 255/55s, long sweeping cloverleaf style off ramps still feel very solid
--Speedo is virtually dead on!!! It's amazing! At 60 and 70mph indicated, the GPS states 61, and 71 respectively. With the stock tires, 70mph indicated = 66mph on the GPS
--The transmission is still relearning it's new shift points, I'm guessing this will take a few drive cycles.
--I think I heard the tires rub one time... I tried lots of full lock turns back n forth and only heard some slight tire-on-plastic (fenderliner) rubbing while at full lock and the suspension drooping (making the u-turn to go down the parking garage levels)

As others have stated, this tire size requires a very slight (5mm) spacer on the front to clear the upper ball joint bolt. I purchased mine from AkataSpacer on eBay, $39.99 shipped. The quality of the spacers are great, not like many other cheapo ones I've seen. At 5mm, the factory "centering" portion of the hub still sticks through enough to center the wheels, and the lug bolts still get enough turns to not require replacements.

Now onto the pictures... I attempted a DIY spray wash, but at 32°F I only lasted a few minutes of high-pressure soap before calling it a loss and running through the automatic laser wash.

"Profile" showing how far they stick out

and me being artsy with some CS5 "HDR Tone Mapping"

 

They look AWESOME!! I need to see one (or ten) more pics... Specifically from the front (dead on, centered) from about foot off the ground just to see how wide they look... and to get a better idea of how terrifying it would look from the view of a downed pedestrian lol!

 

HAH I'll get more pics in the morning... You definitely feel "bigger" on the road, almost like driving in "off-road" level w/ air-susp.

It was definitely a wake up call when I got out of the truck for the first time and had that extra 1.5" to "fall"

 

Meaty!

 

Just ordered a 30' strap and shackles... i'm ready to hit some trails... ok, maybe not totally ready, I still need to get a 5th tire as a full size spare; but it's close enough

 

Sounds like a good start... especially the full-size spare.

With those oversize Grapplers, an identical, fifth setup would help keep your 4XMotion happy. Preferably rotated 5-ways to provide the same depth of wear.

 

My fifth will be going on a somewhat damaged wheel (my gf nailed a curb, blew out the tire last year), so it'll be kept out of the rotation unless actually needed

 

What is it about chicks and curbs? My wife is the curb rash queen. ](*,)

Helps explain why she only drives the Treg to spell me on long hwy trips.

 

What is it about chicks and curbs? My wife is the curb rash queen. ](*,)

Oh this isn't curb "rash".... more along the lines of curb "bash"... I'm just hoping a bead will seal on it (the lip is damaged)... if not, its off to eBay to find one manhattan

 

Very nice They *look* like they would howl at speed but I'm glad they don't. I would consider these when the Hankooks get down to needing replacement tread depth.

 

Looks great Anand....making me rethink my setup!

 

One step closer to being ready to go find some trails... or cars stuck in snow banks

 

Any update on the tire clearances? I'm getting ready to put a set of these exact tires on, just debating the formalities of how much larger than 255/55/r18s I want to go. If I will or even want to dip into getting large enough to require spacers.

I was glad to see your set up since I have the exact same wheels. I saw they also make a 255/60/18 which I know would fit easy-sauce and a more debatable 275/65/18 which may as well require some spacer action.

What all info did you come across fitment wise when you finally made your choice with the 285/60/18s? I found the thread with the confirmed tire sizing already but being as you were looking at the same exact tire I'd love to hear your input about what you found and your reasoning on your choice.

Thanks mate,
Ziggy

 

Any update on the tire clearances?

The only time I think I've heard any rubbing has been with the wheel turned about 3/4 of the way in either direction and slowly backing up... I have noticed it maybe once every 3 times I reverse out of a parking spot for just a brief second. Other than that, it seems good.

a more debatable 275/65/18 which may as well require some spacer action.

I think it has been generally established that the 275/65/18 is a bit too tall, it measures out at roughly 32.1", the largest I have seen was a mud-terrain tire at 31.9".

What all info did you come across fitment wise when you finally made your choice with the 285/60/18s?

I was set on the 265/65 Hankook RF10's, and as soon as I saw them back in stock I jumped on them; and then got a call 24hrs later saying they were in fact out of stock. My second choice tire, a Goodyear Duratrac was also out of stock, and I'm not prepared to shell out the $220+/tire for the BFG A/T's.

I have had my eye on the 285/60's since before I bought my truck, I always loved the way it looked, but didn't want to deal with getting spacers. However, when I got the call saying they were out of stock and if I wanted to order a different set of tires, I made up my mind right then that I was going big

Additionally, I ordered my 5th tire today (to be mounted on a Manhattan that was taken off of my GF's truck after she nailed a curb)... Hopefully that'll be here by the weekend and I can try to build out a shelf/storage setup for the hatch area

 

PS. That setup you have looks mean!! I especially liked the comment about seeing another shot from ground lvl 1' up as per a fallen pedestrian lol

 

Almost everything you can think of - lots of cool stuff here:

-- EE -- Expedition Exchange Incorporated

 

Wow! I'll say there is cool stuff there. After just a few minutes of perusing, I put it on my favorite's list & I am sure that I will be wasting hours & dollars at that site! I'm not sure I should thank you or curse you.

 

Her curb incident was a onetime deal, we've moved on from that, and besides, thats why I always drive

As far as 265/65 goes, I think I was also looking at Toyo Open Country A/T's, as they are very similar to the TerraGrapplers... I strayed away after reading a few reviews stating poor tread wear; then again, maybe I gave up the hunt too early.

The EE site is pretty cool, I have been spending a lot of time over at ExpeditionPortal.com over the past few months, a huge wealth of info over there as well.

As far as the shovel, I am torn between buying something for snow duty or actual off-road/survival usage. I have a fairly compact (~3ft maybe?) shovel in the garage, originally used for around-the-house stuff, which I am planning on taking with me during any off-road trips; however, I am thinking about picking up something like this to keep in the truck ( Amazon.com: Gerber 30-000075 E-Tool Folding Spade with Serrated Blade: Home Improvement )

Mountain Smith, what bridle did you pick up?? I was looking for an easy way to tie both tow hooks (either both front or both rear) together in the event of a pull

 

Mountain Smith, what bridle did you pick up?? I was looking for an easy way to tie both tow hooks (either both front or both rear) together in the event of a pull

I'm planning on using a tree saver strap that has the same rating as my recovery straps. General consensus seems to indicate that this is OK. . .but I seem to remember seeing a piece of kit somewhere that was specifically built as a recovery bridle. Maybe it was just a a tree saver?

Anyone have any input on using a tree saver for the purpose of a bridle?

If you go with the bridle setup, which I highly recommend, make sure you have enough (rated) shackles. Connecting the tow strap directly to the bridle causes much more wear. You'd want a shackle on each tow eye connecting the bridle to your Egg. Then a shackle to connect the bridle to the recovery strap; and, possibly another shackle on the other end of recovery strap to connect to your recovery vehicle. That's 3 or 4 shackles for a basic recovery.

Since I had one already, I am using a tow hitch mounted recovery shackle for the rear.

 

My shackles have a WLL of 4.75T, and the recovery strap is rated at 20,000lbs; so I know those are good. however, I read a few articles stating that you should never connect multiple straps w/ shackles as in the event of a strap breaking it'll launch the shackle towards someone/thing.

I had thought about taking two tree savers (6ft) and connecting one to each tow eye, and then connect the two tree savers to my tow strap. I saw a how-to on connecting multiple straps together using nothing more than the straps themselves (in a way so that they can still come apart), not sure if you could do this with three straps though.

 

I read a few articles stating that you should never connect multiple straps w/ shackles as in the event of a strap breaking it'll launch the shackle towards someone/thing.

Yes, I thought about including something about that. I was planning on using a heavy coat, blanket, etc. . .to put on the bridle / shackle connection to keep it from flying. Same type of idea as you would on a winch cable.

I had thought about taking two tree savers (6ft) and connecting one to each tow eye, and then connect the two tree savers to my tow strap.

I went with a single 10 foot tree saver. . .now I like your idea of two 6 foot ones better. I think I will be returning the 10 foot if I don't use it next weekend.

I saw a how-to on connecting multiple straps together using nothing more than the straps themselves (in a way so that they can still come apart), not sure if you could do this with three straps though.

I've seen people do this with a rolled up newspaper. . .let me know if you find more info on this. But, like you said, this was for hooking two straps together.

Good discussion. I am a beginner for the most part with vehicle recovery. It'd be great to have more info on these forums.

 

Revisiting the 10ft tree protector idea, I found this Aussie site ( Heavy Duty Equalizer Strap ) that shows an Equalizing Bridle, while I have been unable to find this, I agree that the tree protector, especially w/ the sheathing, should be OK when connected to a snatch strap. Assuming the load ratings are all matched up of course.

This way, even if it breaks all you have is a strap flying through the air.


EDIT
Here is another link showing a tree protector as a bridle between two front points http://www.tektrek.com.au/images/4WD RECOVERY_What is a Snatch Recovery.pdf

 

In re-thinking the shackle on the bridle, I think this is a bad idea. I wish I could remember where the article was that made this recommendation. There must be a key point I am missing. . .as it is not safe the way I described above.

Two (double stitched) 6 foot tree savers seem to be the way to go. Then connect the recovery strap by passing one end through the eye and pulling it all the way through onto a newspaper is the way to go, me thinks!

I am generally not comfortable with snatch recoveries at this point, and have had good luck with linear pulls.

 

Shackles connecting the bridle(s) to the tow eyes (on the truck) should be fine, that is no different than a shackle connecting a snatch strap to the tow eye...

 

Here's the "don't run me over" view...

 

Here's the "don't run me over" view...

Mmmmm..... That's sexy! Bow Down

 

nice. I am looking at these same tires. The wheels are different, but shouldn't disappoint.

 

As another update, I've gone through about 1/2 tank of fuel (refilled last night); and with the MFA telling me 20 miles to empty it took only 21.3 gallons, which is evident that it thinks it's going less than it really is (which is true)... Also it seems like the tranny is still a little confused about the 1-2, 2-3 and 5-6 shift points... I've found it holding 1st and 2nd longer than normal sometimes and have alleviated this by driving it in Tip mode. This usually happens for the first 10-15 minutes (when it's still cold) of a drive cycle.

I think my mixed highway/city driving mileage has dropped roughly 1mpg, as my last tank (1/3 spent fooling around in the snow, and the last 1/2 with the new tires) averaged around 13.8MPG. In the past I usually average about 14.5-15mpg on a tank

 

Next step w/ the 285s, full size spare... The tire should arrive tomorrow, so I spent some time this weekend working out a "storage" setup for it...

The basics:
23/32" Sanded plywood; the top deck is roughly 43"x32" and the sides are ~12.75" tall

I sprayed the top/sides w/ Plasti-Dip to give it a somewhat grippy texture; not sure if I'm set on this or not, I might add carpet instead. The "inside" is sprayed semi-gloss black. I also added 4 300lb tie downs on top to replicate the factory tie downs, and then added two more on the inside to attach the shelf to the factory tie downs with turnbuckles. Unfortunately it seems that Lowes / Home Depot around here don't stock 12" turnbuckles, so those still have to be ordered. All the edges that face the rear of the truck also have 3/4"x3/4" aluminum edging to make sure they don't get damaged while loading stuff

The opening underneath allows for my 285/60 spare and roughly 10" of room to the side of it. I'm having a heck of a time trying to find a plastic bin that is roughly 10"Wx12.5"Hx30"D, so I may end up building another vertical wall and create a sliding drawer. I also still have to add my Maglite hold-down and fire-extinguisher hold down.

What's going to take the place of the factory spare? Eventually a second dedicated "house" battery that I can wire all my lights, scanner, CB, inverter, air compressor, etc to... But I still have a few other projects before that takes place. I think I might also replace the section of floor that covers the opening into the spare tire well and add some hinges for easier access...

A few pics:

 

Looks great!
Not to mention that tire setup is mean.