My obervations on different tires option and sizes

Wanted to post a few observations so far on different tires and sizings I have had on my Jeep and want some thoughts form others.

Stock Bridgestone Tires

Personally after 10 months on them, I found them good for all daily driving conditions. No real complaints in dry or wet weather or handling/ride comfort. 

Never got them off road, but I liked them. Have been using this type of AT tires on a few trucks I have own. Preferred Michelins (Explorer) one these, but Bridgestone over Goodyear (Cherokee).

TOYO Open Country A/T II LT275/70/18

First chance to try TOYO tires and was very impressed overall. Ride comfort, wearing, dry road grip and braking were excellent. Fire roads they were great and plenty of traction with these. Wet roots were not a problem and good grip.

Really wet handling was good, but not great. Thought Bridgestone did a bit better.

Rolling resistance was great for a larger tire and not too heavy. Plush feel all at 32psi.

These were true 33" tires and if I had a JK, I would have kept them.

TOYO Open Country R/T 35x12.5R18

These are marketed as a hydra between the A/T and the M/T in the TOYO Line.

So far I love them. More aggressive and handle wet roads better. Dry and braking seem the same and a little smoother on fire roads so far. No mud or roots yet.

Now the rolling resistance in worse than the A/T tread and I can feel it.

Its not just the heavier weight, its the grip and TOYO markets it that way.

A/T gets a 3.0 for fuel eco and R/T 2.0. Guess its the tread design and maybe tire compound. if the A/T was not 9-10lbs heavier, I would have gone with it again. Yet in 275/70, the A/T is lighter by a few pounds.

Happy I went with the R/T overall and the move to 35/12.5, as it look better on a JKU. Almost went 285/75 but 35/12.5 one.

Also looked at the sister Tire the Nitto Ridge Grappler. But was just as heavy and a bit wider. My dealer and tire guy how I trust prefers TOYO over Nitto as well.

1. Made in US vs China (I don't care really.)

2. TOYO checks 1 out of every 20 tires where Nitto does 1 out of 100 for trueness, quality etc. I don't know its a fact, but why would he lie? Sells both.

3. Nitto RG was 12ply

4. Think I heard no Mileage warranty on Niito LT. Too offers 40K and a like after you buy program.

But would have liked the RG if they weight and width was right.

Now lets discuss weight and tires size in regards to aerodynamic and retail weight. in the Bike world, the rage is wider tires, even more aerodynamic set-ups and road bikes.

A lot of scientific studies have shown a tire with a wider contact patch at same psi will roll faster, smoother and easier over obstacles. Which can mean less energy used, EVEN with more rotational mass. Wider tires have also been proven in wind tunnels to be more aero with certain designs.

Now on our Jeeps. I don't think the aero principles of a wider tires mean anything. But thoughts on with, psi and RR?

My 35's and smoother than the 33's with same psi an I feel less bumps and imperfections in the road. Also my R/T do not wander or follows the roads imperfections. But as I said, RR is less but can't tell if its the tread design. compound or rotational weight. They are 21lbs heavier each. Gas has only gone down 1-2 MPG and feels fine on the highway in the wind.