2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A tire Delemma since I weighed my truck/camper

[Jrork]

Nutz, I weighed my setup and found 4200lbs on the front and 6700lbs on the rear fully loaded and wet with full tanks of fuel in the truck and camper and my wife and I both in the truck.

The truck drives fantastic and realize that I'm overweight but given that we only go on weekend trips, I'm not that concerned and will modify the truck as needed.



My issue is the tires. I have almost brandnew Toyo 265/75/16s mounted on the factory steel wheels. These are load range E and are good for 3415lbs a peice. Clearly I am at the limit of the tire rating.



So..... I would really appreciate some real world experiance.



Options...



Option 1

Run the Toyos for a limited time and watch temps with my heat gun to get some readings. So far, driving it on the freeway hasnt gotten them hot.



Option 2

See if I can fit some 285/75/16E that have a load rating of 3700lbs a peice. This may or may not work with the stock wheel and I would appreciate any thoughts.





Option 3

Stockton wheels for the back with a heavier duty tire





Option 4

A 19. 5 wheel and some big boy tires to use when we are hauling the camper and run the stock wheels and my existing tires when we're not hauling.





Whatcha think guys? I clearly don't want an awschucks but at the same time, I wonder how many of these rigs I see on the road actually know their weight and if I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill.



Thanks a bunch... ... john



PS, it's a 9. 9' camper

 

[wcjp]

Sounds like a light camper to me. As long as you're not towing anything you should be fine. If you're towing then it's time to upgrade. I'm running 19. 5's on my 06' CTD. The problem with running 19. 5's on the weekend only is cost. The tire tread will last a long time. However, tires also age. Running them as you've proposed would be a waste of money. I wouldn't run any tire over 5yrs old regardless of tread life remaining. This is why it's important to inspect any tire from any retail outlet for tire age before it hits the road.



How is your current spare? Is it old? My 19. 5's handle the weight great. The stockers wouldn't handle my Arctic Fox 811.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Option 2

See if I can fit some 285/75/16E that have a load rating of 3700lbs a peice. This may or may not work with the stock wheel and I would appreciate any thoughts.

Dunno about your specific year - but I'm running 285x75x16E's on my '02 with stock wheels, with no problems other than very tight fit to mount the spare...



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[LRutigliano]

Keep them at 80 psi and you will be fine.



I ran my BFG Rugged Trails 265/70-17E (3195 lb rating) with my 4100 lb 2003 Eagle Cap camper and towed the boat with at least 350 lbs of tongue weight. I was at the max capacity of the tires (actually over by 200 lbs - 6600 lbs total on rear tires) and didn't have any issues.



However, if you are worried/concerned, the next bigger tire should fit and improve the situation.



Good luck.

 

[Jrork]

Thanks so much guys. I am a anal as hell about my truck and in a perfect world, I would love to spring for some new tires or tires/wheels but to be honest, these Toyos have less than 5000 miles on them and I hate to give up on them (not to mention I can't really afford to change right now). Your input reaffirms that it will "probably" be okay as I'm sure there is some level of safety margin built into these tires but it's always nice to hear from folks like yourselves that have actually done something. For what it's worth, the tire store told me off the record that I would likely be fine too.



Our maiden voyage will be a run to Idaho and I'll carefully monitor my tire temps with my heat gun for any potential issues. For some wiggle room, maybe I'll run without any water and just fill up at the campground when I get there. Forty gallons of water adds up really quick.



Thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[Curious Dave]

Think about it like this..... If you have a blowout... . Will your other tire/s handle the load while you are trying to retain control? I chose to have wheels and tires that were way more than what I needed. But... I am a full time rv'er and tow heavy every few weeks, and I go places daily that most truck only go a few weekends out of the year. When I saw my stockers bulging like spandex on a ... well, you get the picture.

I don't regret stepping up. Yes it is more expensive... But the safety and reliability are more important to me.

 

[surfbeetle]

I wouldn't worry... Your Toyos won't last that long. I had a set and they were good for about a year, approx. 10,000 miles as they are a softer tire compared to some of the others. You can put some better tires on when the current ones are done.

 

[Jrork]

Thanks guys. I agree completely on the new tires but given the current money situation, I would like to get to do some weekend camping this year while I save my pennys for a new tire setup.



Thanks again..... john

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I wonder... ... . if I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill.

I think you nailed it here, however; I completely understand your mindset and if you find yourself worrying and having an increased heartrate over the deal then you should spring for new tires. I have seen some outrageous loads put on tires that were way under-rated for the job and the ol' boys never thought twice about it and never had any problems. I think you'll be just fine. But if you need the piece of mind then by all means, upgrade.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Dunno about your specific year - but I'm running 285x75x16E's on my '02 with stock wheels, with no problems other than very tight fit to mount the spare...



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Gary, that spare looks better than ANY rubber I've ever owned! Wanna do some tradin?!

 

[Jrork]

Thanks again guys. I'll quit worrying and enjoy my new toy. Take care

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I wouldn't worry... Your Toyos won't last that long. I had a set and they were good for about a year, approx. 10,000 miles as they are a softer tire compared to some of the others. You can put some better tires on when the current ones are done.

YUP - the TOYO M-55's I showed in the pics above are wearing WAY faster than the Michelins they replaced - I love the 285 size, but will be looking for something else in an E rating 285 for replacement when these finally get too worn.

 

[surfbeetle]

I originally went to the Toyos for the more aggressive tread pattern and was very happy with them until I realized how quick they wore. Live and Learn!

 

[DennyDay]

Gary - K7GLD - - Your tires look great, but watch for the clearance between the exhaust pipe and the spare tire. I think you might need to consider some kind of heat shield between the tire and the pipe. Had the same problem, and didn't realize it was a problem 'til I got under the truck one day to check something and felt the heat on the tire.



Denny

 

[jandtjil]

Jrork If you do have the M-55, at least you can relax a bit knowing you probably have the heaviest duty E rated tire around.
Tread plies 7 (3Polyester+2Steel+2Nylon)
Sidewall plies 3 (3 Polyester)
The Toyo Open Country AT, is a good tire too, but not quite as stiff (6 and 2).
Like others my M-55s wore a bit fast early in their life, but slowed down... ? I'm at the wear bars now at 52K. Which by the way the new M-55 does not have the center wear bars, just nice deep tread! My brothers neighbor is a Toyo dealer...

 

[Regcabguy]

Toyo M-55's

I had the M-55's on my '98. 5 and loved them. We're hoping they cut loose with a 285-75-17 for us 3rd gen guys. I love Toyos. I'll get 35-38K out of these 285-75-17 Toyo AT's w/a constant load of 2000#. I bought them from a friend w/19,000 no rebalance,no rotation,cabover carrying 24/7 miles. I had them rebalanced once and I'll rotate them soon.

 

[Jrork]

Thanks. Do you recall what size rim you had your M-55's on? I just have the standard Open Country E's rated for 3415. I heard that I can get the larger M-55s in a 285 but they wont fit my stock rims.



I saw some stock forged aluminum rims here locally on Craigslist that might be wider. I have to look into them.



Thanks again

 

[Regcabguy]

Thanks. Do you recall what size rim you had your M-55's on? I just have the standard Open Country E's rated for 3415. I heard that I can get the larger M-55s in a 285 but they wont fit my stock rims.



I saw some stock forged aluminum rims here locally on Craigslist that might be wider. I have to look into them.



Thanks again

They were American Racing "Bajas" 16 x 8. The 285 M-55's are 33. 3 tall also(Toyo spec). They do sing somewhat@ 50-60 mph but very tolerable. Once again,next to no lead to balance. Express Tire here had never seen them and they are a Toyo dealer. The "Bajas" stood up to 30 Baja trips w/my cabover,but the backspacing was a little shy. They stuck out more than I would have wanted. Killer rim for $110 at the time(2000). With your heavy camper,265's might be best for you. Less wear on the drivetrain and better fuel economy.

 

[Jrork]

Thanks again.

I would go for the 265's in a flash but the M-55s in 265 have the same rating that my existing Toyos are at 3415lbs at 80. I would like to get some extra safety margin by running a bit tuffer tire.

 

[Jrork]

Well, here's an update.



We have ran the heck out of this setup with no troubles. Been in nasty side winds in Eastern Washington, twisty roads along the coast and towed our small boat (less than 100lbs of TW) and have genuinely enjoyed it. I've been running 80lbs in the tires and 70 or 80 in the air bags. The Rancho 9000s I have left at setting 8.



We typically run with little to no water in the tank and fill up when we get close.



Tires have stayed cool and other than I see some flexing going over things like speedbumps, it's drove great... .



However... ...



As soon as I can swing it, I'm going to step up to 19. 5s and some stiffer sidewalls as I suspect (am hopeful) that it will tighten up the cornering and sway going over things like rough entrances to gas stations and driveways. We were in one very potholed campground over LaborDay and the sway was pretty nasty. Thankfully, we were only going 5mph.



Thanks again everyone and I'll keep this updated as I continue to modify my truck to carry too much weight. .