Bought 285 BFG's, lost 3 MPG?

[DaveN]

I've been running the original 265 michelins since day one, and they were in need of replacement. I wanted a more agressive looking tire, so I bought the 285/75r16 BFG AT's. When I measured the tires, there was less than 3/4" diameter difference, so I wasn't expecting much different mileage. Both new and old tires were run fully aired, michelins at 80 psi, BFG's are at 60 or 65 (I can't remember).



I guess I was just disappointed in the dramatic drop in mileage. I used to get 18~19, now I'm at 14~16. I didn't think that the tread pattern and small diameter change would make that much difference.

 

[TboneMan]

I have a set of 285 BFG TA/ko's that I use as snow tires. I use the 265 OEM Load E's in the summer.



Make sure you have adjusted you distance traveled in you milage calculation. I multiply the odometer reading by 1. 034591. Your speedometer should be reading about 2. 5 mph less that you are actually going (measured with a GPS receiver).



For the past two years I have swapped the tires in early November. This is about the time the fuel tanks at the stations around here are up to 100% winterized fuel. So it is difficult to determine how much impact the tire have vs. winterized fuel.



I track my milage for every tank of fuel and I see about a 1 - 2 mpg drop in milage the from November to March. (not counting those weeks when milage is driectly related to extensive 4x4 driving due to snow).

 

[slvrstrk]

DaveN, I swapped for the 285's within the first tank full. I have filled up just four times and so far I have been consistently at 17 MPG both by hand calculation and by the computer.

 

[DaveN]

I would expect some drop due to the diameter difference, but not that much.



I should have added that I noticed more of a drop at highway speeds (65mph+), 60 and under are about the same.



I drive the same route back and forth to work, set the cruise and watch the MPG display. I know that they aren't to be considered accurate, however it should be relatively consistent fron day to day (always had been... . ). Noticed it immediately after switching the tires.



Maybe the BFG's agressive tread puts up more resistance at highways speeds? I know they howl more, I have to believe some of that noise is fron excess energy being absorbed in the tread.

 

[Gifford]

BFG's do have more rolling resistance

I noticed a 2 mpg increase in mileage when I went from 255-85-16 BFG mud terrains to goodyear wrangler ATS 305-70-16's. I will be replcing the 305's this week with Goodyear wrangler AT 255-85-16's I am hoping the larger diameter and narrower tread of the 255-85's will net even better mileage than the 305's.

 

[LSMITH]

I ran over 120K miles with the 285 BFG AT's on mine and they did not hurt my mileage at all. I put on some 235/85's and they dropped my mileage 1-1. 5 even at 80 PSI I never had more than 60 in the front and 50 in the rears when I ran my BFG's.

 

[krs]

"Both new and old tires were run fully aired, michelins at 80 psi, BFG's are at 60 or 65 "



Sheesh! Your Michelins were skating on about 3" of the center tread with that presssure; no wonder they had low rolling resistance and delivered higher milage. I'd call your original milage abnormal because that high pressure is supposed to be a maximum used when the tire is loaded to it's weight rating limit. Unless you normally drive weighing 12,800 lbs. you had them overinflated.

 

[C. Harlan]

I just bought me another new set of 285 BFG's Tuesday... Had to, this is the 4th set. . some have been good experiences, others not so good... I like them for the 3 ply sidewall... Makes good for pulling heavy cow trailers!



-Chris-

 

[Big MAK]

At 80psi w/o a load the the center of the tread would be wearing AND the ride would shake your teeth out! I run my front tires at 70psi and the backs at 50psi.

 

[pwr2tow]

I use to run my Michelin's at 80 front and 70 rear and that's with duals, the tires wore even across the thread, no cupping or inside wearing faster than the outside.



Had more traction on ice from a standing start than my buddies truck which is the same only his is a short box and 3/4 ton. Mine would also go through alot more snow.



I have recently put on Yokohama geolanders two sizes bigger so will see how they perform this winter.



Ron