Review - New size BFG AT 305/75-17E tires

[thejeepdude]

With the advent of the winter season, and clocking 47k on my stock BFG Long Trails, I had been trying to decide on a new tire. I wanted something wider than stock for those trips camping in the sand/dirt/mud. I had contemplated GY MTR, Toyo MT/AT, Nitto Terra/Mud Grapplers, and just about every other 17" tire on the market. I had LR "D" BFG AT 265/70's on my 2nd gen and liked them, but just wanted to try something different this time around. Well, BFG just happened to come out with a 305/65-17E a couple months ago and so I finally bit. This tire is about 33" tall, the same height as a 285/70, but 20mm wider. One of the things I like most is how they stretch the tread pattern. I expected them to make the tread blocks bigger and leave about the same amount of void space between lugs, but instead they seemed to have stretched the width proportionately across the tire. This extra void space allows a noticeable traction increase in muddy/loose conditions. Granted, it will never work as well in mud as a true mud tire, but of all the AT's I looked at, this is the most aggressive tread pattern I've seen while still retaining the advantage of lots of siping and a design that works well in ice and snow, one of my main criteria. Overall, I am extremely please so far. I have a feeling the middle of the tread will wear a little faster than the edges given the wide tire on the stock rims, but I can deal with this as long as life is still good. I will try to get some pics uploaded in the near future.

 

[MoparBob]

I am very interested to see what those tires look like on your truck and how well they do. I am trying to decide on the next set of tires and the BFG's in that tire size are in my top 3 choices. Any info will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Bertram65]

What rims did you put them on? I would think the stock rims would be too narrow especially with the lower aspect ratio.

 

[RobertP]

where did you guy them at? i have always liked the styling of the bfg AT KO.

but because they didn't make a e-rated tire in a size suitable to me.

i have been trying to convince myself that it would be ok to run the d-rated but now that they make one e-rated im all over that.





Robert

 

[steved]

What rims did you put them on? I would think the stock rims would be too narrow especially with the lower aspect ratio.

If a 315x70x17 fits on a stock aluminum rim, I don't see a problem with a 305x75x17...





steved

 

[foolkiller]

i'm seeing 305/65/17's. no 75's. i'm sure its a good tire. i've been a fan of bfg's for a lot of years. but maybe someone can explain this... .



285/70/17 D rated 3195@65

305/65/17 E rated 3195@65



same construction by all info i can find. same diameter (32. 7"). and same service code (121R... ... whatever that means)



i've read there's no such thing as a 10 ply radial any more E or D. (never totally convinced though).



appears to me it's just wider by 2 cm and wider tread blocks are good... but?



what gives?



good morning everyone, jeff

 

[Bertram65]

If a 315x70x17 fits on a stock aluminum rim, I don't see a problem with a 305x75x17...





steved

Lower aspect ratio so it has shorter sidewalls, BFG reconmends a 8. 5" rim as the narrowest.

 

[steved]

Lower aspect ratio so it has shorter sidewalls, BFG reconmends a 8. 5" rim as the narrowest.

IIRC, the aluminums rims are almost 9 inches right? I know the place that mounted my 315s told me they were within the range, but on the narrow side... they wore fine.



steved

 

[Bertram65]

IIRC, the aluminums rims are almost 9 inches right? I know the place that mounted my 315s told me they were within the range, but on the narrow side... they wore fine.



steved

Factory aluminum are 8" wide, 315s are reconmended to be mounted on 8. 5" or wider as well. I would think the 315s would not be as critical as they have a taller sidewall.