I'm looking to put some new tires on my 07' Unlimited X. Right now it has some stock highway tires, and I'm planning on moving up to some 265/75R16 A/T's (32" up from 29" because I'm not going to afford a lift any time shortly) Unfortunately budget is an issue. I am currently looking at a set of 5 Toyo Open Country A/T's because they fit my budget (as do Firestone Destination A/T's and a couple of the Duelers). My question comes in because this vehicle is my daily driver, and while road noise makes no difference to me, I don't want to be buying tires all the time. M/T's from what I've seen don't have a lot in the way of tread life compared to an A/T. I need to find a decent balance between something I can do some decent trail riding and light mudding in, without breaking the bank or wearing out too quickly with highway use. Am I fairly on track going for the A/T's? Will I notice the difference between them and the stock highways tires I've got when I'm in mud or on a trail? Will I be happy with A/T's? Are there any decent M/T's in the size I'm looking at that aren't $200 or more per tire? Any help would be appreciated.. especially info on A/T offroad performance.

 

I have the Nitto Terra Grapplers as it is my DD but I like to hit trails on the weekends....they do great and I have gotten good mileage out of them 32k so far with lots of tread left.

ps....go with 285/75/16's....they will fit fine and look much better and when you can afford a lift it will still look good.

 

You're pissing into the wind buying a new set of ATs - bigger or not. Just buy a set of slightly used take-off BFG MT KMs from a Rubi owner and call it a day. You'll be able to get a real solid set of MTs that do great on highway and you'll probably spend as much for all 5 tires as you would for 2 brand new ATs.

I use my JK for a work vehicle and put on a lot of miles - my 35" KM2s have been great so far on the highway. My 32" KMs were even better though - just as good as my ATs on my 05 WK.

 

You'll get everything from love to hate on here, so I'll throw in some things that are farly certaim.

1. Your mileage will be less with M/T's. I lost over 1 MPG going from SRA'S to MT's.

2. A/T's will last longer on the highway thab M/T's. While there are exceptions, ther is a reason manufacturers offer mileage warranty on AT's and not on MT's.

3. MT's will be better offroad, but if you are currently running the crappy 29" tires, anything is an upgrade.

That said, if yo think you will lift it within the next 30k miles, you will wang bigger meats long before you wear them out. :-)

 

All true points. I went with a set of 32" ATs and then put the lift on now I have 35" KM2s.