Skinny vs Wide tire

What's everyone's thoughts on a skinny vs Wide tire set up. I've been looking for some new A/T tires to get after doing a lift to have a taller tire. Currently I'm on a cooper discoverer AP II which is a 265/70/16 but I wanted to go up in height to a 32" or 33". So I started to do look around and see what tire size people like to run. From what I have seen a majority prefer to run a wider tire but not many rigs at least in the states I've seen run a narrow tire. There are definitely pro's and con's between the two. But I'd like to hear what people's experience has been with them before buying a set of tires.

 

Welcome from Arizona! Try the search function there will be a thread in there.

 

Wide, love it. Google. Wide vs skinny tires isn’t exclusive to 4Runners.

 

The wider the better I run 35.12.5 on 12 inch rims my track width is close to 15 inches

 

I have two sets of skinny tires, KO2's and DuraTracs. They both work very well for me on hardpack, snow and mud. Wide tires (285's) are likely, but not always, going to run into rubbing issues. They do look good though, but not worth it for my needs.

 

Why is wider better?

 

I run 275 70 17 Cooper AT3 in summer and run 255 75 17 Firestone Winter Force in winter. The Firestones ride way better than the Coopers.

 

Skinnies.

If you actually off-road, you'll find a wider tire will catch ruts and whatnot.

A skinnier tire will typically be offered in an E load as well so you'll have the ability to air down significantly. I generally find myself running 8psi on mud or snow and about 12psi on dirt and rock.

Ran 235/85/16 on my Tacoma and 255/85/16 on my 4Runner.

Can post pics later if you need.

 

There are pros and cons to both.

I went wider for more flotation in sand.

 

I went with 285/70/17's which I consider a "skinny" already since typical 33's come with a 12.5" width.

 

I snow ride a lot wider tires give better flotation i usually run 5-8 lbs snow wheelin and 25 on the highway

 

These threads are awesome. From years of skinny vs wide debate threads, I've learned anecdotally that the optimal tire width is somewhere between a razor blade and a steam roller wheel.

 

Steamroller wheel FTW!

 

Keep the tires under the vehicle. I think tires sticking way out look stupid.

 

Like I said, mud, dirt, rock, snow, I've always loved skinnies.

 

Narrow for cutting through stuff to solid ground (Mud, muck, snow, etc); wide for riding on top of soft stuff (Sand, etc.). With a compressor you can always air-down to get wider.

I have Wranglers, which are a compromise. We mostly get some snow with ice or pavement underneath (3-4-5 mos. per year) or packed snow/ice. Our trails are pretty rocky. Land of fire, ice, & water!

 

Agreed, except that it's going to depend on how deep the mud, snow, etc is. I've been stuck in mud where I'm sitting on the frame. It was a deceptive hole that had dry dirt on top, and I went through in 2wd. We have a lot of sandy mud up here, so I was basically high centered on it. I would probably have been fine if I had aired down and been in 4wd. I don't think skinnies would help in that scenario.

 

In that case, tire diameter would be the deciding factor. We all make mistakes in judgement. My old FJ40 gummed up with adobe and slide backwards down a hill into a rain ditch on its side (shoulda pulled the tree out of the way instead of turning around!). That one cost me 3 days!

 

I think I would have had a better chance with wide 33's than skinny ones. The mud is thick, so you can float over it. But, if you try to find the bottom, you'll be on your frame like I was.

We can't go very tall with our tires, so the 4runner isn't great for mudding anyway.

 

I’m trying to picture -15 offset? Two inches wider? Between both sides?

 

I think the off-road wheels are +15, so a -15 moves the tire 30mm outward. So, about 1-1/4" per side. But, every trim has different offset wheels, so it varies.

 

Well that’s perfect!

 

It will give me just a little lower center of gravity for towing.

 

And for smashing into BMWs.

 

I just got a set of Ironman 265/75r16 A/Ts for $509 shipped.

 

Well, before taxes.

 

All Country

 

I went with the taller tire, for my upcoming river crossing/hunting event.