My 2013 EXP has the 275/65R18 tires. The Goodyear Wrangler SR-A "standard load" ( below load range C ) OEM tires are way too flimsy. After they got down to about 50% tread I have ruined three tires in three months from sharp rocks puncturing the tread. I have always used load range D but it looks like the good tires in this size are all load range E. Just before I drop a grand on this deal, who has had a good experience with tires? I want something tough enough to drive on gravel roads and maybe the occasional muddy farm road. I also tow a boat and sometimes a travel trailer. A little noise is OK but I don't want to ruin the ride quality of my truck. Suggestions, anyone?

 

I am also interested in the same question. Looking forward to hearing what input there is.

 

The problems you're having are because you're using passenger tires. Get tires that have the LT or XL designation and you will have a much more durable set of tires.

 

Well I ordered a set of Michelin LTX M/S2 this morning. They have a 114 load rating. Got them for $580 for a set of four, delivered. Coming from Ebay, new take offs, the ad said less than 10 miles on them. They came off a Toyota Tundra, so surely they will be good for my rig. 08 4x4 EB standard length.

We shall see.

 

When buying tires, I look at the load rating and not necessarily the load index, which is the number you listed. Load rating for truck tires will be C, D or E, and corresponds to the amount of plies, 6, 8 or 10. My '14 Tundra came factory with P-series tires, and they only lasted about 28k miles. I replaced them with E rated tires, and currently have about 15k on them and they still look new. The ride got a little stiffer, but the sway and car-like ride was eliminated, so I can feel the road now. On my '09 Expy, it also had the P-series tires and I hated them. I replaced them with E rated tires and run them at about 55psi. The ride stiffened up, but it handles so much better and the tires don't look like they'll pop when I have my car trailer hooked up or the cargo area loaded down. E-rated tires are also less susceptible to road hazards, and have a tougher tread compound for driving on gravel or off-road conditions. IMO, if you use a half-ton truck or SUV as intended, the P-series tires suck. If you use it like a car, they'll get you by. LT tires FTW.

Factory Tundra tires are P275/65R18. The "P" is the passenger tire designation. When buying tires for a truck, look for the "LT" designation (Light Truck). For instance, I replaced the Tundra scabs with LT275/65R18. My Expy came with P265/70R17, I replaced them with LT285/70R17.

 

I just installed a new set. I've worn out 4 sets in almost 200,000 miles, so averaged just over 49,000 a set of Goodyear Trailrunner AT.

I had the factory Pirelli Scorpion, then Nitto Dura Grappler, then Goodyear Silent Armor, then Goodyear All-Terrain.

Silent Armor were likely the best (least worn), however they're no longer available in this size. Mine has 255/70/18 BTW.

We live 5 miles off pavement, so lots of gravel use, which is killer on tires.

 

I just bought Michelin defender tires and love them so far.

 

I have the factory Wrangler SLAs & recently got a sidewall puncture. I'm also looking at the Michelin Defenders and considering moving up from 275/65/18 to 285/65/18.

Thoughts on the change?? Will I have any issues with that size & stock clearance??

 

Shouldn't have any clearance issues, your speedometer will be off by a little, probably not enough to matter. It's only 1/2" diameter difference.

 

FYI, ended up with Goodyear Wrangler Adventure load range E with Kevlar. After a couple of road trips I like them fine. Required a road-force balance to get rid of vibration between 72 and 78mph, but fine after that.