Let me see if I have this correct... You want to switch from the Toyo A/T's on your truck to something more agressive for the mud? How about the Toyo MT's? Is there something else about the A/T's you don't like? Just curious because I have the Toyo A/T's on mine and I think they are a great tire. I don't take them in the mud much though... I just noticed something, the new tire size you are looking for is a 285/70/17. Are you looking to get a second set of wheels and tires to be used exclusively for offroading?

 

No, I am looking to downsize to 17s permanetly. The tires are cheaper and there is a wider selection of sizes. I can only get Toyo MTs in a 35x12.50R18. I'd have to put a lift on to fit them. If I drop to 17 inch wheels, then there's a whole assorment of mud tires to choose from in smaller sizes.

I like the Toyo A/Ts, but this particular size is too wide for snow and mud. Again, I'm limited with the 18 inch size. They're a great all-terrain tire, but I would like to try something more aggressive.

 

Gotcha.

 

Micky tompson baha radial. Great tire, best grip for all around and not $$$. I had 33" they were a little wide for the stock rim I would go with the next size down if you are going to keep the same rims. Great in mud and on the road. I now have a lift and 35"s and I wish thay made them in that size. They also have good side bite.

 

My experience is that wide tread tires are great on pavement and they generally suck for mud, snow and gravel roads. Some of us actually take our trucks off pavement on occasion.

 

In greasy mud the AT's clog up and become a slick. For real mud you need a more open tread tire that will clear better. Overall, I have to agree the the AT's are a great tire, just not in mud.

BTW the reason I love this forum is because of exactly what we are doing now, comparing our experiences so that we can arrive at the best compromises in the future. Any tire choice is some sort of a compromise based on how we believe we will use our vehicle in a variety of conditions.

 

I must clarify myself, they were Micky Tompson Baja Radial MTX tires not the claw. The BFG AT tires are the worst for becomming a slick in the mud. These tires have a More than AT grip but are not quite a MT. The design of the tire has three open groves that throw out the mud and everything else. I have also had problems with steering shudder with the MT style tires. These trucks are a little sensitive.

 

Just remembered another tire to check out if it's finally available in 17 inch and that's the Toyo M-55. The oil patch guys here in Alberta love that tire and they deal with all sorts of roads and conditions. Once again it's a compromise tire, but in my experience definitely better in mud than the BFG AT.

Lest you think that I'm just blowing wind here check out my gallery. My current truck started out with BFG AT's and my last truck started out (and ended the lease) with M-55's. For the last 3 years I have lived in places where I could easily get stuck in my "driveway" and tires have been very important to my peace of mind.