I've seen lots of tire related threads here as of late, and since I'm in need of new tires soon, I thought I'd ask you all.

Here's what's on it now: Dominator Sport A/T LT285-75-R16 load range D (with max single load 3305# @ 65 psi). They were on it when I bought the X so I have no information about them other than what is printed on the tires. They have a fair amount of tread left, but the balance is rotten.

I took 'em to the local fleet farm to get them re-balanced. They wouldn't touch 'em. Told my wife they weren't "proper" tires for that vehicle. So we had them balanced at Tires Plus. They still have a really bad wobble. One tire has FOUR 2 ounce weights right next to each other! Thay stretch 14" around the rim! Another tire is just as bad but with different weights - two 2.75 ounce & a 2.0 ounce weight - but 14" of solid weights all packed next to each other.

If they hadn't been so badly out of balance in the first place, I would have concluded that the tire place didn't know how to use the balance machine.

I see that a lot of people put slightly larger tires on. Is this just a "mine is bigger than yours is" thing, or is their some real benefit?

Will larger tires have an adverse impact on my pulling power with the 3.73 gears?

Other thoughts?

 

I have 35s and do not need that much weight to balance them. You may have bad tires and you may have bad rims although they would have told you that I hope.

285/75/16 is about an inch bigger which decreases your effective gear ratio giving you lower RPMs at the same speed as stock. It does not reduce towing capacity really although you will find the tranny downshifting more with larger tires. It may not even be noticeable with that change. In town driving, it did not change much for me going to 35s but I do feel it on the interstate. I also have the 3.73 but do not tow much. I need to tow over 70mph or it will not hold OD. I drive fast so the lower gear ratios help me. Before, 90 would be about 27-2800 rpms and now it is about 23-2400.

 

I just upgraded to 285-75-16 Toyo Open Country M/T's and I love them. They got lugs which make them noisey compared to street tread tires but they are one of the quietest off-road tire I've ever experienced. I tow a 5000lb TT with no issues. There are pics in my gallery if you want to see them.

 

On the balance issue try THESE hands down the best money I've ever spent on the Excusion. Mine rides like a cadi now no balance issues at all. Highly recommended.

Mine is 2wd and I use Michellins.