Heavier tires kill acceleration? Or it’s just all in my head?

2016 Trd pro all stock…. My second set of tires were 265 70 17 Toyo AT3. Had no complaints about them other than difficult balance without Road Force. And I got so many nails in them that one of the plugs would not hold more than a couple of weeks so even though I had probably another years worth of tread on them, I had to get new tires in a hurry…..

I used to put BFG KO2s on my other vehicles that I used to Wheel more. I also see many fish. Jens and I think they look fabulous on them! But when I asked for the price, they were nearly $300 each!!

Because I needed to get new tires before a 2 Hour rosf trip on short notice I just ended up getting the falcon, wild peak AT3 because they were only $210 per tire

I see them on enough fifth GEN that I thought it’s such a popular tire in Southern California must be OK… but jumping on the road for a 2 Hour Rd. trip after the install, I swear my acceleration has been crushed, and this thing feels like a dog…. So as I’m driving, I’ll look up the weight of the tires and they are I think 6 pounds heavier each than the Toyos. So we’re going up to 6 pounds per tire make my forerunner feel like the acceleration sucks?? And if so, that’s probably killing gas mileage which here in Southern California is going to be expensive.

Now I’m regretting not just getting another set of Toyos as they seem like the lightest in the stock size all-terrain wise

 

The physics of unsprung weight is a real thing. Everyone has different sensitivities to the effect you are experiencing which also applies to braking performance. Wildpeaks are known to be among the heavier tire options.

 

Yes, it's a real thing.

I went from the stock tires to some 42lb Firestone Destination A/T's (P-rated 285s) and there was a small difference but not bad at all.

Then I put some 51lb BFG KO2's on (C-rated 285s) and the difference was very noticeable.

Drove my sisters stock 4Runner and I was shocked at how much more peppy it felt.

I think I'll go back to the Firestones after these KO2's wear out.

 

I’ve only had the Falcons for one day, and I completely regret it


I wish I could go back to the Toyo or look up what is a lighter all-terrain tire that doesn’t break the bank.

 

You probably don't want to dump more money into it, but.........

You might try something like a pedal commander or sprint booster.

It changes the throttle response so your truck feels like it has the pep back. It does not increase horsepower or torque.

If you can pick one up used it will save you a bunch of money and will be a lot cheaper than new tires.

Just a thought.

 

I so wish Tires had some kind of trial. Because I have buyers remorse big time….. any money I saved on the cheaper tires I’m going to pay for and gas as well as crappy performance….

Money is super tight because I’m a one-man nonprofit working for free, helping first responders in Veterans and fundraising in Los Angeles for that cause is difficult….

But I will research those two things you mentioned, as I’ve never heard of them….

I’m tempted to call the tire shop tomorrow and tell them what’s up and see if there’s any way to return these damn things

 

Some tires/tire shops allow a 30 day trial. Definitely worth a shot.

 

Thanks - definitely calling tomorrow.

anyone have suggestions for 265/70-17 all terrain that’s lighter and not $$$$?

trying to look up weights now…. I’ve seen the Toyo AT3 at 39 or 41 pounds. See the Falcon listed at 45 or 46.5 on different websites.

I am 99% highway and 1% light trails /fire roads. As much as gas is and as slow as the 4runner feels to me even with lighter tires …. Want better pep and mpg….

BFG is too pricey and 45 pounds as well…

 

I'm not sure I can get away with anything less than Cs in the sharp desert rocks. I stayed with stock size KO2 Cs and they're a compromise in the winter I have to admit. Plus 7 pounds per corner from stock.

I noticed the difference between OEM SLs and KO2 Cs both in acceleration and sidewall stiffness. As Nimby suggested, the Sprint Booster (or Pedal Commander) helps and is a good mod regardless.

IMO, the 4Runner is sensitive to wheel/tire weight under daily driving conditions. The 1GR is a legend and I love it, but low-end torque has never been a strength. Once you get it off-road in 4L and manage RPMs it does just fine rolling more weight.

Listening to how you feel about your choice, I would give the return option a try with the tire shop.

FWIW, if I were to try to get by with SLs in stock size with light weight, decent looks and performance, I would be tempted to give the Toyo ATIII a chance. They weigh in the same as stock Dunlops at 39 lbs.

 

As already mentioned, not in your head. You will definitely feel heavy tires. I have gotten used to it, and just accept the way the vehicle drives and I am satisfied. But, not everybody is okay with driving a dog (Even though I am still convinced it moves just fine).

Definitely check with the shop that installed your tires. Up here, discount tire gives you a certain amount of trial period. I have seen them buy back tires from friends with no questions. Asked and swap them out for different tires as requested.

 

I recently got those tires and noticed the difference right away compared to the stock Bridgestones. It seemed like a lot, but I was used to it by the second day, which included a wide mix of scenarios, from high-speed highway driving, to stop-and-go-traffic to hilly suburbs. I hope you end up with a solution you like, whatever it may be.

 

I had the Toyo AT3s prior and hence notice the what seems like huge difference …. Depending on website the Falcon is likely 5-7 pounds heavier per tire.

 

If I recall, the Wildpeaks in SL are a pound or so heavier than KO2 Cs. It seems to be a consensus that the Falkens are better wet weather tires by comparison. I'm not sure why they are a class heavier or whether there is additional durability from extra material that would justify it. I've not done a deep dive on that.

 

Shit, eh. Good to know about the 30 days. Everyone is creamin' over Wildpeaks these days, finally a little criticism haha. Goodluck!

Regarding acceleration, my Runner feels nice and peppy still. Added upgraded filters and things, plus pedal commander which I happen to feel counteracted added sluggishness.

Enjoying these weight comments tho!
Meanwhile I'm up here in Canada running 29lb wheels and 55lb tires @ $389 CAD ($350 in 2021) lmao.

Mickey Thompson², I like to call them

 

I'm about a year away from needing to replace my KO2s and the Mickey's are the current front runner. I will wait to see what the KO3 has to offer by then and whatever else comes out but if I had to buy today the Mickey Thompsons would be the ones. There would be no change in weight for me if I went with Cs.

 

255/75 R17’s are nearly as light as stock and with the narrower profile, have less rolling resistance. the are a little over 32” and my fuel Econ is about the same as my stock tires were. (About 7000 miles on the 255’s so far.). I consider it a good compromise.

 

if you are this obsessed with mpg and your perception of acceleration, as well as 99% road driving, do not get an AT. 6lbs per tire is not going to take all the acceleration out, this is placebo affect. If acceleration and mpg are your jam, time to trade in.

 

I too feel it. My TRD got Toyo OC standard load 285/70R17 weigh at 47lbs each vs Limited got Falken Wildpeaks again standard load at 51lbs ( ever so slightly heavier than my BFG KO2 black sidewall at 50.33lbs.). I feel that Toyos are much easy on shifts. It's really strange how 16lbs of rotating force make me feel that. I guess things like unsprung mass impact, centrifugal velocity is some serious business even with a small difference.

 

I have been switching between 265 Michelin Defenders and 255/75 KO's. Not only do the KO's make a noticeable difference in acceleration (slightly larger diameter but also 5 pounds heavier per tire) the PSI required for the C-rated LT KO's makes for a rougher ride on the crappy roads we have in abundance. It's enough of a difference that after only 2,000 miles on the KO's I am replacing them with an aggressive 265 P-rated all terrain tire.

 

I tried them on my 2020 AG 4runner Pro when I had it. Nothing but issues getting them balanced. I had 30 warranty exchanged them out to Nitto’s grapplers. You should be able to.

 

I can’t wait for tinkerer to make a video on the differences in sidewall puncture/damage resistance between LT tires and SL tires

I’m running LT load C right now, and I really like “feeling” that they do better resisting damage off road. I know there are stories out there about how vulnerable SL tires can be, but it would be nice for someone to try to quantify it comparing SL vs LT strength on the same AT tire model

 

The 4Runner is such a breadbox I think it would really benefit from some lighter, low rolling resistance, higher psi tires for street driving. I think the defenders are probably a good daily. If i keep this long enough I could see having street tires for daily and a swap set of cheap takeoffs with some mud tires.

 

I run two sets. It's the only way I'd ever own MT's, unless I lived in the south.

One is a set of Toyo open country AT3's, and the other is a set of Yokohama Geolandar MTs. I didn't plan on running two sets when I bought the toyos, otherwise I would have gone less aggressive. Once they wear out, I'm thinking about replacing them with more of a highway tire, since I use the MT's for off-roading.

 

Check out the Nokian Outpost AT tires. Light weight, not crazy expensive, and highly rated.

 

buying a 4runner and worrying about gas? ok. who doesnt know they are terrible on gas?

 

I’m going back to a 4runner Pro from my tundra Pro. Both get about the same. I’m not worried about the gas. I want the smaller vehicle because I don’t need a full size. I ran 285’s on my 20 Pro 4runner never worried about it.

 

Yeah, this is the way if you're off-roading somewhat often. No compromises for each circumstance.

 

Tire weight is very important on these underpowered 4runners. I think weight might be even more critical then size.

I've been running lightweight(45lb) 285 70 17 cooper at3 4s tires for a while now. I average 18mpg and sometimes even see 20mpg in the right conditions. I am tuned(kdmax) though.

 

My Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S in 255/75 R17s have been great on my stock 4R.

I get 18mpg in city-suburban driving and around 21mpg on longer trips with varying mph like (35, 45, 55, 70mph...averaging around 55mph). I fill up with 87 octane.

Acceleration is like stock since its only 0.5 of an inch taller and 0.4 of an inch narrower.

 

Load E's, as well as: extra high clearance cut, roof basket, and 4-piece steel skids, but no steel bumpers yet like some of y'all, and I'm consistently running in the city 18.5L/100km - or 15.29mpg. isn't a stock OR 16mpg city? Forget lightweight tire benefits if you're in the weekend warrior category like me.