Tire Weight

How big of a factor (to you seasoned off-road vets) is tire weight? As much as I hate to do it I may have to change from my Michelin Defenders to a AT tire in the 275.70.17 range which at 65+lbs seem pretty heavy compared to the 265 Defenders. Is it a big deal or no worries?

 

65lbs for a 275? Wow that’s heavy! I have 295’s, e rated and they’re just under 65lbs. Definitely can feel the added weight, but nothing a little more gas pedal can’t fix. Acceleration is slower, MPG’s are lower, but that’s about it that I’ve noticed.

 

Good to know. In all honesty I’ve been looking at sooo many tires that I may have related that weight to the 285s which I remember one coming in at 80lbs which seems ludicrous to me.. I’ll likely stick to a 275 if I can find a decent one in the $200 range that doesn’t outweigh the car…

 

Which AT tire got 65lbs in 275/70R17 size? Or did you mean around 55lbs?

I think light offroad tires like Nokian rotiiva at plus are light weight @44lbs. For sure A/T tires are heavier than all seasons like Michelin Defenders. I bet thats because they are stronger than onroad tires? (may be?)

I initially ordered Nokian rotiiva at plus but change it because they don't seem to be good fit for the type of driving I do.

Update -

For me tire weight is a big deal for me. 4 tires effecting unsprung weight and tiny bit of added weight on spare tire as well.



BTW, I could not find a good fit in 275/70R17 size so kept 265/70R17 size. I didn't want Load E as its too rough for my taste. I wanted not too heavy and 3 peak mountain snow flake rating was a must. Could not find a good fit in 275/70R17.

 

My bad - just rechecked one tire I've been looking at (Patagonia 275.70.17) which is stated to weigh 50lbs - maybe I was looking at PSI....

https://www.amazon.com/MILESTAR-22139001-Season-Radial-Tire-LT275/dp/B07PPPRXH8

 

Discount tire site seem to have pretty accurate specs. May be check the specs from discount tire and order from Amazon. For sure time manufacturer site has the most accurate specs but Discount tire site might be a easy place to check specs.

 

I only really notice the weight when I'm accelerating at full throttle, like passing or getting on the freeway. It's going to reduce mileage, but how much depends on your driving.

FWIW I have 295/70/17's at ~65# apiece and can get anywhere from 12 - 20-ish MPG.

Another thing to consider is ride quality. Like @kmeeg pointed out, you'll feel the extra weight in bumps as well. A good aftermarket suspension will help a lot with that, though.

 

Even though it shows 12mpg on you dash, I bet your actual mpg would be better. I bet the dash still thinks its 32 in tire.When you calculate c=πd (d 32 vs 34)

 

This was corrected for 33.5" vs 31.6" tires already. The ~20 actually calculated out at 18.8 by the odometer, which ends up around 19.9. Of course none of it is totally accurate because our speedometer and odometer are off by 2-3% from the factory.