D Max Tyres

asmithy
I cannot see how going to 235/70/16 is any advantage, it will make the odometer and the speedo around 2% more inaccurate than they are now, also the load rating will be less and if carrying load you may be going close to being overloaded for that tyre size.
This size is -14mm in dia from stock. 735mm dia.

246/75/16 which isn't on your list is + 25mm in dia and same width and increases the road speed 3.3% for the same engine revs. 774mm dia. Not too much increase and still workable if towing a load. The 245/70/16 std is of course the factory matched tyre size at 740mm dia.

The 265/70/16 is + 28m dia and 3.75% over stock size. this will make the engine work harder or the same load and not so good for towing as it is acting like it is half a gear ratio higher.

If yours is an auto the 245/75/16 would be my choice for all round use or retain the original size.

If you are going to climb mountains then the larger wheel helps slightly with clearance. If clearance is not an issue then the OE size tyre or a little bigger won't cause you any appreciable loss of economy.

My second set of wheels are 245/75/16

The 235 width I wouldn't entertain at all.

Hope this helps make a decision.

Ross M

Andrew,

Why change the tyre size at all?

The 245/70/16 are more than sufficient to take your vehicle anywhere.
They are a more common size and therefore more readily available and at a cheaper price.

If you put the 265's on you should really run a slightly wider rim size to take any advantage from the bigger tyre.

I run 245/70/16's on my Colorado in the newer Bridgestone Dueler 697 LT construction and they are beaut.
I actually downgraded my camper wheels from 265/70/16 so I could match the wheels and tyres and have two interchangeable spares when travelling.
The camper doesn't know any different:-)
I did consider upgrading the vehicle to the 265 size but the change in gearing would have resulted in more trouble than the slight height advantage.

My tip is to stick with the manufacturer's size rating and look for a tyre with a nice looking "aggressive" tread pattern like the Dueler 697 Light Truck.

hi guys, have just gone through the same area, Just over 10,000 k's ago I fitted 245/75/16 to the D-max. no real difference around town, in the bush low range is better IMO. HOWEVER !!! kicked it in the arse when we put the van on. Our van comes in at 2750 kgs ( approx. ) in holiday mode and are currently half way into our hols. Max is working harder and fuel consumption lot worse this was something I did't expect not to this extent anyway. The tyres I fitted were GT radials Adventuros 2 and are very happy with them at this stage. Have done a lot of outback roads and Vic high country stuff, but I guess time will tell.

cheers warren

I have had 245/70/16, 245/75/16 and 265/70/16 on the colorado running the same engine.

245/75/16 really is the better choice if you want a mud tyre (simply none available in the oe fitment) They are the tallest and imho the better touring/offroad size.

I went to 265/70/16 to step back to all terrains and still retain some clearance. The tyres (yoko geo atr)are awesome and stick to the road well. The size is a good compromise for a touring tyre and getting some extra clearance.

I don't pay THAT much attention to fuel usage to know which is better or worse. The car still tows well with any of the tyres on.

Thanks or all the responses guys its really appreciated!

I think I will step up slightly to the 245 75 16.....

Now just to find an appropriate AT tyre for a reasonable price?

thanks guys,
Andrew