255 vs. 265 and SL vs. C-load tires

[jeremynolan94]

I'm interested in hearing people's experiences running 255/75R17 tires on stock Ranger FX4 wheels with no lift. I've been eyeing the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail ATs in that size, but I'm also considering 265/70r17, specifically the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT. I don't want to take too big of a hit to MPG, so tire weight is a big factor. The Coopers in SL are around 39 lbs, while the Baja Boss ATs in XL are around 44 lbs.

I'm also curious about people's experiences with SL vs. C-load tires for off-roading. My Ranger is my daily driver, but I do quite a bit of backcountry camping around Southern California, including some rocky terrain. The stock Goodyears have been fine so far, but I do get concerned about sidewall durability.
For those who do a mix of daily driving and off-roading, have you found SL tires to be durable enough, or is moving up to a higher load range worth the extra weight?

Are there any other tires I should be considering that offer a good balance of durability, off-road capability, and relatively low weight?

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[bgn]

Huge fan of the Toyo AT3s. Will likely throw a set on at some point after the stock FX4 Goodyears. Just waiting to see how they handle in snow. So far, they've been decent for fire roads here in Washington.

 

[jeremynolan94]

Huge fan of the Toyo AT3s. Will likely throw a set on at some point after the stock FX4 Goodyears. Just waiting to see how they handle in snow. So far, they've been decent for fire roads here in Washington.

AT3s are definitely on my list too. They're a bit more expensive than other options I've found on sale here in SoCal, but I could certainly see myself getting them if the price is right. Especially since they seem to be one of the few C-load tires offered in 255.

I would consider BFG except I've had bad prior experience with KO2s and KO3s cupping and wearing early.

 

[Jason B]

Tire sizes will be OK without a lift. Here is the breakdown.

255/70-17 10 x 31 (Stock)
255/75-17 10 x 32
265/70-17 10.4 x 31.6

 

[surfstar]

255/75r17 are stock Bronco sizes and dirt cheap on FB Marketplace from Bronco owner take-offs. The big bonus - you can get a set of 5 wheels and tires for the price of a couple of new tires.

The OEM Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S are probably similar in quality to our OEM Wranglers, however. So you're mainly just benefitting from the +1" size - but a true full size matching spare is pretty great for offroading.

 

[jeremynolan94]

255/75r17 are stock Bronco sizes and dirt cheap on FB Marketplace from Bronco owner take-offs. The big bonus - you can get a set of 5 wheels and tires for the price of a couple of new tires.

The OEM Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S are probably similar in quality to our OEM Wranglers, however. So you're mainly just benefitting from the +1" size - but a true full size matching spare is pretty great for offroading.

Oh that is good to know. Maybe I'll peek around there and see if I can find any deals.

The Bridgestone Dueler AT Ascent is one that I just came across that definitely checks a lot of boxes. In a 255/75r17 and C-load range it only weighs 41lbs which is the lightest C-load in that size I've come across. I just wish it looked a little cooler.

 

[Seymour]

255/75r17 are stock Bronco sizes and dirt cheap on FB Marketplace from Bronco owner take-offs. The big bonus - you can get a set of 5 wheels and tires for the price of a couple of new tires.

The OEM Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S are probably similar in quality to our OEM Wranglers, however. So you're mainly just benefitting from the +1" size - but a true full size matching spare is pretty great for offroading.

I went this route with fuel efficiency top of mind and am glad I did. The Big Bend rims are only 23 lbs each and the Duelers are 35 lbs each so it makes for a pretty light 32” wheel. I did 2500 km of dirt roads in the Canadian Arctic and only had one repairable leak, but I’m finding that the 32” influences the final drive ratio enough that 1st gear in four low is a little too fast for me. Given such I’ll be swapping them out for Nokian Outpost nAT’s in a 31” (39 lb a tire), they’re SL load but they have Aramid in them which I’m hoping adds some extra durability.

If you go this route make sure you get the right year wheel as the 2024 Big Bend TPMS are a different frequency, while the 2025 worked for my 25 Ranger.

 

[Jason B]

I don't see how 1" makes that much of a noticeable difference. That's 3% change, so at slow speed, instead of 5 MPH, you are moving 5.15 MPH

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