Anyone running SL rated tires?

[ummagawd]

I've read of folks feeling the extra weight going to 35s and reduction in MPG/acceleration/braking. I'm interested in doing the opposite... going as light as I can with rotational/unsprung mass to increase performance.

So far, I'm eyeing either TE37XT (if I can stomach the cost) at 18lb a wheel... or RRW RR7 monoforged at 20-22lb a wheel. And then SL rated tires (sticking to 33s) that weigh around 48lb (Nitto grapplers or baja boss)

What I can't work out, is if SL will be fine for the occasional raptor runs.

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[Kenbike]

I also like the idea of a lighter wheel and tire.
Have the stock Ford beadlocks (38 lbs.) /BFG's (51 lbs.)currently. Total 89 lbs.

Ready to order stock Ford Performance 17 x8.5 black wheels around 29 lbs. each and cost $630.00 for a set of four.
Tires like Firestone Destination AT2 SL rated weighing in at 41 lbs. each.
Total weight of 70 lbs.
Total on tire rack for the tires, rims, and TPMS is $2,100.00 shipped mounted and balanced.

 

[GEN3SKI]

Whatever you have read is likely overblown or is written by guys with too much time. Just stick to C rated tires and you likely won’t feel anything negative going to 35’s. Many a folk have E rated 35’s and are not complaining. I went from OEM to 315 territory MT’s. The truck doesn’t know or care and it’s not handling any different in day to day. But do what you want.

 

[Pic-N-Stick]

I also like the idea of a lighter wheel and tire.
Have the stock Ford beadlocks (38 lbs.) /BFG's (51 lbs.)currently. Total 89 lbs.

Ready to order stock Ford Performance 17 x8.5 black wheels around 29 lbs. each and cost $630.00 for a set of four.
Tires like Firestone Destination AT2 SL rated weighing in at 41 lbs. each.
Total weight of 70 lbs.
Total on tire rack for the tires, rims, and TPMS is $2,100.00 shipped mounted and balanced.

The OEM KO3's on our trucks weigh 56 to 57 pounds, according to BF Goodrich and Tire Rack.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 | All-Terrain Tires for Trucks, SUVs & Cars

 

[Havasu RR]

I've read of folks feeling the extra weight going to 35s and reduction in MPG/acceleration/braking. I'm interested in doing the opposite... going as light as I can with rotational/unsprung mass to increase performance.

So far, I'm eyeing either TE37XT (if I can stomach the cost) at 18lb a wheel... or RRW RR7 monoforged at 20-22lb a wheel. And then SL rated tires (sticking to 33s) that weigh around 48lb (Nitto grapplers or baja boss)

What I can't work out, is if SL will be fine for the occasional raptor runs.

Don't do it. What little fuel mileage you gain is not worth what you give up. I'm on 35s and am the same weight as the stock wheel and tire setup.
Nine and three forged wheels 17 in plus 35
Toyo AT3 35 x11.5 by 17
Goat off-road 2-in spacer in the front and 1 in in the rear.
Crash bars are still in place and nothing trimmed. Off-roaded very hard and nothing has ever touched.
Perfect!

 

[Mcssls]

The only advantage to a heavier load rating is stronger sidewall if you’re airing down and going rock crawling so you don’t rip a sidewall out on a sharp rock but also a little more puncture resistance for cactus.

 

[Torque]

Nitro terra grappler GS3’s AT SL’s
Light tire as an SL load rated tire compared to KO3’s- actual weight bearing is very high for an SL Tire. 30k miles on them and love them.

Typically moving down to an SL is less ply’s less stiff smoother ride. I can tell they are not as stiff walled as the OEM KO3’s but i am very happy with them.

 

[Kenbike]

How does the truck corner with the SL rated Nitto's?
DO you feel it moving around due to flexing?

 

[Torque]

The truck has barely imperceptible lean compared to the stock KO3's. I typically dont push it hard in the corners and have not run any (real) weight in the bed since the tire change. MPG improved by 1 mpg on average and its a MUCH quieter and well footed tire (on wet roads) than the KO3's.

As an SL the Terra Grapplers GS3 is still rated very high (in that category) for load bearing. So its one of the more "stiff" SL's I found with a good weight / wear profile.

and FWIW the Terra Grappler GS3 has a 1 pound HIGHER load rating in the SL than the KO3 OEM has in a C rated tire.

12 pounds less per tire as well for the GS3's. Mcssis is right, the extra plys are what your buying with the difference in these two tires. The KO3's are infereior at 12 pounds per tire, less tire life, less wet road traction, and more noise as they wear. However, if your going to be pushing tree roots and sharp boulder rocks into it, the C rating is imo the only advantage to the C rated tire over the SL.

High speed corning is even iffy imo as the extra weight of the tires etc... are already giving you a performance hit. (Simply comparing stock C rated KO3's vs the GS3 SL).

GL - Let us know what you deciede to do.

 

[ummagawd]

Appreciate everyone’s responses…

So far I pulled the trigger on TE37XTs

Still going back and forth on tire choice

 

[RaptorME]

I run Nitto Nomad Grapplers, SL rated. You can feel the weight loss right away with acceleration and handling. No regrets, I won't be rock-crawling.

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