295/70R18 without Performance Loss?

Howdy, new here. This is actually my 2nd 2007 5.7 DC Tundra. The first one, within the first couple of weeks had it leveled, added Fuel Vapors 18X9 (~37lbs) and 33X12.5 Ridge Grapplers (~70lbs). Naturally this looked good but came with a noticeable hit in MPG (2-3) and quite a significant decrease in acceleration. This makes sense as I added ~120 pounds in unsprung weight.

Now I’m back in another 2007 Tundra DC 5.7, from a 4.0 Tacoma and the power is awesome. Missed it so much. All stock. Seeing 18-19MPG on the highway and 15-16MPG city.

Looking to move up in tire size again but want to see if I can do it better this time. I’m looking at lightweight wheels - FN BFD (~23lbs) and SCS SR8 (~27 lbs) with Nitto Recon 295/70R18 in SL 116 (~52 lbs).

On paper this should keep my unsprung weight near what it is now or around +4 lbs per corner. From my research the unsprung weight will actually be less than what a RW wheel / tire setup comes with. Question is, will this setup actually allow me to upgrade tires / wheels - without noticing much of a power loss? If any?

**updated 2/26/2023**
Went ahead with FN BFD wheels from Dustin and Nitto Recon 295/70R18 in SL. In my opinion, it can’t get much better than this if you want bigger tires and don’t want to compromise performance, mpg, ride etc. The ride is as smooth as stock, and the thicker sidewall takes bumps even better. Additionally, I haven’t even noticed a change to my MPG. Also couldn’t tell a difference in performance loss, as it still pulls great.

 

Still going to take a hit on MPG, likely smaller. Just a move to at AT/MT tread vs highway tread alone will cause a drop, even if tires are same size, close to same weight.
Expect 1-2 mpg drop and due to the increase in size, some hit on acceleration as installing larger tires effectively impact your gear ratio. For example, many Tundras come with 430 gears, have 32inch tires stock. Installing bigger tires reduces the effect gearing, depeding on the size of course, so instead of 430 gears, the truck will have 3.90 gears, based on the mechanical leverage of the larger tires.

But those 295s in SL load will be about the best trade off. Most are 3 load and much heavier. Your plan sounds fine, but you will see some difference in mpg, full out acceleration. From a drivability POV, drive it a few days and you probably wont notice the difference in acceleration much after you get used to it.

 

I thought those Recons seemed light until I looked them up lol. The 295/70 is not E rated which is where the difference comes in.

 

I'm also interested in anyone's experience with the Recon 295s in SL. Kind of rare spec.

I can't really speak to your situation. I went from factory 20s (incredibly heavy at 40lbs each) to SCS 18s and Toyo 295s. I went from heavy to slightly heavier but noticed no performance change.

Oh and welcome. Congrats on the new truck

 

I got Bridgestone Revo 3’s in 295/70/18, E rated but they’re the lightest ones I’ve seen at 50 lbs a tire. They were noticeably lighter than my previous set of ridge grapplers. Not quite stock lightness but good enough for me.

 

This makes sense. Expected then, although I'm sure the look and possibly even the ride comfort will be well worth it. I agree that after driving for awhile, I'll not notice a difference.

Pretty insane huh? The tires look sweet too.

Thank you! It's old, but I prefer zero payments and put the rest of the cash into mods lol. Your situation with the 20s sounds very similar to what I'm hoping to experience. As I've noticed the factory TSS wheels and tires add up to atleast 20 pounds more than what I plan to run, but as others have said - the larger tires is where the difference will come in.

I'll definitely be checking these out! Thanks for the plug mate.

 

I went from stock tires and wheels to 295/70 18 Falken Wildpeak ELoad on Method 18x9 wheels. not really any noticeable difference to me - still slow and mpg still sucks lol

 

I paid attention to weight a bit when I moved into my new wheels and tires and despite the weight almost being equal the extra tire height is where the difference is noticed the most.

 

I have Nitto’s 285’s and noticed power loss soon as they were put on. I like that 33x12:50 look. But I assume you lost the mileage on the width of the tire. I was leaning towards that size to add to my SCS wheels whenever Vin releases the F5’s. I’m getting highway average between 15 and 16 as long as I drive nice. Lol. If not like 13 and 14.

 

I know I'm late to the party here but seeing your post has me very intrigued. I have a 2020, already have FNBFDs in my garage and because of your post I am planning on running the Recon Grapplers in the same spec. Your truck looks great! I previously had an 07 Tundra and mounted very heavy wheel and tire combo (33's). It hurt my MPG (obviously) but more than that I hated the way it bogged down my truck. So I guess my question is, after some time how do you feel about this setup? Still happy and feel like your performance/MPG is similar to stock? Also, I'm curious what size lift/level are you running? Thanks for the help.

 

Hey mate! I feel this setup is as close to stock as you can get with almost having 35s. I cant tell a difference, not even a little bit in performance. MPG is the exact same, averaging about 15-16 city (according to the digital readout). My lift/level is actually Fox TRD Pro coils in the front and Fox TRD Pro shocks in the rear. It rides soooo smooth. I can rip down dirt roads and this setup handles it perfectly. Also, the Recon Grapplers handle light to heavy rain very well.

 

That's encouraging to hear, I appreciate your response. Looks like I've finally nailed down a setup! FNBFDs in 18s with +18 offset, 295/70 Recon Grapplers. Now for suspension haha

 

I run 295/70/18 Ridge Grapplers with a 4/2 lift. I run a Banks Pedal Monster with it and on some days I can touch 15 mpg.

 

also 2wd that helps with mpgs

 

I’m running 285/75/18 (35” in height) I notice that running in S5 when we take mountain drives helps the transmission from constantly shifting between 5th and 6th.

Otherwise on flat surfaces the mpgs are just as bad as they were before the lift and larger tires.

Performance, is simply negated by pressing the skinny pedal a little more.

The engine is more than powerful enough to compensate for a larger tire.