275/265 70R18 under $200?

[danmpls]

I've got a JKU with 18" stock rims and a set of Bridgestone Dueler AT (255/70R18). It's time to get them replaced, and I'd like to upgrade on size/performance without hitting $300/tire or buying new wheels.

I'm in the midwest - these tires will see a lot of snow and some light offroading.

Under $200 via Amazon:

• Falken Rubitrek A/T All Terrain 265/70R18 116T
• Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S LT275/70R18 125R Load Range E

Thoughts on these, or other recommendations?

 

[Speartip]

I've got a JKU with 18" stock rims and a set of Bridgestone Dueler AT (255/70R18). It's time to get them replaced, and I'd like to upgrade on size/performance without hitting $300/tire or buying new wheels.

I'm in the midwest - these tires will see a lot of snow and some light offroading.

Under $200 via Amazon:

• Falken Rubitrek A/T All Terrain 265/70R18 116T
• Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S LT275/70R18 125R Load Range E

Thoughts on these, or other recommendations?

Welcome to the forum
Heard positive things about Falken over the years .
I’m a big fan of Bridgestone K02 AT . 3 peak rated so good in ice & snow . I’ve had them in all sorts of terrain off road and never fail.
I run C load 6 ply . Great road manners .
A couple of the other members use the E load . 10 ply. So would firm up ride more.
Check them out . Won’t regret it.

 

[tJKrider]

I've got a JKU with 18" stock rims and a set of Bridgestone Dueler AT (255/70R18). It's time to get them replaced, and I'd like to upgrade on size/performance without hitting $300/tire or buying new wheels.

I'm in the midwest - these tires will see a lot of snow and some light offroading.

Under $200 via Amazon:

• Falken Rubitrek A/T All Terrain 265/70R18 116T
• Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S LT275/70R18 125R Load Range E

Thoughts on these, or other recommendations?

Depending where you are at there are lots of deals around here (SE MI) on take off wheels and tires. For instance, you could get 285/70R17 Wildpeaks or BFGs on Rubicon wheels for $800-$1000. Some include all 5... Then sell your OEM 18s and recoup some of the cash. Just an option.

 

[Cimmerian]

I've used Falken Wildpeaks and BFG KO2s in adverse conditions and I gotta say the Wildpeaks are by far my favorite tire and what I'm going to go back to once these KO2s wear out.

 

[danmpls]

Thanks all! The KO2 and Wildpeak options that fit my wheels look great but are north of $300, and I I've been tracking Facebook marketplace for take-offs but haven't seen much for deals in my area.

I'm going to skip over the Bridgestone Dueler AT (E load) that I referenced - reading up on the weight and stiffness it doesn't seem like a good fit for my use.

I just ordered the Falken Rubitreks @ $191 via Amazon. A slightly larger diameter than my OEMs and a more aggressive look. I think I'll be happy, and will report back once I get some miles on them.

 

[danmpls]

Quick update on Falken Rubitrek AT 265/70R18 116T (5 tires @ $955.35 + tax) when compared to stock Bridgestone Dueler AT 255/70R18 112S.

Comfort: ride is better on the Falkens, more forgiving when driving over bumps/potholes. This is with both sets of tires @ around 40PSI, but after reading up on this it looks like I'd be better off dropping to 35-37.

Noise: less road noise on Falkens, noticed this immediately. I didn't expect that given the more aggressive tread. Bridgestones would also squeal very easily when turning slowly/sharply, particularly in parking ramps. Falkens are quiet in same conditions.

Visually: I noticed the extra 1/2" diameter/width immediately, and I dig the blacked out look and tread.

I am getting a bit of rub on my sway bar at full turn, so I'll be hunting for 1.5" wheel spacers to addresss this.

Looking forward to playing in the snow in a few weeks. Thanks again for the help!

 

[JohnnyRay]

Depending where you are at there are lots of deals around here (SE MI) on take off wheels and tires. For instance, you could get 285/70R17 Wildpeaks or BFGs on Rubicon wheels for $800-$1000. Some include all 5... Then sell your OEM 18s and recoup some of the cash. Just an option.

I did this on my 2016 JK. Found a set of 5 2023 Rubicon takeoffs on FB Marketplace with near new BFGs for $700 delivered. Had to replace the TPMS sensors, which I ordered new off of eBay. I then sold the old wheels and tires for $250! I will say that the ride quality suffered a bit when switching from the 255 Firestone AT2s to the 285 BFGs, but it's a reasonable tradeoff for a vehicle that is used for occasional fun, rather than a daily driver...

 

[WestCoastDan]

I also found a great deal on 285 BFG KO2 take offs... $500 for all 5 w/ less than 20K miles on them.
Sold the originals from our 2015 for $300.
Fronts rubbed against the sway bar as pictured, but I solved that by placing a thick washer under the stop bolt on each side.

I still need to address the TPMS issue.

@JohnnyRay ,
Will you please advise which brand/type of sensors you ordered? Perhaps a link?

 

[JohnnyRay]

I also found a great deal on 285 BFG KO2 take offs... $500 for all 5 w/ less than 20K miles on them.
Sold the originals from our 2015 for $300.
Fronts rubbed against the sway bar as pictured, but I solved that by placing a thick washer under the stop bolt on each side.

I still need to address the TPMS issue.

@JohnnyRay ,
Will you please advise which brand/type of sensors you ordered? Perhaps a link?

You got an even better deal! I ordered a set of 5 genuine MOPAR TPMS sensors. Part #:

56029398A​

They automatically calibrate to the vehicle once the new wheels are installed. I thought this would be more cost effective vs dismounting the old tires to remove the existing sensors. Easy-peasy...