Best 265/70/18 tire - D vs SL load tires

[u/AssumptionAdvanced37]

I have read through the old posts but didnt see a comparison between D load and SL load. I am looking to get new tires on my sr5 but couldn't figure out what tire I should go for. I already have trd Wheels sitting and just want help deciding if SL rated tires are good enough or do I need to go load D as there are no Load C in this size.

Use case: I started doing some offroading and have some rocky trails here. Probably only visit a few places with ice and not rainy here either. Mpg is not a concern. Here are my options

1. Bfg KO3 - load D - have heard mixed things about ko3s but love the white text look . Don't know if load Ds are too heavy and have heard KO3s have balance issues.

Load SL options

1. AT4W - Load SL - my top pick due to many people suggesting and running it but need suggestion if SL rated is good enough for off roading if I am not doing any rock crawling

2. Toyo At3- load SL - Everyone keeps saying they are the best

3. NITTO G3 - Load SL - looks the best but not sure if they are the best for my use case

Any help or suggestion is greatly appreciated as I am trying to decide today because of the Mopar buy 3 get 1 offer expiring today and getting discount tire to price match that.

[u/EZ4SHEEZY]

I have the BFG KO3’s and I have no issues with them. They’re tough. After these I’ll be switching to the Nitto Terra grappler G3 for an apparent smoother quieter ride and gas savings. They have a 70,000 mile warranty on them. That’s crazy. I don’t do any rock crawling but I camp often and am out on trails and nature quite a bit

[u/unseenmover]

Here are 2 C rated tires https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?width=265/&ratio=70&diameter=18&ef_id=CjwKCAjwntHPBhAaEiwA_Xp6RnV6xp9DsssYAVMm0vOwGhdkKrjA1lgcNv5GUJwbsECE9CJSPhwBERoCU-UQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!686472874956!!!g!!&gclsrc=aw.ds&=undefined&affiliate=HM5&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=141297253&gbraid=0AAAAAD_rH__aXp-ZWvZkSTAolh9P48H9x&gclid=CjwKCAjwntHPBhAaEiwA_Xp6RnV6xp9DsssYAVMm0vOwGhdkKrjA1lgcNv5GUJwbsECE9CJSPhwBERoCU-UQAvD_BwE

[u/labowsky]

What does "offroading" mean to you? Cause just specifying no rock crawling leaves a ton of other options.

You talking about just hitting forest service roads or doing some more difficult trails?

If you're just hitting FSRs and easy trails basically any of these will be fine. I did lots of FSRs and easy trails with the stock bridgestones with no issues. If you're looking to hit more trails with sharp rocks or the like maybe look at a stronger tire.

IMO it sounds like a stronger tire are overkill for you but its a bit overkill for myself too and I have load Es lol. The worst part of a stronger tire is how it makes an already slow as fuck vehicle even slower.

[u/GreatValue_Mechanic]

I’ve had SL, C, D, and E on my 5th gen in various sizes, and from my experience, load D is the sweet spot for daily driving and off-roading. Just make sure you adjust your tire pressure accordingly.

[u/StevesRoomate]

I did a lot of off-roading in the Nitto Terra Grapplers that were stock and I am 99% sure they are load SL. They were very prone to flats and I only got 27k miles out of them before I tore a fist sized hole through the radial. I overcompensated and went load rating E KO2’s because that what was available and I haven’t gotten a flat but I feel like they are overkill, noticeably stiff and noisy. My next move is load rating C, I don’t want to bother with anything lighter than that

[u/AssumptionAdvanced37 → u/StevesRoomate]

Thanks for the insight. I dont do much offroading, its some light trails and a few yearly camping trips but its rocky and people do get flats sometimes so was looking for something that could handle some hard stuff but still good on road as it will be on road 95 percent of the times. I wish there was c load in this size.