I currently have 285/75/r16 Wild Country MTX mud terrain tires on my 2000 Dodge Ram 4x4 5.9.

The factory build came with 245/75/r16's.

I rarely go off-road and definitely will never mud.

From what I have been reading, AT tires are more gas consuming but can still ride extremely well on hwy and city roads which is my 100% 364 days while that remaining day I can go camping.

I am also considering a road tire for the better MPG.

I have also been reading where the 245 is better for off the line starts than a 265. I am ***-umming that also means better MPG.

So my question is this, if I get say BFGoodrich AT/KO in a 245 for better pickup from a stop will that balance out the rolling resistance to make it comparatble to a 265 hwy tire?

I am trying to balance MPG with size and type of tire.

NOTE: I know this is a truck and dont expect high mileage so please dont say something stupid like, "get an element"

 

Get a prius then, better looking than that ugly a$$ element....

Seriously, stay as close to stock size as you can and get some all season tires.

 

LOL... Nice Prius jab! lol.

OK. cool. what about load ratings. My truck is heavy. Do I need an LT tire or can I be good with a passenger tire?

 

If you do a lot of towing/hauling, go with the LT, it gives you a better load rating. Others will disagree, but I never towed/hauled enough to warrant the extra cost of the LT tire and have never had a problem with P rated tires with the occasional towing/hauling I do.

 

Any tire recommendations?

Also, my truck build came with an OPTIONAL 265 tire choice. Is this considered a stock option or is optional not really stock but is ok? Not sure about these differences.

 

I go for the cheapest, best looking tire I can find. I'm not brand loyal. I prefer white letter, so I just go to the tire internet sites (discount tire, tire rack), input in the tire size I'm looking for, read the reviews and go from there. I've got Uniroyal Laredo on my truck now. They are a good all season tire. Firestone Destination LE is another one I've had that was decent. I've also had the cheapy walmart brand that worked well for my driving. Again, tires are personal preference (like mufflers). What works for me may or may not be what you want.

 

Most 4x4's came with 265 off the lot.

In my opinion, anything less than 265 now, after 285's, will look retarded. Hell, 265's might look retarded. But, if you have to, go with it. Even some decent AT's in that same size will net you a little better MPG. I get around 12.5 with mixed driving with 285's on stock gears.