- Thread starter
- #1
As I recently purchased a set of 245/70/16, Nokian Outpost nAT's and some 16x7 Method MR707 Bead grip wheels, purchased at close out price, I thought I'd compare them to my 245/65/17, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T's.
The new wheels weigh just 17.7lbs and are 10lbs lighter each than the 17x7.5 Alpha Foxtrots and the Nokians weigh ~2.5lbs less than the Mickeys. 36.4lbs vs 39lbs, so I went in with some preconceived notions. I'll preface further comparison by saying the Mickeys are by no means worn out, as they are at~11/32" tread depth now and the Outpost's come with 14/32" vs the Mickey's 16/32". And as I have just one weekend of off road use, in the snow with both tires and a limited amount of Highway use with the Outpost's, ~375 miles, this is not as comprehensive as many would like.
All that said, the Outpost nAT's are noticeably better in the snow but not by a huge margin. The Mickey's tended to push out, a little, on some turns and the rear would step out a little, in some of the twisty bits, while the Outpost's never stepped out in the rear they did still push out some, in the front but less often than the Mickey's.
Road feel, noise and gas millage, that's where my preconceived notions seemed to have failed me? What I expected with the Outpost's/Method's reduced weight and 1/2" taller sidewalls was better gas mileage and a softer ride. I can't say definitively, with but the one weekend on the Outposts but it would seem just the opposite is true! On the Highway, small bumps seemed to have a sharper feel and I'm estimating my gas mileage is down about 1 mpg, on the interstate, based on my display. It certainly should be better in stop and go traffic, so this was a surprise, even if just based on highway use. The Outpost's are also louder than the Mickeys, when both are new and possibly even now when the Mickeys have worn down ~5/32", to ~11/32". The noise is also higher pitched, which I find less pleasant. Would any of these things keep me from recommending them to someone else, wanting a good 245/70/16, XL load rated tire, NO, because there just are not many in that size and they come with a good warranty and they are a little better in the snow and maybe a little cheaper but if you are looking for a 245/65/17 I think I'd look elsewhere unless the slightly better snow performance and maybe a little less cost and above average warranty were all super important, to you.
I'll also point out that the Outpost's are also offered in an XL load rated 235/70/16, if you are unwilling to push the limit on tire diameter. My 245's, un mounted measured 29.25" in diameter and mounted and aired to 33psi, 29.5" and in combination with the 16x7 +30 wheels, at full drop and full lock they only cleared the felt fender liner by a few sheets of paper, same at full bump.
Now I just need to do more testing and especially on some rough rocky terrain and mud where the Mickey's excel. pics coming soon.
The new wheels weigh just 17.7lbs and are 10lbs lighter each than the 17x7.5 Alpha Foxtrots and the Nokians weigh ~2.5lbs less than the Mickeys. 36.4lbs vs 39lbs, so I went in with some preconceived notions. I'll preface further comparison by saying the Mickeys are by no means worn out, as they are at~11/32" tread depth now and the Outpost's come with 14/32" vs the Mickey's 16/32". And as I have just one weekend of off road use, in the snow with both tires and a limited amount of Highway use with the Outpost's, ~375 miles, this is not as comprehensive as many would like.
All that said, the Outpost nAT's are noticeably better in the snow but not by a huge margin. The Mickey's tended to push out, a little, on some turns and the rear would step out a little, in some of the twisty bits, while the Outpost's never stepped out in the rear they did still push out some, in the front but less often than the Mickey's.
Road feel, noise and gas millage, that's where my preconceived notions seemed to have failed me? What I expected with the Outpost's/Method's reduced weight and 1/2" taller sidewalls was better gas mileage and a softer ride. I can't say definitively, with but the one weekend on the Outposts but it would seem just the opposite is true! On the Highway, small bumps seemed to have a sharper feel and I'm estimating my gas mileage is down about 1 mpg, on the interstate, based on my display. It certainly should be better in stop and go traffic, so this was a surprise, even if just based on highway use. The Outpost's are also louder than the Mickeys, when both are new and possibly even now when the Mickeys have worn down ~5/32", to ~11/32". The noise is also higher pitched, which I find less pleasant. Would any of these things keep me from recommending them to someone else, wanting a good 245/70/16, XL load rated tire, NO, because there just are not many in that size and they come with a good warranty and they are a little better in the snow and maybe a little cheaper but if you are looking for a 245/65/17 I think I'd look elsewhere unless the slightly better snow performance and maybe a little less cost and above average warranty were all super important, to you.
I'll also point out that the Outpost's are also offered in an XL load rated 235/70/16, if you are unwilling to push the limit on tire diameter. My 245's, un mounted measured 29.25" in diameter and mounted and aired to 33psi, 29.5" and in combination with the 16x7 +30 wheels, at full drop and full lock they only cleared the felt fender liner by a few sheets of paper, same at full bump.
Now I just need to do more testing and especially on some rough rocky terrain and mud where the Mickey's excel. pics coming soon.
Sponsored
Last edited:
