Roadtrip Report

[Bill G]

We just returned from seven days on the road, and found a couple of interesting (to me???) things.
We left Father’s Day, went up the coast and stayed in Pismo Beach over-night, then up to Monterey for five days. Returned over the mountains to I-5, south to Harris Ranch for breakfast, and over the mountains home. Was a nice trip; would have been really nice but the wife was sick for first 2 1/2 days in Monterey — so we saw a lot of a motel room <lol>.
Just before this trip I put on the 235/70 x 17 AT2 tires, so wanted to see how they fared compared to our original 235/65 Falkens. Prior trips netted me about 27 mpg overall with highs into the low 30’s on flat ground. This trip, which covered 775 miles, I got 25 mpg overall, so the 30” tall tires cost about 2 mpg on the road with me staying at the speed limit as much as possible (55 mph - 70 mph).
We didn’t get off-road (unfortunately we never do), but the increased side wall on the 70 series tires sure smoothed out the poorly maintained CA roads and I’ll gladly take the mileage hit for the added ride and handling.
I also tried out the lane keeping (“self driving”) mode for the first time (I’ve had this vehicle almost 4 1/2 years). I don’t really like it, but it does work and if you get used to just touching the steering wheel and let it do the driving it does take away some of the strain driving. On long, boring, drives like I-5 I can see using it off and on for a break — just remember it “fights” you when you try to change lanes to pass.
In closing, I’m not a picture taker, but here’s a couple of shots.

Monterey Peninsula around Joe’s Beach

Only pic with BS in it — outside Harris Ranch

 

[jkernitzki]

Did you account for the change in circumference? Speedo & odo would be reading about 3% below actual.

 

[thomasm23]

I use intelligent adaptive cruise control with lane centering all the time. I do the I-5 drive quite a bit.

If you use your turn signal when changing lanes, the system will not “fight you”.

 

[CLR]

We just returned from seven days on the road, and found a couple of interesting (
I also tried out the lane keeping (“self driving”) mode for the first time (I’ve had this vehicle almost 4 1/2 years). I don’t really like it, but it does work and if you get used to just touching the steering wheel and let it do the driving it does take away some of the strain driving. On long, boring, drives like I-5 I can see using it off and on for a break — just remember it “fights” you when you try to change lanes to pass.

That is lane centering; lane keeping is what nudges you back into your lane when not using adaptive cruise control.

Please signal when changing lanes, it makes the drive better for everyone.

I just finished a round trip down to San Diego, and the driving assistance makes it much more bearable. If nothing else, it’s easier- and safer- to drink and snack when the car is doing its bit to keep you going straight and watching the cars in front.

 

[Jmuns]

Sounds like fun. I love a good road trip. Especially one that takes you through various landscapes and where you don't just double back the same route.

 

[davidg4781]

Looks like a good time!

How was the road noise with those tires? I'm wanting some more aggressive tires but since most of my driving is on pavement, I don't want to deal with the drone of treads.

 

[Bill G]

Looks like a good time!

How was the road noise with those tires? I'm wanting some more aggressive tires but since most of my driving is on pavement, I don't want to deal with the drone of treads.

I don’t mind the tread noise, and don’t think these are any different from the Falkens which to me were pretty quiet for AT’s

 

[Bill G]

Did you account for the change in circumference? Speedo & odo would be reading about 3% below actual.

Strange enough my speedo was reading low and mileage off by a little with the 235/65 Falkens; now with the 235/70’s the mileage readings are almost exact between the computer and calculated and the speedo is “dead on” When measured at 45, 55, 70 (didn’t check at 65).

 

[davidg4781]

I don’t mind the tread noise, and don’t think these are any different from the Falkens which to me were pretty quiet for AT’s

Thanks. I was really leaning towards the BFG Trail Terrains but since there's only a Firestone dealer in town, I had considered Firestone/Bridgestone. I hadn't looked into them too much since most suggest BFG, Falken, or Toyo.

 

[NMhunter]

Maybe I missed it, but what tires did you get?
I'm getting 235/70R17's soon. Looking forward to my speedometer reading correctly.

 

[Bill G]

Put on Firestone Destination AT2’s. One of the few 235/70R17’s I found, and at the time were ”on sale” at Costco. Got 4 wheel alignment at Firestone — they offered “lifetime” alignment for @ two dealer alignments.

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