Need help deciding tires (Baja Boss AT vs Open Country AT3)

[haruharu]

Hi all!


I live in central Canada with -40C winters and lots of snow and ice. Im often off-roading on frozen lakes to go ice fishing and picked up the 2025 TRD ORP from a 2011 Rav4 to push the boundaries of where I can go.

That being said, i'm on the city road 70%, high way 20% and frozen lakes 10%. Most fishing guides recommend having at least 10-12" of clearance, but more is always better. There also tons to hidden drops and ridges due to the formation of the ice.

I have the stock 18" machined alloy wheels with the Falken ATs for a final tire width of 32.6" with +55mm stock offset.

I have purchased 17x8" +35mm wheels and the Westcott Design 2.5" (1" rear) preload collar kit. I am now finishing off with tires. On my list I have:

1. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT 255/85R17
-34.6" x 10"
63lbs
E load

2. Toyo Open Country AT3 35x11.5R17
-34.5" x 11.4"
61lbs
C load

3. Toyo Open Country AT3 34x10.5R17
-33.5" x 10.4"
55lbs
D load


I am looking for something that can provide good on road manners (noise, comfort) while keeping me from getting towed off the ice (clearance, snow handling). Does anyone have any experience with these wheels? I have read a lot of reviews on Jeep forums but it seems to be down the middle. In terms of MPG, it seems like 33.5 is the way to go.

Also, will the 34.5x11.4" require a lot of trimming in order to work?

Thanks so much!

 

[Trail4R]

I live in central Canada with -40C winters and lots of snow and ice. Im often off-roading on frozen lakes to go ice fishing and picked up the 2025 TRD ORP from a 2011 Rav4 to push the boundaries of where I can go.

I'd lean toward the 34x10.5 Toyo AT3s. Good balance of clearance, comfort, and weight. D load will ride nicer in the cold, too.

The 255/85 Baja Boss has one of my favorite tread patterns out there, no question. That tread pattern is super aggressive. I ran those tires for a year and loved them (not that size, but a 35X12.5R17). But they’re heavy, narrow, and the E load can feel pretty harsh unless you air way down. Great in deep snow and ruts, though if you're okay with the tradeoff.

The 35x11.5 AT3s will work, but you'll probably need to remove the mud guards in the front with minor trimming on the front bumper. That width with the Westcott kit and +35 wheels should be very close to perfect.

If you want to avoid any fender well mods, that 34x10.5 is the sweet spot. Enough clearance, still drives nice, and easier on the drivetrain.

Let us know what you go with and drop some pics when it’s finished.

Pic of the 5th Gen on those Mickey Baja Boss ATs. Amazing tire.