SL vs LT Toyo Open Country A/T III — ride/noise difference?

[Semibruce]

I'm trying to decide between the SL and LT versions of the Toyo Open Country A/T III for my R1S (20 in wheels). Reason I'm asking: the SL is currently out of stock, so I'm trying to figure out if I should just grab the LTs now or wait it out.
I understand the trade-offs generally — weight, efficiency, price — but where I'd love someone's opinion is the difference in noise and ride between the LT and the SL.
Has anyone run both (or switched from one to the other) and can speak to how noticeable that difference really is in daily driving?
Appreciate any firsthand experience

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[DuoRivians]

If you’re going to do any offroading, I’d get the LT. The extra sidewall protection is worth it. And they drive great. I love mine. Have over 10K miles on them, and still going strong

 

[jrmbadger]

I have the LT. Good tires overall - very grippy in the winter, handle fine, looks nice, and the tread seems to last well - I've had 'em for a year and they still have more tread than I can measure with my tread gauge.

I'm actually going to get rid of them soon though, too noisy and the range is terrible. I'm getting <2.1 m/kwhr in summer and got 1.5-1.8 in winter and since my R1 is a pavement princess, I don't really need an offroad tire.

 

[Semibruce]

I'm actually going to get rid of them soon though, too noisy and the range is terrible. I'm getting <2.1 m/kwhr in summer and got 1.5-1.8 in winter and since my R1 is a pavement princess, I don't really need an offroad tire.

Thank you for sharing. I don't think I ever seen anyone complain about the noise or efficiency on the Toyos. Perhaps the SL is a bit better on both.

I currently have 22s, but just 20 in custom wheels. I'm undecided on whether I'll sell the 22s, so was approaching this as they may be my daily drivers. I do aspire to do more off-roading, but nothing too crazy or technical... Happy Forrest Service roads and similar.

 

[Zoidz]

I don't have Toyos, but I compared Michelin LTs vs non-LTs on my Suburban years ago. The LTs were great in snow and when towing the boat with the Suburban fully loaded. But the LT ride was rougher and noisier due to the stiffer sidewalls. The LT is a heavier tire, so efficiency suffered as well, but back then it didn't matter so much. I would expect about the same from Toyos.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

If you’re not going to be off-roading a lot, and prioritize on-road manners, take a look at Bridgestone Dueler Ascent. It’s a on-road AT. The Toyo is a off-road AT. The Ascent is cheaper too. SL version is 44 lbs. LT is 52 lbs. Stock Pirelli SL AT is 48 lbs.

 

[Semibruce]

If you’re not going to be off-roading a lot, and prioritize on-road manners, take a look at Bridgestone Dueler Ascent. It’s a on-road AT. The Toyo is a off-road AT. The Ascent is cheaper too. SL version is 44 lbs. LT is 52 lbs. Stock Pirelli SL AT is 48 lbs.

Thanks, will check them out!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Thanks, will check them out!

PS regardless of tire brand/model, expect LT to be less supple and noisier than SL variant. LTs are designed for higher max load and have materials/construction that make them heavier and stiffer compared to SL.

Some tire shops recommend LT because they don’t look at specs closely (or just want to sell you a higher priced tire). SL are safe as long as they meet needs of intended vehicle.

 

[ksurfier]

The LTs will last a little longer too, so the net cost of LT vs SL is likely a wash (higher cost due to lower efficiency), ideally, get an extra set then you can pick what you need (LT for towing/offroading and SL/XL for daily driving), it will pay for itself in ~2 years (12,000 mi/yr). This way you are using the correct setup for what you plan to do and don't have to sacrifice range or drivability.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Downsizing to 275/60R20 is an good middle ground option as well. Virtually same overall diameter as factory options for 21” and 22” wheels. Pending tire choice, you could have efficiency that is close to factory configs in those wheel sizes. And the Goodyear Territory AT RIV is even cheaper at under $300 each. Appearance-wise it’s closer to AS than AT. And, being a factory offering, it removes second guessing over which tire profile to choose in vehicle settings and accuracy of range estimates.

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