So Ive got a 4th gen that is slowly becoming more of my dedicated recreational vehicle/ off roader.

Currently running 265/70 /17, which is about 31.6 inches of tire
As I look at bigger tires id be willing to use - 255/75/17 or 285 70 17 it looks like the max I get is about to 32.7 inches

The bigger tires have a significant price tag with them, anyone have any insight or experience on how much that inch helps with off roading?

Ground clearance improvement is the main reason I upsized. For the kind of trails in my area, every little bit helps, even half an inch.

Also, sometimes the tire you want is not available in the stock size. I run the Cooper ST/Maxx in 255/75/17 because they don't make it in 265/65/17.

The height /diameter of the tire makes going over steps and obstacles going uphill much easier.

The bigger the tire, the easier it rolls over obstacles.

It’s not a common/popular size, but you can get 33.1” with a 255/80/17 tire. I needed suspension and body lifts, and some trimming, to fit 33s on my 4th gen. The 33s are in my signature line photo below.

Cause they're kewl!

Thank you for all of you who pointed out that bigger tires helps going over things. really helpful.

Sounds people feel that more is better, no matter how little so I guess just have to balance that with the cost or letting these run down first

Keep in mind a 1” larger tire gets you 1/2” extra ground clearance because the other half is on top

Yes, also on my mind that in terms of height and when rolling over an object you're only using half that wall height.

FWIW, I really like the 255/75R17 size. It's what will be going on my 5th gen when I swap.

Yea that’s probably my plan is to get some 255 75 17 km3 from a wrangler take off

I was looking purely at the numbers and went with 255 75 17 last time; that size beat out the 275 70 17 option. Cooper AT3's. Slightly taller than stock (265 70 16 on a 5th gen), but narrower so minimal effect on gas mileage.

The downsides quickly starting beating out the upsides. Noticeably narrower than the 265 stocks. I had to take care driving across soft ground because the smaller contact patch would sink in quicker. Especially critical driving across soft grassy areas to avoid ruts.

And they looked... like passenger car tires.

Then a few weeks ago (~50% tread life) I ran over something and punched a big hole in the center of one tire. Think piece of rebar or 1/2" bolt sized hole. I got it patched, but didn't trust it. So I used that as an excuse to sell the three good ones to a used tire dealer and upgrade to General Grabbers in LT275 70 17.

They look so much better. Normally I value function over looks, but in this case the looks make all the difference. I can't wait to get them muddy.

I could also re-evaluate 265 70 18 wheels, of course that would require new rims too - thereby nixing my "efficiency" question

It increases handling that's the reason why I prefer +1 from the original size of my tires.

Actually, on its own 0.5" extra clearance will give you absolutely zero trails over your current size tires.

If you want to feel a massive difference in how you roll over stuff, change the suspension to such that is stiff enough for offroading but not so heavily sprung as to be devoid of flex. The more adjustable, the better but the right balance is enough.

The heavier duty the suspension, the heavier the tires it will like.