255/75/17 VS 285/75R16 tires for off roading

[hulk311]

I am trying to decide on which one of these tires to get. I don't do any hardcore offroading, just basic trails and what not. Next year I am going on a three day exploration with some other people in the UP (Michigan). I am sort of confused, are both tires the same height, since the first one is on a 17" rim (Treadwright doesn't make a 255/85/16 tire). I guess my question is, does 1" really make that much of a difference?

EDIT: Also, please include a reason for which tire to chose!

 

[jmildoc]

285/70/17

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

255/75/17! 285s are only need if you go through a lot of deep mud or sand. The 255 will get better gas mileage and easier on your suspension components.

 

[PNWRunner]

I was thinking about switching to 17's, until I started looking for tires. A little less sidewall, a lot more money. Ill stick with 16's

 

[Yoter]

Dont know where you are located or how much it would cost to ship these but I found them on my local craigslist thought you might be interested.
They are 255/80/17 km2's he claims only 5000 miles for 600
off road tires

 

[Nunyabiz]

Since you don't do any "hardcore' off roading especially in deep mud or sand then the 255's would be the best choice.

I have the 255 75R17 and I am very pleased with them.
Put them on some FJ Cruiser rims

 

[theizzardking]

maybe good info maybe not, but here is a list of the 255/75/16 manufactures
list of tires for 255/85/16 - Tacoma World Forums

also for your reading
http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html

 

[spectre6000]

also for your reading
Expeditions West: Tire Selection for Expedition Travel

Everyone should read this and internalize it. 285s are almost always for mallcrawlers.

 

[PNWRunner]

285s are almost always for mallcrawlers.

Well thats just stupid.

A tall and skinny 33/10.50 worked great on my single cab Taco, because it didn't weigh much. I blew the bead a couple times when winter came around just trying to air down enough to stay afloat on deep snow.

Now with a much heaver rig like my 4R, i cant see a narrow tire working for me in fall/winter. I went with 285's because they landed right in the middle of what I needed. Here in the PNW we have every kind of terrain you can imagine. Mud, light snow, and rocks on the west side. Deep snow, sand, and rocks on the eastside. It all depends on what kind of wheeling you do. I like my 285's except I cant find the tire I want in anything less than E rating, which is why im bumping up to 295/75 or 315's.

 

[SCRunner12]

Just to be clear, 255/75/17 is not the same height as a 285/75/16. You're probably talking about the 255/80/17 or 255/85/16. The 255/75 is a 32" while the 285/75 is ~33".

 

[spectre6000]

Well thats just stupid.

A tall and skinny 33/10.50 worked great on my single cab Taco, because it didn't weigh much. I blew the bead a couple times when winter came around just trying to air down enough to stay afloat on deep snow.

Now with a much heaver rig like my 4R, i cant see a narrow tire working for me in fall/winter. I went with 285's because they landed right in the middle of what I needed. Here in the PNW we have every kind of terrain you can imagine. Mud, light snow, and rocks on the west side. Deep snow, sand, and rocks on the eastside. It all depends on what kind of wheeling you do. I like my 285's except I cant find the tire I want in anything less than E rating, which is why im bumping up to 295/75 or 315's.

If you keep blowing beads, you're airing down too much. Never ever go below 10 psi without beadlocks (I wouldn't go below 15 personally) unless you enjoy resetting beads.

The reason I said "almost always" is because it absolutely does depend on terrain. In terrain where floatation is actually desired (deep loose mud/sand/snow being about the only varieties thereof) the 285s would indeed be preferable. This is "almost always" not what people typically encounter while wheeling.

Read the article linked above (thrice now), it explains everything quite nicely. If you need help, you might try one of these links.

 

[KidVermicious]

For "basic trails and whatnot", it won't matter.

 

[spectre6000]

For "basic trails and whatnot", it won't matter.

However, for daily driving, wear and tear, and the need for heavy modification you'll likely prefer the 255s. For making the truck look "cool" (save the above mentioned exceptions), go with the 285s.

It should be reiterated that 255/85/16 (33/10.5) is what is generally referred to when people say "255s". The tires referenced in the title are 31" and the difference between that and stock is so minimal as to not really net any noticeable gains (in performance or aesthetics).

 

[04rnr]

If you keep blowing beads, you're airing down too much. Never ever go below 10 psi without beadlocks (I wouldn't go below 15 personally) unless you enjoy resetting beads.

The reason I said "almost always" is because it absolutely does depend on terrain. In terrain where floatation is actually desired (deep loose mud/sand/snow being about the only varieties thereof) the 285s would indeed be preferable. This is "almost always" not what people typically encounter while wheeling.

Read the article linked above (thrice now), it explains everything quite nicely. If you need help, you might try one of these links.

thats just plain BS,,, I air down to 6PSI when I run an 8-9 rated trail, on stock rims, running 285s and have NEVER blown a bead, ever....
you put to much faith in expeditionswest.com

and FYI, I gernerally air down to 12-15PSI any other times.

 

[89s rule]

When I had my '89 pickup I ran the 255/75/15 BFG KM1 Rubicon takeoffs on the Tundra/Seq rims. Should have never sold that truck and combo, great height, look and weight. I loved the combo, that size and 285/85-16 are 2 very different tires. Sold it to buy my 4runner though so guess it worked out.