255/80's

[Tejas]

I am considering my move to a true 3" lift in the coming months and moving up a tire size or two from my current 275's. I have always been a fan of the pizza cutter look so I am considering a 255/80 on the factory Pro wheels versus the typical 285/75 or 295/70 on an aftermarket wheel.

If you run 255/80's on your 5th Gen please post up some pics and your thoughts on these taller and narrower tires. If you think the skinnies are a bad idea then please tell me why I should lean more towards the more traditional choice of the 285's.

 

[JP421]

I am considering my move to a true 3" lift in the coming months and moving up a tire size or two from my current 275's. I have always been a fan of the pizza cutter look so I am considering a 255/80 on the factory Pro wheels versus the typical 285/75 or 295/70 on an aftermarket wheel.

If you run 255/80's on your 5th Gen please post up some pics and your thoughts on these taller and narrower tires. If you think the skinnies are a bad idea then please tell me why I should lean more towards the more traditional choice of the 285's.

I was debating on 255's and ended up with 285/70s for two reasons.

First is lack of options with 255/80s
Second was multiple reports of handling being squirrelly on the highway with the 255s

That being said, I would still love to find some true winter tires in 255/80 or 255/75s.

 

[Mutant138]

I am considering my move to a true 3" lift in the coming months and moving up a tire size or two from my current 275's. I have always been a fan of the pizza cutter look so I am considering a 255/80 on the factory Pro wheels versus the typical 285/75 or 295/70 on an aftermarket wheel.

If you run 255/80's on your 5th Gen please post up some pics and your thoughts on these taller and narrower tires. If you think the skinnies are a bad idea then please tell me why I should lean more towards the more traditional choice of the 285's.

I don't mind the look myself. I've heard the usefulness argued both ways, but I can't say I know enough to side. Plenty of people with more seat time then me swear by them over wide and others don't.

Main reason why I'm not doing it is they are hard to find/limited options. I didn't buy a toyota to make my life more complicated so I'll stick with stuff that's easy to find.

I guess I would be open to it if someone proved otherwise.

 

[Tejas]

There are definitely less options in the 255 size and it would be safe to assume that it would be harder to locate a replacement should you ever need one.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

No experience with the 255’s, but I ran a 285-75-16 on factory 16x7” wheels on my 2001 4Runner and never had any problems, even airing down to 18psi. Ran this setup for about 15 years and loved it. I would go with a 285-70-17 in a C load and save 5lbs. per tire over your 275’s. Also, I really like the look, size and offset of the Pro wheel and with a 285, 3” lift and the proper alignment you will probably avoid the bmc. The 285 on the Pro wheel will fill out the fender well just right without spraying grunge all down the side of your vehicle. There are so many 285 options out there that I think it is the way to go. Good luck.

 

[Tejas]

No experience with the 255’s, but I ran a 285-75-16 on factory 16x7” wheels on my 2001 4Runner and never had any problems, even airing down to 18psi. Ran this setup for about 15 years and loved it. I would go with a 285-70-17 in a C load and save 5lbs. per tire over your 275’s. Also, I really like the look, size and offset of the Pro wheel and with a 285, 3” lift and the proper alignment you will probably avoid the bmc. The 285 on the Pro wheel will fill out the fender well just right without spraying grunge all down the side of your vehicle. There are so many 285 options out there that I think it is the way to go. Good luck.

Some have told me that Discount won't mount a 285/70 to the 7" wide Pro wheel. I am not sure how true that is, but it does require a minimum of a 7.5" wide wheel according to most manufacturers (looks like the KM3 allows for a 7" wheel). I like the idea of not having to spring for the aftermarket wheels or the need to cut for the BMC, but I am open to both in order to get the look I want. The 285/70 is only 1/2" bigger than my 275's so I don't expect a drastic difference in look like I would likely see with the height of the 255 or 285/75.

 

[Terra Firma]

I've had 255/80/17 ST Maxx for 3.5yr now. conclusions below:

Pro's:
- Exceptional grip offroad, airing down safety to 16psi without hesitation due to stiff sidewall
- Good fuel economy around town (16.5mpg)
- Incredible tread wear: still at 13/32 after 35k mi (18.9 new)
- only slight rubbing on mud flap, but that's it
- Spare tire fits and tucks up nicely
- Low cost (negotiated to $140/tire at discount tire when buying)
- Extremely tough sidewall, have had it completely pinched-over and never worried
- Great in snow/ice

Con's:
- Ride is unbearably stiff on-road, to the point where these tires will be replaced early
- Poor highway mileage over 65MPH due to weight (58.1lbs, 17.5mpg)
- Pulls slightly right due to the Cooper Pull (documented 255 issue)
- damp roads create grip issues

Next set of tires will be a C Load 285's solely due to the ride quality around down.

Hope this helps someone!

Ryan

 

[SalmoTrutta]

Some have told me that Discount won't mount a 285/70 to the 7" wide Pro wheel. I am not sure how true that is, but it does require a minimum of a 7.5" wide wheel according to most manufacturers (looks like the KM3 allows for a 7" wheel). I like the idea of not having to spring for the aftermarket wheels or the need to cut for the BMC, but I am open to both in order to get the look I want. The 285/70 is only 1/2" bigger than my 275's so I don't expect a drastic difference in look like I would likely see with the height of the 255 or 285/75.

I had 285 K02’s mounted on my pro wheels at discount tire a couple weeks ago and there was no issue at all. Make sure they use black wheel weights. They put silver on mine at first and it looked janky.

 

[Tejas]

I've had 255/80/17 ST Maxx for 3.5yr now. conclusions below:

Pro's:
- Exceptional grip offroad, airing down safety to 16psi without hesitation due to stiff sidewall
- Good fuel economy around town (16.5mpg)
- Incredible tread wear: still at 13/32 after 35k mi (18.9 new)
- only slight rubbing on mud flap, but that's it
- Spare tire fits and tucks up nicely
- Low cost (negotiated to $140/tire at discount tire when buying)
- Extremely tough sidewall, have had it completely pinched-over and never worried
- Great in snow/ice

Con's:
- Ride is unbearably stiff on-road, to the point where these tires will be replaced early
- Poor highway mileage over 65MPH due to weight (58.1lbs, 17.5mpg)
- Pulls slightly right due to the Cooper Pull (documented 255 issue)
- damp roads create grip issues

Next set of tires will be a C Load 285's solely due to the ride quality around down.

Hope this helps someone!

Ryan

I wouldn't consider 17.5mpg on the highway with a 33" tire and stock gearing as poor. I run the 275's now and on flat terrain and no headwind I can eek out 20mpg every now and then, but 16-18mpg is the norm and it can be as low as 14mpg depending on the winds. You will have the rough ride with any E-Load tire on these 4Runners, they simply don't have the weight to offset the density of an E rated tire sidewall and of course they tend to be heavier as well. My E-Rated 275 KO2's can be harsh over rough terrain as well.

Which C-Load 285 will you be running?

 

[KingTaco]

I've had 255/80/17 ST Maxx for 3.5yr now. conclusions below:

Con's:
- Poor highway mileage over 65MPH due to weight (58.1lbs, 17.5mpg)

Holy doodoo my 285/75/17 Toyo OC AT2 Extremes are 58.0!!

 

[slprciv]

I've had 255/80/17 ST Maxx for 3.5yr now. conclusions below:

Pro's:
- Exceptional grip offroad, airing down safety to 16psi without hesitation due to stiff sidewall
- Good fuel economy around town (16.5mpg)
- Incredible tread wear: still at 13/32 after 35k mi (18.9 new)
- only slight rubbing on mud flap, but that's it
- Spare tire fits and tucks up nicely
- Low cost (negotiated to $140/tire at discount tire when buying)
- Extremely tough sidewall, have had it completely pinched-over and never worried
- Great in snow/ice

Con's:
- Ride is unbearably stiff on-road, to the point where these tires will be replaced early
- Poor highway mileage over 65MPH due to weight (58.1lbs, 17.5mpg)
- Pulls slightly right due to the Cooper Pull (documented 255 issue)
- damp roads create grip issues

Next set of tires will be a C Load 285's solely due to the ride quality around down.

Hope this helps someone!

Ryan

Pretty much agree with this statement. I wouldn't say it is unbearably stiff on road but it is a firmer ride for me. With future plate bumpers in the front and rear it will smooth out the rider even more. Also the LT255/80/17 ST Maxx I got weighs 51 lbs not 58 lbs. I know the 285/70/17 ST Maxx weighs 58 lbs though.

 

[Tejas]

Pretty much agree with this statement. I wouldn't say it is unbearably stiff on road but it is a firmer ride for me. With future plate bumpers in the front and rear it will smooth out the rider even more. Also the LT255/80/17 ST Maxx I got weighs 51 lbs not 58 lbs. I know the 285/70/17 ST Maxx weighs 58 lbs though.

Yea I am seeing them at 51lbs as well. You make a good point about the bumpers and winch helping to smooth them out a bit.

 

[slprciv]

Yea I am seeing them at 51lbs as well. You make a good point about the bumpers and winch helping to smooth them out a bit.

Yeah I never thought about until I rode in my buddy's truck with plates bumpers in the front and back compared to my truck. Definitely rides better :thumb:

 

[Terra Firma]

I wouldn't consider 17.5mpg on the highway with a 33" tire and stock gearing as poor. I run the 275's now and on flat terrain and no headwind I can eek out 20mpg every now and then, but 16-18mpg is the norm and it can be as low as 14mpg depending on the winds. You will have the rough ride with any E-Load tire on these 4Runners, they simply don't have the weight to offset the density of an E rated tire sidewall and of course they tend to be heavier as well. My E-Rated 275 KO2's can be harsh over rough terrain as well.

Which C-Load 285 will you be running?

Good feedback, I am actually very torn. Looking at the 285/70/17 Load C KO2's solely due to their low weight (51lbs), but have not decided.

Suggestions for me and possibly the OP?

 

[Terra Firma]

Pretty much agree with this statement. I wouldn't say it is unbearably stiff on road but it is a firmer ride for me. With future plate bumpers in the front and rear it will smooth out the rider even more. Also the LT255/80/17 ST Maxx I got weighs 51 lbs not 58 lbs. I know the 285/70/17 ST Maxx weighs 58 lbs though.

Cooper website states 58lb for the 255/80/17, 62lb for 285/70/17. I wish they were 51lb!!!!

Let me know if I am missing something... if so it will probably sway my next tire choice...!!

Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX | Cooper Tire

 

[slprciv]

Cooper website states 58lb for the 255/80/17, 62lb for 285/70/17. I wish they were 51lb!!!!

Let me know if I am missing something... if so it will probably sway my next tire choice...!!

Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX | Cooper Tire

I stand corrected. I remember on discount tires website and on my shipping receipt from UPS it said 51 lbs. On my buddy's '16 Trail 285/70/17 with the same setup as my '18 ORP, his truck does feel slower on back to back driving. Maybe the rolling resistance played a factor. :shrug:

 

[SwayzeExpress]

I've had 255/80/17 ST Maxx for 3.5yr now. conclusions below:

Pro's:
- Exceptional grip offroad, airing down safety to 16psi without hesitation due to stiff sidewall
- Good fuel economy around town (16.5mpg)
- Incredible tread wear: still at 13/32 after 35k mi (18.9 new)
- only slight rubbing on mud flap, but that's it
- Spare tire fits and tucks up nicely
- Low cost (negotiated to $140/tire at discount tire when buying)
- Extremely tough sidewall, have had it completely pinched-over and never worried
- Great in snow/ice

Con's:
- Ride is unbearably stiff on-road, to the point where these tires will be replaced early
- Poor highway mileage over 65MPH due to weight (58.1lbs, 17.5mpg)
- Pulls slightly right due to the Cooper Pull (documented 255 issue)
- damp roads create grip issues

Next set of tires will be a C Load 285's solely due to the ride quality around down.

Hope this helps someone!

Ryan

I have these and love them - here is a parking lot pic makes them look small

Airing down and knowing your sidewalls are 10ply add a lot of confidence too if you wheel in the woods at all

I have 5100s at 1.75, if I were going up 3" I'd go taller personally.

I dont consider the ride stiff but have always liked feeling the road.

Also they are relatively inexpensive

If I didnt need them for the kids I'd pull the steps off to make it slimmer looking

 

[KYMike]

As requested...

 

[gearguywb]

I went with 255/75 Goodyear duratracs. So far, so good. Like them a lot without the drawback of heavier tires

 

[JP421]

Has anyone come across any 255/80s in a true winter tire? Not just the M&S rating, I mean equivalent to blizzaks or nokian hakkas?