265/70/17 vs 255/75/17

[IronManKansas]

I am almost ready to buy some new tiers and I am probably going to get some Cooper AT3 because they best fit my needs. Although Dura tracs do look really nice on a 4runner. I was looking at the weight of the 255/75s and for my example (AT3) each tire weighs 38lbs vs 41lbs on the 265/70. Because of the reduced weight and skinner tread width I believe that my everyday gas mileage would go up. So I know form the tire fitment guide that a con would be that my speedo and odometer would be off a little. Are there any other pros or cons to moving to a taller skinner tire?

 

[Waterman2112]

I am almost ready to buy some new tiers and I am probably going to get some Cooper AT3 because they best fit my needs. Although Dura tracs do look really nice on a 4runner. I was looking at the weight of the 255/75s and for my example (AT3) each tire weighs 38lbs vs 41lbs on the 265/70. Because of the reduced weight and skinner tread width I believe that my everyday gas mileage would go up. So I know form the tire fitment guide that a con would be that my speedo and odometer would be off a little. Are there any other pros or cons to moving to a taller skinner tire?

I’m not an expert on this but I will say from the experience of friends with so called “pizza cutters” and some of the conversations we’ve had that you may want to do some more research on this.

All the applications I’ve seen were LT tires and the subsequent conversations were that the taller tire needs a bit of help when it comes to bending modes… the way the tires bend inward and outward from the center-line of the rim when turning under loads in which there is a significant transfer of energy… centrifugal force is outward but centripetal force (note the difference) is inward and the outside tire bends inward when transferring load in a turn. Our vehicles are rather heavy and these load transfers can be significant. I went with slightly higher tires at 192.5 millimeters but went with LT C load. You’ll be close at 191.5 millimeters but you did not mention whether you’re evaluation P or LT tires. Based on weights I would expect P series. I did not like my ride with P series at 185.5 mm… would probably like it less at a higher height.

If you don’t ride hard and turn in hard and are not experiencing nose dive and are concerned about gas mileage – then you should do well. I don’t think you’ll see and significant change in mileage… (My opinion) as weight differentials are nominal. Pack a couple of kids and soccer equipment and you have the same effective weight. If that’s your main concern… people transport…? I’d go with the largest contact patch I could get.

 

[NJTrail]

I have GYSA 255s sitting in my garage waiting to get mounted so no road reviews yet. I too liked the idea of a taller tire with lesser weight for better fuel economy. It may arguably have better traction in snow too, and maybe less hydroplaning, all else being equal, but I will leave that debate to the real tire experts. Basically it was those first two qualities that interested me.

 

[8086bruce]

I too was really thinking about 255's but ended up going with 275's. I was a little un sure how a 10" wide tire would look on the 4Runner. Saw a wrangler with 255's and thought they looked a little thin.