Anyone regret buying 255s over 285s?

[thezentree]

My 3" Toytec kit should be here tomorrow, so I stopped by the tire shop a little while ago to get some prices on tires. Everyone here has sold me on wanting 255/85R16 Cooper ST Maxxs, but apparently they are unheard of around here.

I was quoted a week lead time for a set of 4 at $1300 installed - probably - no one could tell me for sure.

So has anyone had trouble with that size after buying a set? I'm tempted to go with KO2s in 285/75 instead since I can get them the next day, it's a common (easily replaceable) size, and they're at least $300 cheaper for a set of 4.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

but apparently they are unheard of around here.

Amazing that in the age of the internet, this is still a statement that people use.

I have nothing else to add to this discussion, lol. Sorry...carry on.

Although I will say that I'm currently running 285's that I will be downsizing to 265 or 255 when the time comes so that I may ditch my wheel spacers. In Ontario, having wheel spacers automatically fails a vehicle safety inspection.
I'd rather keep my 4Runner "road legal" in the event that I ever sell it.

 

[thezentree]

Amazing that in the age of the internet, this is still a statement that people use.

I have nothing else to add to this discussion, lol. Sorry...carry on.

Although I will say that I'm currently running 285's that I will be downsizing to 265 or 255 when the time comes so that I may ditch my wheel spacers. In Ontario, having wheel spacers automatically fails a vehicle safety inspection.
I'd rather keep my 4Runner "road legal" in the event that I ever sell it.

Not sure what you mean by your first statement. Could you clarify that for me?

 

[BrandonF]

Either way, it's not going to make a huge difference whether you go with 255's or 285's. The width of the 285's looks way better in my opinion but thats very subjective of course.

And yes, that 255 size is never that common because it's so tall and skinny. It's just an odd size that not many people go for. If the 285's are that much cheaper, I'd choose those over the 255's for sure.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

Not sure what you mean by your first statement. Could you clarify that for me?

With the world at our fingertips, I'm dumbfounded when, for example, I would walk into a tire shop looking for 255/85R16 and the supposed tire expert just looks at me like I just beamed in from Mars.

But also, if you simply meant that you couldn't find a local dealer that stocked them, this may be true for sure because it isn't a commonly used/purchased size and yes, make it seem like that size is "unheard of" because it's not readily available, but again, with the advent of the internet and how easy it is to pretty much find and buy anything online, the fact that a shop quoted you a "probable" price is mind blowing. With a few mouse clicks on their suppliers' websites, any shop should be able to give you an accurate quote.

 

[Bumbo]

Personally I like the 255 over the 285...

That said, it really depends on what and where you drive.

The only time I prefer a 285 over a 255 is in the sand because the wider tire provides more flotation.

For everything else, I prefer a 255.

I know it seems counter intuitive but you get more grip/bite with a 255. The reduced contact patch actually grips better because you have more pounds per square inch going towards that traction.

Enjoy the 255, its what I run, and its been great. Personally I don't even think its that skinny and I like the results on and off-road.

 

[thezentree]

With the world at our fingertips, I'm dumbfounded when, for example, I would walk into a tire shop looking for 255/85R16 and the supposed tire expert just looks at me like I just beamed in from Mars.

But also, if you simply meant that you couldn't find a local dealer that stocked them, this may be true for sure because it isn't a commonly used/purchased size and yes, make it seem like that size is "unheard of" because it's not readily available, but again, with the advent of the internet and how easy it is to pretty much find and buy anything online, the fact that a shop quoted you a "probable" price is mind blowing. With a few mouse clicks on their suppliers' websites, any shop should be able to give you an accurate quote.

Gotcha, and I agree.

By the way, what wheels are you running that would make you need spacers with the 285s?

 

[SpidermanGeek]

By the way, what wheels are you running that would make you need spacers with the 285s?

285/75R16 TreadWright retreads using BFG KMs as cores, mounted on the OEM 16" Limited Wheels. Need the spacers to clear the UCAs (I'm running 1" All-Pro).

 

[TinBucket]

Personally I like the 255 over the 285...

That said, it really depends on what and where you drive.

The only time I prefer a 285 over a 255 is in the sand because the wider tire provides more flotation.

For everything else, I prefer a 255.

I know it seems counter intuitive but you get more grip/bite with a 255. The reduced contact patch actually grips better because you have more pounds per square inch going towards that traction.

Enjoy the 255, its what I run, and its been great. Personally I don't even think its that skinny and I like the results on and off-road.

This is the logic that makes me prefer 255s as my rig is my ski-vehicle and it's well known that narrow tires is better in the snow(better to sink in). We really don't need much float given the weight of our rigs.

That said, I don't like that 255s only come in e-rated/10 plies. Our trucks are just too light in my opinion for that much tire. More rotating/unsprung mass, and a stiff rider. Given MOST 285s (at least the ones the stores actually stock) are also E-rated, but at least there are more options.

In the end both seem like an imperfect compromise of small/light trucks/suvs like ours.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

I just went from a 255 BFG Mud to a 285 BFG A/T.

My cliff notes on the sizes:

1. The amount of trimming you'll need to do is significant, and spacers or less backspaced aftermarket wheels are necessary with the wider tire. I have sport flares that were already trimmed for 255's, and when I switched to 285's I noticed some areas that I had to hack more of the inside of the bumper flare. Not really a big deal though. The UCA and pinch weld are more of an issue with clearance, IMO.

2. The 285's look MUCH better to me, especially since I'm running a 17" wheel. 100% subjective, as mentioned above by someone else.

3. Availability of all terrains is almost non existent in the 255 and the price is higher.

If you're ok with the price difference and limited selection, go for it. They require less work and cost to make fit (no spacers or aftermarket wheels necessary). I run spidertax so the UCA rub was never a concern, but the pinch weld area and front bumper/ flares are.

 

[Bumbo]

This is the logic that makes me prefer 255s as my rig is my ski-vehicle and it's well known that narrow tires is better in the snow(better to sink in). We really don't need much float given the weight of our rigs.

That said, I don't like that 255s only come in e-rated/10 plies. Our trucks are just too light in my opinion for that much tire. More rotating/unsprung mass, and a stiff rider. Given MOST 285s (at least the ones the stores actually stock) are also E-rated, but at least there are more options.

In the end both seem like an imperfect compromise of small/light trucks/suvs like ours.

If unsprung weight and rotational mass is concerned, its only going to get worse with a 285 if all else was equal.

I know it all comes down to application and use case, its different for everyone. For where you live, I would opt for a 255, but I will agree 10 ply is probably a bit overkill unless you want the meat for off-road use.

I am running a mud terrain in a 255 and it's a 6 ply, it's a good balance for road but personally I wouldn't mind a 10 ply since its primary use is off-road.

My next tire if I go with an AT will be a 10 ply 255, but its going to be a while since I get anything else... I am well stocked on my favorite size of 255, and I have plenty of spares to thrash on off-road or swap out in case of trail damage.

 

[Road Bull]

So the last time I looked at these sizes, the 255 flavor has more options in a 17" wheel. Nobody really seems to stock 255/85/16s. They are "on the books", so they are "made". And due to their low volume, they are often more expensive. Every Tom Dick and Harry seems to stock The BFG KO2s in 285s.

So that's the availability portion of the decision.

I can't say anything about the 255s, as I haven't run them. But THAT tire (Cooper ST Maxx), has a great reputation on this forum.

I will say that the 285 BFG KO2s I have are E rated, but are very comfortable to drive on. Many others that run this 10 ply will tell you the same. I can't speak for other company's 10 ply tires, but I enjoy mine.

 

[thezentree]

Thanks for the input guys. I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that any tire I get is going to be an E-rated tire so it's sort of a lose-lose there, but whatever. When I get an actual cost from the tire shop for those 255s I'll post it here.

I've read that the 285s are close to the UCA but that rubbing isn't typically a problem, but several of y'all have said that you've had rubbing issues with 285s. I've ordered SPC UCAs with my lift (as well as a Toytec adjustable panhard bar). These UCAs offer more tire clearance, correct?

ETA: planning to run these on OEM SR5 five stars with no spacers.

 

[JerkyDrewster]

While I do not have the 255/85 Cooper S/T MAXX, I am running them in 285s. I definitely love the tire, and do not have an issue with rubbing against the UCA. Now rubbing against the wheel well...that's a different story. I was able to get the 285s for about $820 and $100 to mount a set of 4.

 

[Contact Lost]

Are you guys finding it necessary to regear with the 255?

 

[Bumbo]

Are you guys finding it necessary to regear with the 255?

Depends on the diameter of the 255, not the width.

Here is a good tool to get numbers for comparison.

https://tiresize.com/calculator/

 

[Denis_Ruso]

Not sure how much the're charging you to install them but you can probabaly order then 200-300$ cheaper online and get them installed for 100$.

931.28$ for all 4

https://www.tires-easy.com/255-85-16/cooper-tires/discoverer-s-t-maxx/tirecode/90000019869


and you can get 70$ prepay card.

https://www.tires-easy.com/rebate/cooper-summer17-rebate

 

[Falonious]

Thanks for the input guys. I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that any tire I get is going to be an E-rated tire so it's sort of a lose-lose there, but whatever. When I get an actual cost from the tire shop for those 255s I'll post it here.

I've read that the 285s are close to the UCA but that rubbing isn't typically a problem, but several of y'all have said that you've had rubbing issues with 285s. I've ordered SPC UCAs with my lift (as well as a Toytec adjustable panhard bar). These UCAs offer more tire clearance, correct?

ETA: planning to run these on OEM SR5 five stars with no spacers.

With the SPC's moved all the way forward you should have no issue with rubbing at the pinch weld or the rear of the fender. I had to run spacers (spidertrax) to clear the tire (285/16) on stock five star wheels.
I too had the big price difference and availability problem and let it sway me over the 255's....I wish I wouldn't have. I think the 255's will clear the stock UCA's on the stock wheels.

 

[thezentree]

With the SPC's moved all the way forward you should have no issue with rubbing at the pinch weld or the rear of the fender. I had to run spacers (spidertrax) to clear the tire (285/16) on stock five star wheels.
I too had the big price difference and availability problem and let it sway me over the 255's....I wish I wouldn't have. I think the 255's will clear the stock UCA's on the stock wheels.

Do you have SPC or OEM UCAs? Do you regret not getting the 255s only because of tire clearance or are there other reasons?

 

[psraff]

Although I will say that I'm currently running 285's that I will be downsizing to 265 or 255 when the time comes so that I may ditch my wheel spacers. In Ontario, having wheel spacers automatically fails a vehicle safety inspection.t.

Sucks about Ontario. .... I ran my 255s for a year and then added wheel spacers (1 1/4") and let me say I loved the feel of the handling so much more. Not that it was bad before, but I was slowing building for running 35s and spacers were part of it. But I definitely noticed a difference in handling driving around town. Corners felt a lot better. Maybe it would be like that with any tire, I don't know. This is the first time I ran spacers.

All in all, I love my Toyo MT 255s. They fit my kind of driving / exploring, much lighter then the wider tire, cheaper, and a lot of people like the look.

Even more repect the choice after I told them why I don't need a wide tire. Looks isn't everything to me. I want it to look good and be designed for the correct use.