Is the 285 really worth the hit in mpgs, opposed to the 275?

knightsfs4

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Been throwing this back and forth for a while. Just don't know if the 285 is worth it when the 275 is so similar and barely smaller.

Jack
 
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What exact tire sizes are you looking at? I'm sure it will vary by brand, load, rating, etc.

A quick look on tire rack shows BFGs T/A KO:

275/70R17 E rated = 55 lbs Diameter = 32.2
285/70R17 E rated = 59 lbs Diameter = 32.8

IMO 4 pounds will have some impact but it won't be huge. If you want them, get 'em!
 
There is a great deal of "visual" difference between brands.

Some claim wider tread patch, others wider cross-section. Look on the Tire Rack site at the specs and you will see some variances. Even the sidewall protector makes a big difference in the "visual width" as you view the tire.

I would suggest looking at the EXACT tire you are interested in and make a wise decision.

Good luck
 
I mean the wise decision is 275 but I think 285s are sweet but I know that the rolling resistance with the 285s will be more so there a loss of mpgs. It's just a tough decision in this game of inches.
 
I am running 285/70/17s on my V6 T4R. I average about 17.5 mpg (combined) now vs. about 19 mpg (combined) when stock. I also added a 3 inch lift and 200+ lbs of ARB bumper and Warn winch when I added the tire.

Honestly, I think aerodynamics of the lift/bumper hurt the mileage as much as the tires. The larger tires will hurt mileage in city driving due to the added unsprung weight/rolling resistance, but may actually help highway driving due to the lowered RPM at any given MPH in top gear.

Just thought I would provide an actual data point for this thread.
 
The 275 will hands down be better on gas. It's shorter, narrower, and lighter. I have known people who went from stock 265/65/17 to 265/70/17 and noticed 1 mpg loss. In addition to one size wider, you're also comparing one size taller, so I'd expect 1+ mpg difference between those two tires. As with most things, tire size is all about trade-offs.

Another big factor is the spare tire. You should be able to fit a 275/65/18 in the spare location, but not a 285/65/18. Having a full size spare is pretty important with the full time 4wd system. TJ and I are going to do some testing, hopefully this weekend, with 285/70/17's with one 255/75/17 as a spare tire in use. We'll see if the diameter difference is enough to cause issues. Either way, you'll definitely want to upgrade to something other than the stock spare.
 
so do you want them purely for looks? if so, i'd stick with 275's... Granted thats what most people do if they're going that wide, but still. If i had the choice, i'd go with 275's because they still fill out the wheel well, and if you want a bit more beef than them, see if you can find a 275/70 instead of 65 maybe? just my 2centz
 
so do you want them purely for looks? if so, i'd stick with 275's... Granted thats what most people do if they're going that wide, but still. If i had the choice, i'd go with 275's because they still fill out the wheel well, and if you want a bit more beef than them, see if you can find a 275/70 instead of 65 maybe? just my 2centz

What? A 285/70 is wider than either of those.......


41d7a23f-eba7-932c.jpg


I have 285/70's on mine
 
I just upgraded from the stock 265/65-17 Bridestone Dueler to 265/70-17 Duratracs. I debated going to 275/70-17 but glad I did not with my 2" lift.

The 265/70 really filled the wheel wells out and any larger I would have major trimming to do.
I lost 1.5 - 2 mpgs going to the bigger tires. Was 18.5ish now 16.9ish

Check it out:

265/65-17
DSC_0479.jpg~original


265/70-17
DSC_0484.jpg~original
 
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A little bit of trivia about BFG AT TKO tires.. I have 265/65/17 on my 4runner and 275/65/17 on my tacoma. Both are on stock toyota wheels. They both are the same tread width. The difference is the 275/65/17 is a little taller. It is the same tread "mold". To get a wider bfg tire, you must go to a 285.

Below are pics:

bfgat265.jpg


bfgat275.jpg




Me after spending the extra $$$ on 275's: :roadkill:
 
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That's really interesting about the difference in tread depth, but it somewhat makes sense. You get a taller tire with deeper tread, so would it last longer when compared to the same tire but a little "smaller"?
 
i had 265 75 16 at's, was getting around 18-19 avg, i now get 15-17avg with 285 75 16 mt's
 
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That's really interesting about the difference in tread depth, but it somewhat makes sense. You get a taller tire with deeper tread, so would it last longer when compared to the same tire but a little "smaller"?

Its the tread width, not the depth. The tread depth is the same for those two sizes, the overall diameter is slightly larger is all. 275*0.65=178.75mm sidewall height vs 265*0.65=172.25mm, so the overall diameter of the tire is roughly 10mm larger.
 
i mentioned it because I was bummed because I paid more for the 275's and it wasn't any wider the the 265's...

Me after spending extra $$$: :roadkill:
 
That's really cool! I have Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts so I'm expecting a hit in gas mileage regardless. I'm just torn between two tires 275/65/18 Duratracs, OR 285/65/18 Trail Grappler. The Trails are much cooler, but the Duratracs are more practical. If gas mileage wasn't an issue, I'd take the Trails all day. But I gotta be real here. If I know I'll lose 1 MPG with the Duratracs, and 2 MPGs with the Trails then I'd do the trails. But I don't wanna take a hit bugger than that.

Jack
 
I went through 2 sets of MT's and finally went to the Duratrac for less road noise and better gas mileage.

All 3 sets in the same size LT285/70R17 the MT's were Copper STT and BFG KM2.
 
That's really cool! I have Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts so I'm expecting a hit in gas mileage regardless. I'm just torn between two tires 275/65/18 Duratracs, OR 285/65/18 Trail Grappler. The Trails are much cooler, but the Duratracs are more practical. If gas mileage wasn't an issue, I'd take the Trails all day. But I gotta be real here. If I know I'll lose 1 MPG with the Duratracs, and 2 MPGs with the Trails then I'd do the trails. But I don't wanna take a hit bugger than that.

Jack

I would be you will lose more than 1mpg. More like 2-3 I would guess.

I was torn betweend the Duratracs, BFG AT KOs and the Trail Grapplers. After literely spending 2 weeks researching I went with the Duratracs for a couple of reasons.
1. Great Reviews - Everyone here and on Toyota120 and FJ forums had great things to say.
2. I have BFGs on both my F150 and Expedtion and while great tires for work trucks and tow vehicles the ride is rough.
3. Wear on the Trail Grappler. Read some reviews that they wear faster.

All are good tires and you can't go wrong with any of your choices but I would think long and hard about going so BIG especially 285.

Here's a cool link to tire sizes if you don't already have one:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

Good luck . . .
 
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