Comparing stock tire sizes

This post is sure to show just how green I am.

I didn't know when I was shopping for used Tacos that they came with different stock tire sizes, either 225 75/15 or 265 70/16. Mine has the latter. Obviously, if I were to drop to the smaller size (for economy), I'd need new wheels. What I'd like to know is if the O.E.M. gearing is different for the different sizes. Would I have to re-gear if I went to the smaller tire?

 

If you want to go smaller and get better MPGs, try a 245/75 16 Passenger rated tire. It is about an inch skinner but still the same height. The lower rolling resistance and slightly lower weight will help MPGs. I wouldn't go below 30.5" on a 4x4.

 

Besides the lack of beefy good looks, is there any reason not to go with a 215/85R16? It's 30.5" diameter, close to my stock size. I need a C-rated tire minimum because I'm putting on a slide-in pop-top camper that will be near max weight. Tires in this size come D or E-rated. I'm reading that skinnier is better for snow traction and even non-sand, non-rock 4-wheeling because you can go around, rather then over stuff (within limits, of course). I'll be going on rough forest roads but doing no hard-core 4-wheeling.

 

I like wider tires for off road driving because you can air them down. It is honestly up to you and your preferences. 265/75 16 are the smallest tires I would put on my 4x4.