Are 285s worth it?

Finally getting around to lifting my truck so I'm trying to read up on lifts and tires. Are 285s worth it for a truck that will see minor off roading a couple times a month with all the driveline issues, trimming, etc?

 

Worth it that's all personal preference. I'm going to go with 255/80/17 it's a skinny 33 with my 3 inch lift. No trimming or rubbing at all.

 

Driveline issues are from the lift, not the tires. No lift is required for 'minor off roading'.

Seems in your case a lift and 285s are a cosmetic package. Which is fine, if that's what you want.

 

If you're asking this question. Then no

 

Wider tires are only beneficial off road. If you are in an area that gets snow/ice go with skinny 33's. If you want an aggressive look with skinny tires, consider a heavy offset wheel or spacers.

 

285/25 r20s are definitely not worth it if you plan on leaving the pavement. It's only a 25 inch tire, you would probably get hung up on speed bumps.

 

Why are you lifting it if you aren't doing serious off roading?

Edit: I ask, because if the answer is "looks", then 285s are definitely worth it because the truck will look better. In a truck that doesnt go off road, you've already moved beyond good handling, good gas millage, practicality, and cost effectiveness.

 

When I say minor, I just meant I'm not going to be thrashing it, the trails I ride still require additional clearance at some parts.

 

Imo, if you're gonna lift it, upgrade your tires too. 285s look pretty good on a 3rd Gen.

 

Are they "Worth It." That my friend is a question only you can answer as none of us will be footing your bills. If you're doing it only for looks (absolutely nothing wrong with that), keep in mind that everything will be more expensive. Tires, fuel, etc. If you were doing it for a purpose or job related, it would be justified (but still just as expensive). But just as Unchained 5150 said, I think the skinnier 255's perform better off road and probably get better mpg's anyways. Sadly though I don't think 2nd or 3rd gens look as good as the 1st gens with 255s, but I digress.

Also depends on what your final goal is for the truck and how long you plan on keeping it, right? If you plan on keeping it forever, you could try 285s for a set of tires and make a change later after your first hand experience with the 285s. If you plan on selling it in 4 years, keep it stock, or keep the stock parts at least. But if I was planning on keeping my truck forever (I want to hit 400,000mi,) I'd leave it as close to stock drivetrain as possible to reduce any unnecessary or unwanted problems down the road. My goal is to keep the truck efficient, light and nimble. Better for fuel economy, off-road and the engine in the long run.

I think as long as you do it "right" You'll be happy. Don't be like my friend who lifted his Ram 7in then complains about not having torque because he doesn't want to re-gear. That's not good for the truck. Do your homework, write up your own pro's and cons list, then write up a budget and go with what your gut tells you. But trying out 285s for a while isn't a bad option. Tons of people on here who would buy them from you if you changed your mind.


Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

 

Trimming and drive line issues? I have 45k on my truck with 285s on for about 40k of that. No trimming or driveline issues at all.

 

Lift gives clearance mostly for approach and departure angles, and of course only for the body.

Tires are what raises the axle line.

You can run full 33's in a 255 on OE or T4R wheels with no lift. No rubbing, trimming or cutting.

 

I love my 255/85-16s with SpiderTraxx spacers. (2nd gen but still...)

EDIT: Cooper ST Maxx

 

Wheel spacers or lift spacers? Shouldn't need wheel spacers to run them.

 

Wheel spacers. I wanted that slightly more aggressive look.

EDIT: lift is full OME

 

I have skinny 33s on SCS Stealth 6 wheels and did have some rubbing on the mud flaps, and very little on the plastic at the back of the tire. Both were minor but I also have 3* of castor to push the tire forward. I had to trim for the same tires on my 2nd gen as they rubbed a lot worse in reverse on that truck. I feel like with the 17x8.5 wheel the 255s actually don’t “look” that skinny so I kinda get the best of both worlds.

 

I had to put wheel spacers on the front with my 285/75/16. Tires were rubbing on the upper control arm..

 

I love the look and function of my 285s but it really does take a toll on MPG. Works fine for me because it’s not a DD.

 

285/75/16 here in Az- Awesome!
Cooper st maxx!

 

I'm torn between 275s and 285s. I can get a C load 285 for less weight than the 275, just not wanting to have screwed up CV angles and vibes. Thoughts?