The SKINNY on skinny tires

Couldn't find a clear answer.. I'm looking to get 255/85r16s, I've got a 2.5" lift front/back from IM4x4 FCP suspension and their UCAs. I'll be mounting the tires on 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro wheels which are 16×7 with a 13mm offset. Should I expect any rubbing, and if so what're the most likely locations?

 

Kinda same boat as the post above me. I have a 2021 TRD OR with 16x8, 0 offset wheels, stock uca, bilstein 5100s up front to level. Wondering if I’d be able to run 255/85 without any rubbing? Don’t wanna chop.

 

I have the same setup and have spent a week now trying to find that out. It is my understanding that this size will rub at stock height with that offset, but not sure if we would clear with a small lift or not. I’m about to say F it and give it a go though

I think this setup would be more likely to clear

 

Those tires look awesome on your truck! Great size.

 

Welp 255/85’s will be here Thursday or Friday to try out with my 16x8 0 offset, I’ll post an update on how well they work with about 1.5 front lift.

 

So can anyone share their own personal experience with skinnies in sand?

After scrolling this thread for months i ended up going with 265’s, next tire will be a 33, not sure if skinny though

 

You're only losing 10mm on width between 265 or going with 255, it's gonna perform the exact same of you get the exact same type of tire. 10mm is gonna be near negligible

 

I went with the Mastercraft Courser CXT 255/85r16. It actually specs at 10.4 inches wide, which is what my 265/75r16 wildpeaks are. 0.7lb heavier, and 1.45” taller, by stated specs that is. I’m hoping it ends up about as wide as my 265 and stays 33” tall mounted.

 

I'm going with 255s because I don't spend enough time in the sand, otherwise I'd go 285. My. 002.

 

255/85 are out of stock. I was quoted $950 out the door for a set of G003 285/75r16 from American tire depot. Might be too good to pass up haha

 

I’m on 255 80 17 Cooper st maxx. Lots of desert trips and haven’t been let down, or struggled any in Anza Borrego with my skinnies. I went from 285 mud terrains which I hated in the sand to these skinnies and have been extremely happy.

 

Hmm interesting, skinnies look like they’d dig in loose sand

 

The trucks in the Dakar rally use 255s
They see major dune action.
The Hiluxes run 255

 

Ordered 255/85r16 Yokohama M/T Geolandar G003's!! Super stoked!

 

Well I took the leap after 70k on my bfg k02's I just bought a set of Mastercraft Courser Cxt 255x85r16!

 

For sure I’m rubbing on TRDOR stock suspension with 255/85/16s with ray 10 -12 offset right? Damn those tires look good.

 

There were some reviews on that and when aired down the skinny footprint gets longer and performs pretty well in deep sand since it does not have to push as much sand out of the way but still has a large footprint that is deceptive. I found the 255/80 ST MAXX performed great in deep sand in Utah.

 

There was an old Expeditions West article that explained it well. If you use the Wayback Machine you can read the whole thing. I'll try and link it, but here's a quote re: tall/skinny.
I run 235/85/16 on mine but might bump up to 255 after suspension refresh.


"As quoted from Sahara Overland, a Route and Planning Guide by Chris Scott (2004, ISBN: 1-873756-76-3):
"...Note that it's the diameter or height of the tyres that makes the difference in sand, and not, as many imagine the width... For the desert, you want tyres with a high aspect ratio of around 80 because this represents a taller sidewall so corresponds to added ground clearance when firm, and a longer contact area when deflated"

Traction in soft surfaces: It is a common misconception that airing down a tire for off-road traction only makes the tire contact patch wider. That is not the case. In fact, only 20% of the increased contact comes from the width. 80% of the increased contact patch comes from the tread patch becoming longer. A tall, narrow tire allows for a very long contact patch when aired down. That, coupled with the minimal frontal resistance (area), negates much of the downside to narrow tires in flotation situations. The taller tire allows for a long contact patch and still maintains good ground clearance."

Link: https://web.archive.org/web/2006010...esearch/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html

 

For sure, if you look at the old archive films of the Camel LandRover trophy guys they are running skinnies in some of the nastiest terrain going and they manage to claw their way through.

 

Courser CXT 255/85r16

Before: Wildpeak 265/75r16After:
Fills the wheel well out perfectly imo.
Really no noticeable power loss or pedal feel at least. Steering feels a bit tighter maybe. I will say they do not hum but SING. This is the closest thing to a mud tire I’ve ran though, so not a lot to compare to. Rubbing a bit in reverse at 1/2 turn and coming into my driveway curb while turned. Looks to just be the mud flap but it’s raining out and will investigate further later.
Other specs:
16x8 0-offset
5100’s with 885 springs in front, inch block in rear, stock UCA.