Newbie help: tire purchase

My first post and I’m humbly asking for guidance. I have a 2020 Tacoma TRD sport with 3/2 leveling kit installed.
I purchased a set of slightly used wheels with 255/80/17 Toyo open country A/T’s and now I need new tires. I don’t know a lot about tires so here are my questions.

Why are the 255/80/17 tires less available? (I can get them but they are more expensive)

Is this size made for a particular purpose?

I have used the tire size calculator and found several that are close in comparison. However, I like the 255/80/17 on the calculator the best. Based on experience and my current configuration is there a tire size you would recommend to replace these?

Guys I am learning so I’m open to suggestions and constructive criticism. Thank you in advance.

jd

 

That size is considered a “skinny” tire which is used by a lot of off road enthusiasts. There is alot of debate but many people will tell you that a skinny tire is better in a lot of off road situations than the wide tires that look “cool”.

I personally have a 16” wheel and I run 265/75/16 tires. There are similar sizes in most tires for the 17” wheel. It’s a great size for a do it all truck. It might look a bit small with your lift, if that’s something you’re concerned about.

If you don’t do anything crazy with the truck, a 275/70/17 tire would be a good practical size. It wouldn’t look too small but it won’t kill your braking/acceleration/MPGs too much either.

 

That makes perfect sense. I do like the look of the skinnier tires as opposed to wide tires or offset wheels (just my taste). I live in northwest Florida so I’m a flat lander but it is wet here. Most of the time I’m just going in and out of my hunting lease so nothing too crazy. Thank you for the info.

 

255s will be taller, heavier and harder to find, they're generally a dually tire. 265s there are alot more options, they're cheaper and lighter. I've had 4 tacos and several different tire sizes/models. I honestly think they do best with 265s all things considered. Subjectively 255s look better, but you'll definitely see the MPG loss and feel the power loss from the taller, heavier tire. I'm on 16"s, so you'll have to translate your size.

Edit: I only run E rated, I don't know how many options for non E Rated 255s there as they're usually a heavy duty truck tire. 265s you can still find in SL or P rated if that's what you're going for. Lighter tire, less off road puncture protection.

 

235/80r17 is an LT tire size that will offer good protection and the lighter weight will not affect performance or mpg much. Going down slightly in size will not hinder performance, but going over stock dia. may. Heavy tires suck. Firestone Destination X/T s are great LT tires that are 40lbs and e rated.
I'm really happy with mine so far. Running 215/85r16s. This tire also comes in a C rated 255/75r17 that is the same weight.
Are your rims alloy? That makes a difference as well.

 

255/80r17 is popular because it’s a 33” tire and you gain the ground clearance of a wider 33” tire like a 285/70r17 without all the cutting and trimming to make the wide tire fit.

 

These are affectionally called cookie/pizza cutter tires. I believe the higher price is because they are not in high demand compared to 265/70-17 tires. Here is a thread devoted to them.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/255-80-r17s-pizza-cutter-thread.525039/

 

So I just got back from this rabbit hole. No idea and no idea that’s what I was a fan of. Thank you so much!

 

They are Rock trixx RT113. Believe they are all aluminum if I am reading correctly.

 

If you’re interested in it, here’s the mega thread for skinny tires:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-skinny-on-skinny-tires.529656/

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/e4kKDKMbakPHe9mdA

here is my truck. Still learning how to post.

 

I had no idea about tire ratings. So looking into this now!

 

That’s a nice looking truck!

 

Thank you I will check this out on my break. Really thinking about 265 vs 275

 

255 75 17 is also an option. They came on Rubicon wranglers for a while I believe.

If I remember correctly they come in C load.

 

I gotta tell you the 265’s are really an amazing size. They don’t look super cool but I’ve driven all over North America with them and they preform fantastic. They’re the perfect functional tire for a daily driver that’s also a weekend warrior rig. As long as you aren’t doing any rock crawling they’re a good choice.

 

Tire size.com is a good website, you can put in your tire size and it brings up lots of options.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Thank you everyone for your responses. Even if I didn’t respond directly I have read every post and looked into what you all have suggested. It honestly has created a lot more questions such as tire ratings, and weight that I never even thought about. I still have a little time and tread left before I absolutely have to purchase, so I’m gonna research a little more. Thank you all

 

Buying tires is the worst. There’s no such thing as the perfect tire. Don’t subject yourself to paralysis by analysis haha