New Tires - Completely Lost

I have searched all over TW and I think it has confused me even more than helped. I just recently lifted my truck 3" and and want to get some new tires, obviously bigger and with an All-Terrain tread. However, I have no idea how to go about it. It seems like most of y'all order tires online and then get them sent to your home? And then how do you get them installed, do the tire shops install tires you didn't purchase from them?

On another note, I am completely confused by the tire size (aka 285/65/17 or whatever the tire may be) and how to figure out the proper size. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I would rather sound like a dumbass here than at the auto shop.

 

Tire sizes can be confusing.

285/65/17 means width/sidewall aspect ratio/wheel size

285mm wide (aka 285/25.4 = 10.43")
sidewall is 65% of the width (aka 0.65 * 285mm = 185.25mm)

To get the height of the tire, multiple the side wall by 2, convert it to inches, and add it to the wheel size.
(185.25mm * 2)/25.4 = 14.58" total sidewall
14.58" + 17" = 31.58" tall

Sites like tirerack.com have great specs on the tires so you don't have to do the conversion math I listed above. You can order your tires when you know what you want from any local tire shop. I usually get mine at Discount Tire, though my last set I negotiated the price down at the Toyota dealer to mount tires when getting other work done.

Another aspect is tire load. This will usually be C-load or E-load. E-load tires carry significantly more weight, and are intended for a full size truck, not our light weight trucks. They weigh more and will drag down mpgs and performance. When possible get a C-load tire to save weight.

I'm running 265/70/R17 BFG KO2s in C-load. 31.6" tall (aka 10.5" x 32" tire) which weighs 45lbs.

 

Im also running bfg ko2s 265 70 17 with a 3 inch lift. No rubbing or any other type of issues.

 

Thank y'all very much

 

It looks as though you have the breakdown on the size information already. As for installation some of us are not able to get the tires/wheels we want locally. I was one of them. I ordered my wheels and tires separately and paid my local shop to mount and balance them. It looks as though you are set on an all-terrain tire. there are a lot of good ones out there. Be aware that if you decide to go with a mud terrain in the 285/70r17/285/65r17 size you will have to trim the inner fender and possibly do a cab mount chop (CMC). I have the 285/65r18 Nitto trail Grapplers which are slightly bigger than the size on the sidewall suggests (The actual size is on their website as are most tire manufacturers) I had to do a bit of trimming and the CMC to make them fit without rubbing. It is not noticeable at all and eliminated all the rubbing.

 

I am also in the market for new tires. Right now I am running on 285/70 r17 Goodrich All Terrain and I love them. I had them put on when I purchased my truck right from the dealership so I do not know much about local shops and installation fees. Can anyone suggest a ball park price I would be looking at? Also, what is your opinion about the spare? I have been told that I do not need to purchase a fifth, to just purchase something cheaper that is going to get me to the tire shop safely. What do you suggest? Anyone?