285/75/16 - What are Your Experiences?

Hi All,

I am in the market for some new tires. I am currently looking at either BFG KO2's, or Duratrac Wranglers in 285/75/16 size for my Tacoma. I am planning on putting either a 2" or 3" lift on my truck before putting the tires on, and ideally getting some new rims for the rubber as well. I drive most of my time on roads (80% pavement - 20% dirt), with the occasional trip into the bush and/or fields. I live in Toronto, so snow is an issue for a good chunk of the season, although not as bad as many other places!

My question is this: What are all of your experiences with tires of this size? I hadn't planned on re-gearing my truck any time soon - will this tire be alright with my stock gearing? I have a 2007 TRD Off-Road access cab. I'm not necessarily opposed to going slightly down in size; my previous tires on my other truck were 267/75/16 and I was hoping to get something bigger than that however. What are your thoughts? Does anybody have any specific advice on this topic?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I have searched around and read through a bunch of the stickies, however I am currently on my phone and I don't have a ton of time at the moment - I apologize if I've missed this discussion somewhere in the posts!

 

Most people who run 285/75/16 with 2-3" of lift will have to do some trimming/cutting to stop from rubbing. Running wheels with the proper backspacing (typically this is 4.5 backspacing) and a good alignment also plays a big part in fitment. I currently am running 285/75/16 Cooper ST Maxx on around 3" of lift and have minimal rubbing off road. I have removed the front mudflaps, chopped some plastic, and will be doing a cab mount chop. I also have quite a bit of caster in my alignment which move the wheel forward in the wheel well due to having an aftermarket front bumper which gives me a bit more leeway. YMMV

 

I'm going to try the 285/70/16 so I don't have to cut the cab mount I don't do any true off roading only light stuff fishing and hunting trails don't need the 70 series tire for the hight _ have a 3 inch lift and love my 285/60/18s on 10 inch wide wheels but tired of the mess they throw down the side of the truck

 

I'm running K02's in 285-75-16. The truck is lifted about 2.25 / 2.5" in the front. 16x8 ET0 wheels. With proper alignment (caster is key), you shouldn't need to touch the cab mount. I did some trimming at the bottom of the flares (plastic) and I don't rub at all on the street. Off road, I do get some rub at the top of the wheel arch at full stuff, but it is minor enough that I haven't bothered to fix it (some more plastic could be trimmed).

As for the K02,.. it's great. Quiet on the street for how much void there is in the tread. WAAY outperforms the original All Terrain in our snowy weather. For my use, I'm a lot happier with the K02 than the Duratrac's I had previously.

As for gearing, there is a significant change. The overall diameter of the tire, and the weight as compared to stock are much different. I have an auto trans, and the truck does feel more "sluggish" with the 285's. I'd call it tolerable. A re-gear would be nice / ideal,.. but it is $$$$. Needless to say, I wouldn't go any bigger (tire) without a re-gear.