255s vs 285s

Hey guys,
I know there are a lot of different threads on this topic but a lot of them are pretty old that I’ve seen. I’d just like to hear some first hand experiences with 255/85/16 and 285/75/16 tires. I’m pretty much set on Cooper ST Maxx’s just trying to determine size. I’d love to see some pictures and hear some opinions on either size or your preference if you’ve owned both sizes.

Thanks,
Eli

 

This thread has a lot of great info
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-skinny-on-skinny-tires.529656/page-155

 

I have a set of the 255 st max tires on my 4runner. They are awesome

 

I’ve been running 255/85/16 Maxxis Bighorns for a while. I’m on my 2nd set.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad thing about the ST Maxx.

 

The 255/85 st Maxx appear to be wider looking then the other 255/85 options. I have 255/85 KM2s and a bighorn spare. My buddy has the st maxx tires in this size. This is all my opinion though. He even runs a stock rim where I run a 16x8 rim.

 

Get a 17 and run 35x10.50

 

Thanks, It’s a hard decision because I like the looks and the price of the 285s better but I’m wondering how much of a hit ill take in mpgs.

 

Who makes a 35×10? I would like that

 

@eon_blue runs those Coopers in 255/85/16

But yes there are tons of threads, including recent posts on this very subject and tire size.

 

My experience with 255s was that I had to do quite a bit of trimming/pounding in the pinch weld up front. Depending on your wheels/backspacing and alignment caster, you might rub a lot. Pushing my caster to 3˚ helped a lot

285s are typically a little smaller in diameter than 255s...255s are more of a "true" 33" tire, where 285s are usually more like 32.5" or so. But you get a wider footprint with 285s. There's give/take with either size.

Personally, I wanted 255s for the tiny bit extra clearance and mostly because they are lighter weight than 285s

 

They are pretty wide for a 285. I have a Cooper Discoverer spare (not the STMaxx version) and it is noticeably skinnier than the STMaxx. Kind of weird since they are the same size, but it is what it is

 

I wish they had more tire options in this size.

 

Hey Eli, I'm running 285 mastercraft courser axts on my 1st gen at the moment. I was able to get a good deal on the tires so that more or less made the decision for me. They are mounted on some 3rd gen 4runner limited wheels (15mm offset) and rub the frame at full lock. I can swing by the shop one day this week if you want to take a look (if you are still working). I'm not in love with the 285s but they were reasonably priced.

I was running 33x10.50x15s on some steel aftermarket wheels that didn't rub at all (due to the offset) and loved that setup but with limited/expensive options in that size I wanted to try some cheaper options so I went to 16" wheels. If I had to do it over, I would've keep my 15s and coughed up the money for the 33x10.50s. They are very close in size to the 255s.

If you are already set on the ST Maxxs, I personally would go with the 255s. I have a few friends that have that tire in that size and love them.

That being said, I recently bought a 3rd gen and will be going with 255s. I personally prefer the taller/skinner tire.

 

Hey Todd, good to hear from you man. The shop is actually closed right now because it’s considered a nonessential business I guess. I’m glad that I also mow yards though especially during these interesting times. Hopefully my manager will get in touch with me soon when we’ll be opening back up. Stop my sometime if you see my truck. Recently I just got all my timing belt, valve covers gaskets, front cam and crank seals, intake gaskets, etc. done so it’s running pretty good. Now I’m saving up for OME suspension. I just to do my research ahead time so I know exactly what I’m saving for. I still have a long way to go so I have time to decide on the size. On the tires, I think I’m pretty set on the ST Maxxs. It seems like a lot of people have had good experiences with them. Right now I have 265/70/16s in some worn out radial tire that came on the 4runner wheels I bought. It’s a tough decision for me because I like the looks of the 285s but the 255s might be more practical in my case.

 

Oh wow! I didn't realize y'all were closed. Hopefully it won't be too much longer. I'll keep an eye out. I normally go by there on my way to my parents house but haven't been visiting them in person since all this started.

I think either size will work for you, just personally preference in my opinion.

I will most likely be gong with the ST Maxx as well. Friend of mine is on his 2nd set after getting close to 50k miles on his first set.

Good luck with your decision! Hope to talk to you soon!

 

Geeeezus. Looks like a roller skate

 

All I can find is Kenda Klevers and Interco Super Swampers in that size

 

thats all I have seen as well.