Are you running 255/85/16 tires? Any long term experience/feedback?

I'm about due for new tires and I was planning to get 265/75/16 as they fit stock height, but I've also been thinking about the "skinny" approach. I've read a number of the threads here and would like to hear some updated thoughts from anyone who has been using them a while both on and off road.

So, a few questions:

1. If stock height, are you finding they really do fit without issues on all types of terrain and driving situations?
2. Have you gone rock crawling with them and found them amazing or less so (especially stock height)? I've taken my stock taco rock crawling but the rocks where <12" most of the time.
   
3. If you found it necessary to lift/trim, how much?
4. Stock mudguard fit or removed?
   
5. Do you notice much change in drivability? Power? MPG impact?
6. Are they more/less unstable on the highway?
7. Since they are, what, 0.4" more narrow, do you really notice the size difference visually? Pics are hard to tell sometimes so do you look at your truck and think "wow those tires look odd" or not really?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

I’m looking at going the skinny route as opposed to 285/265. Interested in people’s input on this. There’s a lot of good info in this thread if you haven’t seen it yet.

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

 

I did skim that thread but it's kind of massive. Was hoping to get some real world feedback in a more condensed space.

 

I’m on 255/85R16 Dick cepek extreme country. It was my first mod with no lift. I think it depends on what your situation is. At the time I just wanted a more aggressive tire and a lift but couldn’t afford new wheels, tires, and lift. To me this was the best budget option. I got about 1” lift, didn’t need to spend anything on suspension or new wheels, just tires. Didn’t even need to do the CMC

I’ve been 100% happy with my choice. I’ve been in mud, sand, snow, rocks.. everything, and I’ve yet to be slowed down by the tires. They’re just as great as anything in the 33” range.

But they aren’t perfect.
I lost a good amount of MPG, pretty much similar to my buddies running 285s. But I have M/T they have A/T so take it with a grain of salt. It’s no Prius so I don’t care either way.
They’re also skinner than id like. It isn’t bad, just wish they were a tad wider.

I’ll eventually move up to 35s, but I’ve never regretted my 255s. I got them for a great price without needing any other mods. For me, it was perfect and would do it again if I was in the same situation.


1. Fit fine, literally no mods just slapped them on. No rubbing either.
2. Been in all situations (but I have M/T) and it’s been the best mod. Never been stuck (yet)
3. No lift or trim. The truck actually sits lower now with the skids and sliders and still fine.
4. Never had mud guards but I’d say you’d be ok.
5. Mine are E rated so I noticed the stiffness, power? A bit. But I’ve grown used to it. MPG is a hit or miss. Really depends on the weight of the tires, M/T with big knobs or smoother A/T.. for me, it’s 16mpg but non calibrated speedo so maybe more like 17-18? No clue. But Heavier tires will always = less MPG so your gonna have to pick one.
6. Actually felt more stable because They’re stiffer (E rated)
7. Kinda not really. At first I did, and felt like they needed to be a bit wider but I’ve grown used to it. For what it’s worth, Nobody has ever commented to me on them being “too skinny”

 

Thanks for the feedback. That's one of the things I was concerned about. Not ready to do that sort of mod just to get a tire to fit.