Going back to smaller tires (road noise)

I need new tires. I am currently running the Wrangler Duratracks (285/70R17) on my truck and they're pretty worn down. They are also LOUD.

I don't know if I got more annoyed with the road noise as I got older (vs 5 years ago) or if the tire noise got louder as the tires wore down; is that a thing?

I love their (wide) look, but I'm beginning to question whether it's worth the road noise and mileage due to weight.

Anyway, I'm considering going back to the original (265/65R17) and switch to the new BFG AT T/A KO2. They're top rated on tirerack in general, road noise included. The tires are also lighter because they're smaller. Hopefully it will help with the road noise and perhaps even fuel economy.

Anyone have any words of wisdom here? I don't remember the noise level of my brand new Duratracks. I wish I had made a video to record the sound levels..

 

I am in this debate with myself all week. Trying to think about how to figure out my towing dilemma if I want a V6 or not. I think Im going smaller tires, and then I just got a recall on the catalytic converter this week so I'll have a new one of them if its clogged at all. So Im hoping for a bit more power to the wheels, but like you I like the look and feel of the 33's. I have the 255/80/17s

 

265 65 17 will look small. At least go 265 70 17. I've had ko2s in that size for a while, and haven't thought they were too loud, yet.