Need Feedback On New Tire Size!

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum and have been debating over the past few weeks on which tire size I want to get. I have a brand new Silver 4x4 2014 Tacoma (6 months old now) and I just ordered these wheels in 17 inch:
http://www.fueloffroad.com/wheel.cfm?id=3330

I am debating whether I want 285/70/17 tires, or 265/70/17, I am going with the BFG A/T KO tires.

I am having a 3" Pro Comp lift kit installed in 2 weeks along with the new wheels and tires, but I am not sure what wheel size I want to go with and it is driving me crazy looking at hundreds of pictures online

Since my truck is brand new and I live in a cold climate (snow, etc) I really prefer not to remove any mud flaps (front or back). I also prefer not to trim or cut off any of the body/mounts/wheel well, etc. I guess I wouldn't mind very minor modifications, but I really hate to go crazy cutting away at my brand new truck.

I love the look and size of the 285/70/17, but my main concern is that they will rub and I will have to start trimming too much off. Also, I can only find the 285's in Load Range E which seems too heavy duty for me, as I don't do any off-roading or anything crazy. Occasionally pull a trailer with a four-wheeler is all. The 265 series comes in Load Range C, which I hear is usually what factory tires are--that is good enough for me. Also with the 285's, they are significantly heavier which causes a drop in gas mileage (not sure how much). In addition to this, it looks like the speedometer gets thrown off too (again, not sure now much).

I like how the 265/70/17 tires seem to work well and not require any trimming, etc. and the gas milage isn't really affected, however I am concerned they may look too small with a 3" lift. I hate to spend all that money on tires and always think they are way too small.

There are definitely pros and cons to both. The "looks" of the 285's are important, but the rest of the details seem like drawbacks (trimming, gas mileage, speedometer). The 265's are good as far as the details are concerned (no trimming, etc), but don't look as good.

What are your opinions/feedback?

 

I have 265/75r16 that I think are about the same size as the 17's your looking at, didn't calculate. Don't expect your mileage not to drop. Went from 18-20 stock to 16-18. I chose 265's to keep as much performance and mpg as I could while still being a capable weekend warrior for the mild stuff. I tow up to 4500lbs regularly and wasn't sure how 285's would handle that. From what I've read and owners I've talked to rubbing issues are minor if your not wheeling. I don't have a full 3" but 265's look fine. I will say that when I park next to someone with 285's I'm a little envious of the look and will prob go w them or 255's when I wear out my Duratrac's and put a top spacer on my OME885's to make them fit.