Talk me out of 285s, (UPDATE I didnt listen)

The truck is perfect, 2 inch lift, 265 tires that need to be replaced with 42k miles on them.


I average 40 miles a day round trip and consistently get 20mpgs over the last three years, very pleased with the consistency and performance

Recently I started mashing the ECT button to see what all that fuss was about, a little jerky on transitions but it runs like a scalded dog with the pedal to the floor.

Already trimmed the plastic and have LR UCAs so the only thing left would be CMC if needed. Getting the tire out of the way wouldnt be a problem.

Tires I'm looking at are the Nitto Terra Grapplers and they only weigh 47 lbs per corner. Same tire I've run in 265 and have been very happy.

Why do I keep looking under the fender thinking I have plenty of room?
Should I pull the trigger or would I regret it?

I've heard skinnies in the soft sand are a poor choice so no longer interested in a 255/75/17 and the Nittos dont come in that size anyway.

Pros or cons to the 285 for me please, would chasing looks sour me on performance?

 

I'm not talking you out of anything.

 

What I'm hearing is " go for it"....

 

Why does beach use prohibit the skinnies? Mine are great in the sand, just gotta make sure they’re air’d down enough.

I’d for sure tell you go 255s

 

stick with 265's

 

I use a BFG KO2 in load range C 285/70-17.
During the warm months I average just over 20mpg (keeping rolling mass down), mostly freeway in Colorado 60 miles round trip.
Drops to about 18.5 in the dead cold of winter.
Also corrected speedo.

Hope that helps, or doesn’t... whichever way you want it.

 

do it

 

They dont prohibit the use but wider tires run better on sand. I have a compressor onboard, 255 is the stock jeep size so there are plenty around, just not the tires I like.

Ran BFG KOs on my 99, didnt like them then, not interested in the KO2s now.

 

Do it

 

DO IT

 

A FL guy would know, similar beaches like the OBX we have here. I do like the look of a tall skinny but not the weight of E loads.

Shit, 255/75/17 back on the table.

And 265/70/17s...

 

255/85/16.....I forget the math, but I’m pretty sure they’re like 1/2” skinnier than the stock 265/70/16s

But when I air down, they have more sidewalk to bulge out so it’s less than that, which to me is negligible. The tread on my Cooper St Maxxs is way better than the stock Goodyears.

I agree wider tires will be better on sand, but the move to 285s is a PITA considering the 255s fit on a stick suspension. If you’ve already trimmed and want to CMC then you’re more than half way to 285s anyway

 

I'd keep my 17 inch wheels, 255/80/17 tires are too limited and too heavy for my 40 mile daily commute.

 

I knew this day would come for you, love your truck. I’m in the same predicament, but I really don’t wanna do a CMC. Can do it myself no problem just not something I wanna do to my truck. It’s built the way it is for a reason and I don’t wanna change it. Been in a couple accidents in the past unscathed and don’t want to push my luck. Anyone fitting 285’s without a CMC? I’m interested.

 

Fuck it, just do 315s and call it a day. You will be the rockstar at the beach.

 

And hate my 40 mile daily commute.....

 

I'm not going to talk you out of anything either.

In fact, I am thinking about 285's on mine, while it's stock.

 

It’ll rub like my lil sis at prom.

 

I think some might want to research this "wider tire is better in sand" theory.

Just saying there's lots of info online debating this...

Rolling Resistance: A narrow tire presents less rolling resistance on improved surfaces, increasing fuel economy and performance.

• Frontal Resistance: This is another key benefit of using a narrow tire. When driving through mud, snow and sand a narrow tire presents less surface area to the medium. A narrow tire will cut easier through mud, snow and sand than a wide one (due to resistance). The best example of this is when turning in sand. When the front tires turn, they present a wider surface to the sand. You can feel speed reduce immediately when a turn is initiated because of the resistance.

• Rotating Mass: A narrower tire weighs less than a wider one of the same height. The difference in weight between a 33x10.5 and 33x12.5 is about 8 pounds, coupled with the narrower, lighter wheel, the effect on rotating mass is significant. A lighter tire and wheel is easier to accelerate and stop.

• Size Fitment: All things being equal, a narrower tire is almost always easier to fit with less fender trimming and total suspension lift that a wider tire of the same height. Wider tires affect turning circle, compression travel (which needs to be limited by lowering the bumpstops, etc.).

• Weight: Without making this about suspension, one of the jobs of a properly engineered suspension is to control the cycling of unsprung weight, which is comprised of the axles (control arms, knuckles, etc. in an IFS), tires and wheels. The lighter those assembly's are, the easier it is for the suspension to control it, improving performance.

 

I thought this exact thing. I chuckled when I saw jsinnard started the thread