Im about to order new tires, and I cant decide what to get... size wise.


Im stuck between a 255/85/16 ( 33.1 tall x 10 wide / 16 ) or a 285/75/16 ( 32.8 tall x 11 wide / 16 ) ... What do I need more ?!!??!! a extra inch of width, or 1/2 inch more hight !! haha I know its kind of stupid, but the only reason im argeing with my self is I stand to save about 75 dollars if I get teh 255 over the 285. What do you guys think ? save the cash ? or do I really need that extra inch of width....

 

Extra height=more ground clearance...more change of rubbing...higher center of gravity...less contact with the road surface.

Extra width is the opposite of everything above. It kinda depends on your personal wants. I would probably save the $75 and for-go the extra 0.3 inches in height.

 

the 255 85's are very narrow and funny looking to me. go with the 285's if they wont scrub.

 

I debated this a while back and went with 285's. I'm glad I did, the other is just too narrow.

 

the narrower ones might rub less, however, they look dorky... look like you are rolling around on spare tires...

 

I could be wrong, but I think width is a bigger cause of rubbing than height, my 235/85/16 (about 32 x 9.5) would have a serious rubbing problem (no lift) if they were an inch or two wider. A taller tire will increase the contact area some , front to back. I agree that an extra inch of width add more to the contact area than an inch or less of height will, but it do feel that the longer patch does smooth out my ride, especially on small bumps & such.

3yotys thinks tall & skinny looks funny, but I am liking it more and more. Most of the expedition type vehicles run tall & skinny. Most of the guys on here seem to favor more width it seems. Whatever floats your boat in that regard.

 

Another thing I was considering, the skinner tire might save a little MPG ! haha.. less rolling resistance... I know thats a bit extreme but these days we can use all the help we can get. Im kinda of leaning towards the skinnyer tire.... to be diffrent, save money, and potential save gas, and scrubbing issues. I guess if I dont like them, i'll have a set for sale in a few weeks real cheap

 

I just got the 255/85 mud terrains. I like the skinny look and took the limited fender flairs off which I think will look "cool". The gas mpg thing and acceleration have to be better that the alternative of 285/75. They will be tippier though because of the narrower profile but you can always get wheel spacers if needed. Tractors are cool.

 

uboatcomander, think you could get a pic of your runner with the 255s on it ?? peas