265/75 vs. 285/75 TIRES

[Ben Rumson]

...

 

[JDixon]

I finally got a scanner, so I added some pics to my profile. It was my first time trying this, but I think it worked.



I must note that I did use BFG All Terrains after all. When I went to order the tires, I was told that the Goodyear MTR was not available in that size (315/75) due to Goodyear's shift to military production. Even though it would have saved me a good deal of money to only have to buy 2 Goodyears versus four BFGs, I was happy to stick with the BFGs. I have been very happy with the new setup so far. The only problem now is that my odometer and speedometer are about 10% off. I plan to correct this soon.



On another positive note, the shop that performed all of this for me thought that my ball joints were bad. I took the truck to the Dodge dealership in town. They found that the ball joints were ok, but the track bar and tie rods needed to be replaced. They did it under warranty. That was quite a surprise.

 

[Ben Rumson]

I ended up getting 275/85 Michellins

X Radial LT



... from Sam's Club for around $780 out the door.



They drive very well and are the smoothest tire's I've driven on a truck. I LOVE the extra height.



They are "D" load rated - rather than the "E's" that were on it. I've hauled a CASE 90XT Turbo Skidster all over and the tires handle the load well. I was worried that there would be too much side wall squish, but not the case.



JDixon: That was good you got a second opinion!! ... and under warranty too - score!



Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[JDixon]

I'm glad you got something you're happy with. A set of tires can be an expensive item and it stinks if you end up unsatisfied with them.



I should have worded part of my last post a bit differently. The shop that put the tires on recommended that I try the dealership for warranty coverage. They gave me their price for the proposed repairs, but knew that it was in my best interest to try to get it done for free. They are good guys. In fact, I think I'll give them a plug. Here is a link to their website.



4 Wheels Unlimited

 

[DaveN]

I've got 285's on my 01, with no probs. I got the BFG AT - love the tires, hate the mileage. I lost about 3 MPG, even compensating for the change in tire diameter when I went to the BFG's versus the stock 265 michelins.



At the time it wasn't that big of a deal, but with fuel at $1. 79 a gallon, it's a little more painful now... .



but the tires are great - plenty of traction, etc.

 

[Chief USA]

I've got the Walmart Liberators in size 285/75-16 AT load range D. They ride great and are a pretty good compromise for all around traction. At $90 each, they are a great buy and come with the Walmart 40,000 mile warranty as well as the life time road hazard/balance & rotate warranty for $9. 95 each. I have put about 15,000 miles on this set so far and they are wearing and performing very well.

 

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

I had 285/75r16 bfg at's mounted on 7. 5 rims. They looked a little balloony, as this is the smallest rim they were rated for. They did look good on the truck though. I normally ran 58 psi up front and 52 psi rear, rotated them every 7000 miles. After changing them with 28000 miles, they were only half worn out. I had my steering box replaced at 34000 miles, 15000 of them had the 285's. Were the tires at fault? I don't know, but after switching to 255/85r16's, no more front end wander, no more steering effort, and the truck tracks perfectly. The new tires are about the same height as the 285's, but 1 inch narrower. No problems towing (7000 lb. TT) and so far no problems in the sand(my reason for going from 265 to 285 originally). I switched from at's to mt's. So far I'm very impressed. No more spinning the tires and getting stuck on grass, no more rocks flying all over the place, no more sinking in mud. At 17 lbs. they handled the ocean dunes pretty well. They even grab the blacktop better, wet or dry. Just my . 02, good luck.

 

[mmclaughlin]

I put Bridgestone M/T 285/75r16's on mine about 20k miles ago and have loved them since I put them on. I have had no problems with stearing (no worse then what it was with the OEM tires), but they are a bit more noisy then the stock tires. However, I don't get stuck like I did with the old ones, and the traction is great in just about every condition. The look is great, too!

 

[mgoncalves]

I tried some 315's for a week, and took them off last night .



I will be buying stock size tires for my winter set. The 315's really did a good job of pointing out the downsides to bigger tires, and it is a relief having my truck back to normal.



Another possible downside to larger tires that I'm finding, is the resale. It's hard to find people that want to buy used, big tires, no matter how new they are.





Matt

 

[Snow man]

ive run the 265,285's and 315's. i like the 285's the best as an all around tire. If i never towed or used the bed id love the 315's with my 4. 10 gears,they are sweet. I also second what was said about the Cooper S/t's they are great tires, heres my 315s on the ram with a level kit.

 

[Snow man]

heres with the 285 AT's