285's or 315's on 04 - 2500

[ELongfellow]

I love my new truck but the 265/70 - 17's are just a hair too small for a truck like this. I've read a lot about people switching to the 315/70 - 17's but not much about 285/70/17. I know they make them but they are more expensive than the 315's by about $70. Does anyone have any suggestions, pictures, and/or wisdom they can share on size and/or brands I should or should not consider.



I've also read that larger tires lead to reduced fuel mileage. Most of that seems to be from people who switched to really aggressive tires. I'm looking for something that I can use 95% on the road but can perform off road or in the snow/soft ground once in a while.



Does Bridgestone make a 285 or 315 tire that is decent. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.

 

[nickleinonen]

i like many others have the bfg 315/70/17's under my truck. they fit real nicely. happy with them. as for milage changes with them, well, i had 400km [±250 miles] on my truck when i changed. i did notice you needed a little more braking force to slow down, but not much and i don't even notice it anymore.



you can also run 33x12. 50x17 or 305/70/17 if you want something other than the 315/70/17's...

 

[KIseminger]

I agree, the wheel wells on these trucks are just too big for the tires they use. However, consider keeping the original size and load range if you plan on doing heavy hauling. Besides the weight ratings being lower (although not by a lot in some cases) the bigger tires typically have 1 less ply thus affecting side to side stability of the tire with a lot of weight on it and this is also true with a taller sidewall. But like I said, nothing to worry about unless you are hauling heavy loads.



I put 285/75/16's on my 2nd gen and like them a lot. It fills in the wheel well. nicely. The D load range also gives it a bit smoother ride. I did notice a slight power loss and a decrease in MPG by 1-2. Not a big deal though. The 315's however look better by taking up more space, esp. on the 3rd gens. I use Cooper's Discoverer A/T and they work very well in the snow. They are also good on the hwy too. My suggestion would be too buy a tire with a mileage warrentee, it may cost more but it is worth it.



That's enough of my rambling, good luck.