should i dump the 285's for the ole 245's

[rraulston]

i have 285's on the truck and need new tires the sticker says stock was 245's. Should i go back or stay?? I get 17 mpg. and dont tow much. I wonder if my mileage would differ much, and which are better for towing. . RRR

 

[Posm]

I doubt you would see any difference in MPG. The 24 valves seem to get them same milage over a wide range of RPMs. The one thing I think you would notice is "launch" feel. You have the highest gear combo possible, an auto with 3. 54 rears. I noticed a good deal of difference in launch feel when I went from 245/75 to 235/85 tires and your combo is even more of a change.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

I wore out two sets of 245's, & then moved up a size to 265's. What I got was almost exactly 200 RPM difference on the highway. Factoring in odometer error, & running by the stopwatch with good, accurate mile markers, I get a true 75 mph at 2000 RPM now. Would have been 2200 with 245's. This is the same as the difference between 410's and 354's, 200 RPM on the highway. I geared mine up as far as I want to go with 354's, I wouldn't want any taller tires, would like to go back to 245's but like the way the taller tires fill up the fender wells.

 

[BroncoMarc]

When I bought my Ram the PO had 285s on it. It needed new tires right away so I went to get some. They asked me if I wanted the original size and without thinking I said yes. Man. . These things look tiny! I'm going back to 285s next time. I've got 4. 11s and don't really need it that low.

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by mreiter

When I bought my Ram the PO had 285s on it. It needed new tires right away so I went to get some. They asked me if I wanted the original size and without thinking I said yes. Man. . These things look tiny! I'm going back to 285s next time. I've got 4. 11s and don't really need it that low.

Wow, 285 were stock.

 

[rraulston]

chip: i think 245 's are stock. On my 99 that what is on the sticker in the DS door jam. Anyways i did it. I went from the 285 down to the 265. I almost went 245 but chickend out. Oh my gosh can i tell a difference. With less rubber on the ground, my steering wheel is way easier to turn. I bet that also has an effect on steering component wear. No more radial pull. It rides like an Escalade. My speedo at 75 is 2050. I wonder if my milage will go up or down now?? RRR

 

[Shooter]

My 2k came with 265's, door sticker says 245's. W/ 3:54's 75 is 2k +/- a couple due to, to few tach calibration marks. Thanks DC engineers.

 

[rgreen]

Newbie here. Just bought a 1995 cubcab 2500 d. Needed tires and front end stabilizer znd joints. It came with 285s and I replaced with 265s. DIfference in Dia of tire was listed as under 2". We often tow 5er aprox 11,000lbs. Big question for us was the difference between 6 and 10 ply ratings. Finally went for the 6ply based on easier ride and less weight but...

 

[Shooter]

Originally posted by rgreen

Newbie here. Just bought a 1995 cubcab 2500 d. Needed tires and front end stabilizer znd joints. It came with 285s and I replaced with 265s. DIfference in Dia of tire was listed as under 2". We often tow 5er aprox 11,000lbs. Big question for us was the difference between 6 and 10 ply ratings. Finally went for the 6ply based on easier ride and less weight but...

the difference between a medium duty (load range C or D depending on brand & tire line ) and heavy duty ( load range E ). The ride is in the shocks not the tire.

 

[Deezal Man]

FWIW: Like many, I've run all three sizes. Love my 285's mounted on Alcoa rims. Couldn't get the winter tires I wanted in 285's so I settled for 265's. Probably better that way.



The good: Lower cruising RPMs. However, little difference in MPG. MUCH better looks. Additional 1. 5" ground clearance.



I only see four problems running the 285's. (1. ) Limited selection of tires. (2. ) Bigger sidewall translates into increased flex while steering. (3. ) Creates a taller (effective) gear ratio. (4. ) Haven't been able to fit a 285 spare under my SWB.





All en all, I love em and wouldn't consider going back to a 245.

 

[rgreen]

tire grades

Thanks for the input. Sorry for the delay getting back on. I only have sporadic access to web and no forum experience.

 

[TPCDrafting]

I went down from 265 to 245's due to price (about $40/tire cheaper) and I could get 10 ply's. I preferred the look with 265's. I saw R. Ebel's truck he has (If I can remember right) 235/85/16, that are 10 ply (load range E) that are taller than the 245's and look much better. I might try those next time.