Tires - 255/85 or 285/75

[Cooker]

Within the next few weeks I will hopefully be putting some new tires on my truck. I am trying to decide between 255/85's or 285/75's

I know the stock chrome wheels (6. 5") are too narrow for the manufactures recommended rim width for a 285, but that doesn't concern me.

Here in MI where it snow a fair bit, I think the 255's will hold the road a little better because of the higher contact pressure, but will probably wear out sooner for the same reason.

I'm wondering what the fellas feel is a better choice?

Your comments are grealty appreciated,
Ryan

 

[NVR FNSH]

255s on the 6. 5" rim. I got ~50K out of a set of Dunlop Radial Rovers on a 2500 4wd gasser. I think my dad is at ~35K on a set of 255s on his 2500 4wd CTD.

Brian

 

[CumminsAholic]

I have 255 85's now, on my next set I think I'm gonna try 285 75's. I like the 255's, they're really good in the snow. I just think the wider tires would look better. Anything looks better when compared to the small 245's that are stock. I got a off brand tire. I have about 5k on them and they're at about 40% left, if that. I'll be getting BFG's next time, that's for sure. I like my 255's, but like I say will be changing just for the looks, it doesn't look bad by no means, but I like a wider tire look.
Corey

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1998. 5 2500, 4x4, SB, Red Sport, Agate Interior, Quad Cab, O. H. Console, Auto, 4. 10 LSD, Trailer Tow and Camper Special Packages, Mopar Aluminum Nerf Bars, Spray In Bedliner, Pioneer/Jensen System, 255/85's, Bd Adjustable Preformance Box w/boost module, Boost Elbow, 4" Exhaust Split Into Two 3" w/5" cans, K+N Scotty Style, Exhaust Blanket, Bill K's Valve Body, Mopar Tow Hooks, Factory Fog Lights, Front Bumper Step, 55 watt Back-up Lights, Etc, Etc... .

 

[LSMITH]

Ryan, I have the 285 BFG's right now and I will be going to 255's next set. The 285's are wider and seem to follow the ruts worse than the 245 width. I want better drive quality so I will get 255's next time around. BTW, I have 24K on my BFG's and they are half or a little better left, great wear IMO.
EDIT: The 285's do really well in the snow, but forget it if you are on slushy roads. As soon as the salter goes by you better put it in 4wd.
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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Rancho 9000's Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

[This message has been edited by LSMITH (edited 05-07-2001). ]

 

[Dave B]

I run both 255s and 285s; hwy 255s in spring and summer, BFG Mud Terrains in fall and winter. Strongly advise 255s for all around hwy use; some are saying the wider tires are causing part of the problems with our steering wander. My rig definitely drives like a Cadillac with the 255s on it. fwiw

 

[Deezal Man]

Wider tires look cool, and work better on surfaces requiring floatation, like sand.

Narrow tires are better in snow/rain/mud.
Provide less wander/pull and are kinder to ball joints, etc... .

Oh well, I like my 285's #ad


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98. 5' Emerald Green 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285. 75. 16's Bridgestone Dueler A/T's on 16" x 8" Alcoa's under Rancho 9000's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk).

 

[pcorssmit]

I run 255/85R16 Remmington Wide Brute RV's, an off-brand version of the Dunlops. They work great in the snow. If you want them to look better, get 16x8" rims, it made mine look a lot better.

Pete

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'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits