which tires 285/75r16s or 255/85r16

[jwernert]

I'm getting ready to buy new tires. I have 4. 10 gears so I'd like to go taller than my current 265/75. The 285/75 and 255/85 are close to the same height, but will the narrower tire get better mpg. The most important thing though is towing. I do a lot of daily driving, but I also tow a 15k goose neck several times a month. What is the opinion on which is betteror, is there much difference?

Thanks,

JON

 

[The patriot]

I myself would go with the 255/85's. Especially on a stock rim.

Being youre doing some heavy towing, I might be a little worried about the 85's. Possible sidewall flex around fast hard turns, etc.

JM. 02

Eric

 

[vssman]

I've run 255's for a number of years and haven't had any problems. One thing to keep in mind is that (I believe) 255/85's are D rated not E.

 

[bkroupa]

I choose to go with the 285's because it's a much more common size & that gives you many more tire/tread choices. I had to use '01 rims on my '98 to get an 8" wide rim that fit my 2wd properly

 

[Ben Rumson]

85's

I got a set of the 285's a few months ago and really like them. I haul backhoes, skidsters, dirt, etc. and they have handled extremely well.



I was cautious of the sidewalls being higher, but they haven't flexed too much or been any kind of a problem. I went with Michelins.



The last set I had were 235/85's and were also "e" rated - and they only lasted 22k miles.



I like the larger profile of the 275/85's MUCH more. They feel more stable under a load and I'm not having to steer the tires as much. They are also much smoother - even at full psi - as compared to the 235's. The 235/85's liked to wander a bit and I was having to "steer" them a lot.



I REALLY like the 275/85's!

 

[Scheibins]

If you can fit the 285/75, I'd get those. I have a 2wd and looked for some 255/85s for a while, decided to go with the 265/75 after reliezing there is so few 255s to choose from. As far as towing goes, you'll notice a difference in acceleration, but you won't even be at rpm of 3. 73s with stock tires. There are people out there that tow heavy with 3. 54s.



Jay