Hi, I'm currently running 285 BFG AT's on my F250 CC 4x4. I need new tires soon, and can get a smoking good deal on a set of half worn 305/70's (yes, i know they are half worn, but i can get 4 for less than the cost of 1 new - plus half worn is better than my almost fully worn now ). Problem is, I really like my lariat wheels, but they are only 7" wide. New wheels are out of the question right now. From the searches I do, it's about half and half of those saying 305's are ok on a 7" wide rim and those that say it's not ok. I thought I'd post a poll to find out.

I know, I know, there's a reason tire mfg's recommend at least an 8" wide rim for a 305 tire, but how many people are breaking that rule?

 

I would not break the rule personally. The tire will bow at rated pressure and wear down the center tread quicker and reduce the already short life of most tires on our rigs. More importantly, whith the sidewall pulling so far inward compared to the overall width of the tire (most tires are already 3" wider than the recommended rim width), I would think that the amount of side-to-side movement would make the truck very loose when turning and feel unstable while pulling. Like you said, there's a reason the manufacturers publish recommended widths. Sure, it's recommended, but those are the spec's that they designed the tire for to provide maximum performance and safety. I just bought some 285/75-16 tires and 16x8" rims to put them on for just that reason. I'm sure plenty will chime in and say they do fine, but I guess I'm just **** that way.

Just my .02

 

About 5 years ago, I was Pismo State Beach (CA). The Park Rangers there were driving F250 XL SC SWB 4x4s, and they were running stock steel wheels with 305s on them. Of course, the tire pressure was very low and the ranger I talked said he could go pretty much anywhere he wanted in the dunes with this setup. Technically, 285s are too wide for 7" rims.

 

I am in the same boat needing tires soon the last three vehicles I had I could have put bigger tires on and I didnt and was always full of regrets afterwards. Subscribing

 

Ahhh,,Give the 305's a try,,,what the hell thats a good deal,,,and if you need tires anyway,,,and new tires are out of the question,,,,,What else can a guy do !!

I look at it this way,,,,Your not putting on $ 1000. dollars worth of tires,,,if they wear out quicker,,,oh well you tried,,,,they were 1/2 worn out anyway,,,and Now you will also know for future tire sizing!

I have a set of 285/75/17, Hankook Dyna Pro MT on a set of 07' F-250 wheels,,,7.5wide I believe,,minimum for these tires,,,they wearing fine,,,I will try next size larger next time I buy tires.