Tire Size Question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Tire Size Question
Hey all,
My truck (2000 F250 SD CC SB 4X4) currently has 315/75/16 tires, Goodyear MTR's. They're too loud and will need to be replaced soon. I've pretty much decided that I'm going withe the Kelly Safari TSR or the Fierce attitude MT's.
My question is more about tire size. Is there an advantage to going down in tire size, say to a 285? It tows well wth the 315's (4,30:1 rear end) but I'm wondering how it would effect towing "grunt and mileage if I stepped it down a bit. Secondly, would a 285 look too small given my lift? Opinions?
Thanks in advance!
My truck (2000 F250 SD CC SB 4X4) currently has 315/75/16 tires, Goodyear MTR's. They're too loud and will need to be replaced soon. I've pretty much decided that I'm going withe the Kelly Safari TSR or the Fierce attitude MT's.
My question is more about tire size. Is there an advantage to going down in tire size, say to a 285? It tows well wth the 315's (4,30:1 rear end) but I'm wondering how it would effect towing "grunt and mileage if I stepped it down a bit. Secondly, would a 285 look too small given my lift? Opinions?
Thanks in advance!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
If you want to keep the same height, Toyo and a few others offer a 285/75r18, which is a narrow 35" tire. Going down in tire size will give you more grunt, so if you don't want to change wheels, a good 285/75r16 (33") would be a good choice.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Going from 315/75 to 285/75 will be about 5% reduction in diameter and circumferance - and gear ratio.
About the same as changing your gears from 4.30 to 4.54. Not much, but combine that with the lighter rotating mass and the truck will feel noticeably more peppy.
Your RPM's will be 5% higher for given speed, so towing performance will be better. Instead of 2000 rpm at speed X, would be 2100 rpm.
Speedometer will also read 5% higher unless you re-cal.
Reducing the weight and wind resistance WILL result in slightly better mpg. I'd wager 1/2 to 1 mpg.
Personally, I think 285/75-16 is about the optimal all around tire size for these trucks unless you have special needs (like sand!). I think they look fine with 2-3" lift, and OK with 4".
About the same as changing your gears from 4.30 to 4.54. Not much, but combine that with the lighter rotating mass and the truck will feel noticeably more peppy.
Your RPM's will be 5% higher for given speed, so towing performance will be better. Instead of 2000 rpm at speed X, would be 2100 rpm.
Speedometer will also read 5% higher unless you re-cal.
Reducing the weight and wind resistance WILL result in slightly better mpg. I'd wager 1/2 to 1 mpg.
Personally, I think 285/75-16 is about the optimal all around tire size for these trucks unless you have special needs (like sand!). I think they look fine with 2-3" lift, and OK with 4".
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
MWS,
Thanks for the insight, that's exactly what I was looking for.
I guess my feeling is if it's not going to make a big difference, I'll probably stay with the 315's, especially since I do spend a lot of time in the sand. It tows my TH OK, I suspect my mileage issue comes from the aggressive nature of my tires, the MTR's are rough and blocky, lots of resistance. I suspect I'll pick up a little in going with a less aggressive tread.
My other "fear" is the look. There's a rig down the street from me that is lifter 4 to 6" but looks like they're running 31's. Needless to say it looks VERY stupid, too much wheel well and not enough wheel.
Thanks for the insight, that's exactly what I was looking for.
I guess my feeling is if it's not going to make a big difference, I'll probably stay with the 315's, especially since I do spend a lot of time in the sand. It tows my TH OK, I suspect my mileage issue comes from the aggressive nature of my tires, the MTR's are rough and blocky, lots of resistance. I suspect I'll pick up a little in going with a less aggressive tread.
My other "fear" is the look. There's a rig down the street from me that is lifter 4 to 6" but looks like they're running 31's. Needless to say it looks VERY stupid, too much wheel well and not enough wheel.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
The other thing that affects how the tire "looks" on a lifted truck is the wheel size. A 33" tall tire on a 16" rim looks MUCH better than a 33" tire on an 18 or 20" wheel. It has to do with the amount of sidewall. More sidewall just appears to fill out the fenderwell better.
There is a truck running around here with a 6"+ lift running 37's on a 22" wheel. Looks horrid.
Since we're lucky enough to be able to run 16's, your truck may look better than the truck down the street.
Anybody you know with a SD on which you can trade wheels?
Or find a good tire shop. Some will mount one up for you to look at.
There is a truck running around here with a 6"+ lift running 37's on a 22" wheel. Looks horrid.
Since we're lucky enough to be able to run 16's, your truck may look better than the truck down the street.
Anybody you know with a SD on which you can trade wheels?
Or find a good tire shop. Some will mount one up for you to look at.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 34
From: North Dakota
Hey all,
My truck (2000 F250 SD CC SB 4X4) currently has 315/75/16 tires, Goodyear MTR's. They're too loud and will need to be replaced soon. I've pretty much decided that I'm going withe the Kelly Safari TSR or the Fierce attitude MT's.
My question is more about tire size. Is there an advantage to going down in tire size, say to a 285? It tows well wth the 315's (4,30:1 rear end) but I'm wondering how it would effect towing "grunt and mileage if I stepped it down a bit. Secondly, would a 285 look too small given my lift? Opinions?
Thanks in advance!
My truck (2000 F250 SD CC SB 4X4) currently has 315/75/16 tires, Goodyear MTR's. They're too loud and will need to be replaced soon. I've pretty much decided that I'm going withe the Kelly Safari TSR or the Fierce attitude MT's.
My question is more about tire size. Is there an advantage to going down in tire size, say to a 285? It tows well wth the 315's (4,30:1 rear end) but I'm wondering how it would effect towing "grunt and mileage if I stepped it down a bit. Secondly, would a 285 look too small given my lift? Opinions?
Thanks in advance!
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