Another tire question

[Paolo]

Hi guys.. first I wanted to thank you all for the help that I have received in the past from this forum…

I have a 2014 Pro-4x Xterra with stock 265/75r16 tires. I need to replace them soon due to use and I am considering changing to 285/75r16. I have read in several forum and threads that it is possible do so after some melting. Also I have read that (although some controversy) that it is worth it to go bigger (even an inch), so I do not want to get into that, as I think looks play an important factor in that decision… what I want to know are 3 things.
1) is going for a bigger tire have an impact on the suspension/drive train and other components of the truck?, in other words, would that decrease the overall life of the components?
2) how much would the bigger tires affect my gear ratio
3) how much it would affect the gas consumption if any

Btw.. that is the only modification I am planning to make.. no lifts and/or other at this time

Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[ColoradoPacific]

1) is going for a bigger tire have an impact on the suspension/drive train and other components of the truck?, in other words, would that decrease the overall life of the components?

Yes. Bigger tires mean more unsprung weight, and more stress on your steering/brakes/bearings/etc.
Of course, this is all subject to HOW big your new tires are. If you're only going up 1" from stock (in height and/or width) it probably isn't going to make much difference. If you're going from 31s to 35s, that's a whole separate topic!!

2) how much would the bigger tires affect my gear ratio

Again, really depends on what size difference. Within an inch or so of stock, you probably won't notice at anything below highway speeds. There are several gear ratio/speed/torque/tire size calculators online that allow you to play with all the different factors in that equation and see what effect it will have.

ONE CALCULATOR HERE

3) how much it would affect the gas consumption if any

Expect to lose 2-3 mpg or more, depending on how aggressive you get with sizes.

Btw.. that is the only modification I am planning to make.. no lifts and/or other at this time

I bet that doesn't last long... :D

 

[Meta6981]

Just my $.02. I went for bigger than stock aoze tires on my jeep. Other than my spedometer reading 3 mph lower i have not noticed a negative impact. I actually had improved ride as i was no longer running skinny tires. Oem stock wheels were 265/60/r18 i went 275/65/r18.

 

[The other Sean]

I went to 285's on my Pro-4X Frontier. I would do it again without hesitation.

I wouldn't worry about any suspension wearing prematurely with this size tire. Going to a 35" tire, sure, but not 33's.

Power is only slightly affected. The 4.0L is a decent engine. The only places I find issue is in town going up hills below bout 40 MPH. The truck seems to want to shift in to too high of a gear and the engine lugs. it did this with the OEM tire size, it is just a little more pronounced with the taller tire.

I lost 1.5 MPG when I went to the 285's and added a 2.5" lift. I am mostly all highway driving, so YMMV, but the hit wasn't bad. If you are concerned about MPG's, look at tire weights (Tire rack has specs listed for all tires they sell) and compare. I found the Goodyear Duratrac was 5lbs lighter than most other tires.

Speedo is only slightly off, I think it's like 3-4 mph at 60 mph.

 

[Kelly]

Just look at the tires on vehicles designed to get high mileage (i.e., Prius). The tires are short and narrow. Short, gives you less weight you have to get spinning, and narrow gives you less rolling resistance. If you want to do some awesome Overlanding, but keep your "Carbon Footprint" to a minimum, buy the biggest, baddest tires you can fit under your rig, and then ride your bike to work :-)

Let's face it. If we were that "Green", we'd all be backpackers ;-)

 

[gotricesmurf]

Just look at the tires on vehicles designed to get high mileage (i.e., Prius). The tires are short and narrow. Short, gives you less weight you have to get spinning, and narrow gives you less rolling resistance. If you want to do some awesome Overlanding, but keep your "Carbon Footprint" to a minimum, buy the biggest, baddest tires you can fit under your rig, and then ride your bike to work :-)

Let's face it. If we were that "Green", we'd all be backpackers ;-)

Word.

 

[Paolo]

Thank you very much for all your comments!!!!!

they were really helpful !!!

I guess I will take the dust off the bike :)