Tire size opinions wanted

[DrivingTacoLoco]

BIgger is not always better, but moving to a 33" tire should not be too big a deal. I would be concerned about flexing especially the rear with a larger tire without a lift based on your picture. If you are heavy already with gear, moving to a heavier tire will cause the torque converter and transmission to work harder. If you have an automatic tranny, you wont need to reprogram for shift points, but will need to to correct your speedo. BFG KO2's are without a doubt my favorite do everything tire. They last forever, run well in snow, slush, mud, gravel, fine dirt/sand and are relatively quiet on the highway. They are available by nearly every retailer everywhere and are at an excellent price point.

Discount has the 285/70/17 (33") at $240 but they can be had cheaper. The 265/70/17 (31.5") which I ran for 55k miles is $208. Both come in a C, D or E sidewall. Slight weight difference between the three but not much.

https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2

I'm set on Discount tire because they have locations everywhere. I was at 4 different ones in AZ and have one 2 miles from me in Winston Salem. I have their road hazzard warranty $37.50 and used it twice within days of getting the tires.
I also went with E rated because of the strength. 265/70/17 are on the back with 2000 miles. since I got them in April. I need at least a pair of tires. If I keep the same size That's what I will do. Since this is the time to decide I thought I would get opinions.

 

[wlson1970]

well if you go international way. smaller rims say a 15 then add more tire a big side wall to air down with helps , but agreed on most of the response go beefy tread. if a 285 will fit.

 

[Billiebob]

I was going to say nice body work but instead, nice co pilot.

I'd go skinny unless you NEED floatation.

285/70R17, these would be my choice.

 

[Smileyshaun]

I keep looking for the original post where you posted this. Can you provide the link?
Presently I'm around 10.4 wide. Wider than rub will be an issue.

Where I posted that tire chart ?

2011 Xterra low lift w35s build and adventures

After going through way to many vehicles over the year the process of buying something cheap , fixing and modifying it and then selling it after a while for a profit has been fun in some ways but I have came to a point in my life where I just don’t have the time , space and extra funds to dump...

www.overlandbound.com

 

[oldmopars]

One thing I do find a little funny is there is a lot of people saying you shouldn’t go outside the manufacturer tire spec size because it will ruin the vehicle in every way but then those same people have no problem going wayyyy over the manufacturer’s gvrw With gear and add-ons .

I never recommend going over the rated GVWR. That is one reason I drive a 3/4 ton Suburban. I have lots of room when it comes to GVWR.
I am the one that said, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Change one thing and it starts a cascade effect. Add “stuff” now you need to upgrade the suspension, bigger tires now you need lift and gearing. It is important to have the whole in mind. Most people like you said go way over the rated GVWR and do nothing to compensate. Then add bigger tires with no gear changes and wonder why the engine or trans runs hot or the wheelbearings fail and it won’t stop like it should, etc.
Everything you change effects more than the one part you changed. I prefer to start with the end in mind. Get something that in stock form will handle all you want to do with it. Then you keep easy to replace stock parts that are not stressed due to being overloaded.
It is easy to change one thing and open a huge can of worms.

 

[SWLands]

1. I have yet to even buy a 4x4. Yes, I am that much of a 4x4 noob. October I will be shopping, till then I am researching.
2. I watch lots of YT
3. Still curious? I found this YT interesting
The biggest point that LEAPS off the page is the effect on braking.

The general conclusion is 2" lift and upsize tires 2" over stock seemed to be the sweet spot for most vehicles without breaking the bank of the truck.

 

[leeloo]

I never recommend going over the rated GVWR. That is one reason I drive a 3/4 ton Suburban. I have lots of room when it comes to GVWR.
I am the one that said, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Change one thing and it starts a cascade effect. Add “stuff” now you need to upgrade the suspension, bigger tires now you need lift and gearing. It is important to have the whole in mind. Most people like you said go way over the rated GVWR and do nothing to compensate. Then add bigger tires with no gear changes and wonder why the engine or trans runs hot or the wheelbearings fail and it won’t stop like it should, etc.
Everything you change effects more than the one part you changed. I prefer to start with the end in mind. Get something that in stock form will handle all you want to do with it. Then you keep easy to replace stock parts that are not stressed due to being overloaded.
It is easy to change one thing and open a huge can of worms.

I do the same. Even now I have plenty of space in the back when I go on trips but for me is like this :
why fill it with crap ? just because is there ? Every bit of weight leads to poor performance on and off road and poor fuel economy, which is important for me.

I do long distance travel. For this summer I need to do 1000 miles on the highway just get to the place where the actual overlanding part starts crossing 4 countries. There I will do 1000 miles off road + 1000 on back country roads, and another 1000 miles to get back home. Why would I want to suffer the noise , vibration, poor fuel economy and I don't do any rock crawling or extreme off-road anyway ?

 

[Billiebob]

yep, I agree with most of the video. I've run stock, 33s, 35, 33s, 31s and I'm most happy with the current skinny 31s. The most noticeable difference, ride quality. The 35s were incredibly rough forcing me to go much slower than the 33s, the stock tires better yet, but the best ride, easiest to drive are the 7.50R16s currently have. Braking is likely better too but the way I drive I rarely touch the brakes unless I'm actually stopping.

Maybe the 35s would take me more places if I felt the need, but I've never smaller tires held me back. For me, on road, off road, handling, ride, comfort, capability I prefer the smaller tire. The day I installed 35s I knew what a silly mistake that was. When a local kid was gushing over them, we struck a deal and traded my 35s and lift for his 33s.

 

[Smileyshaun]

Weird I’ve had the exact opposite experience with tires the larger tire the better it rides due to having more rubber between the ground and the rim to compress. I guess tires are a lot like pizza nobody’s going to agree On what is the best toppings in how many to put on

 

[Jeremy M.]

265/70-17 KO2s in Load Range C, I think you will regret the move to 33s