Can't Decide Which Size

Mazer18 · October 28, 2010

I'm due for new tires soon and I'm pretty set on Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs. The only thing I can't decide is which size to buy. I currently have the stock 265/70R17 "street" Wranglers. I'm planning to buy either 265/70R17 or 285/70R17s. There isn't any in-between "275" made.

My truck setup is only a 4 speed with 3.42 gears and a BlackBear tune. I've also got an RC 2" level so either size should fit I believe.

I know that I will lose mpg's with the 285's due to increased mass but will it be a considerable, noticeable loss? Any other problems with the 285's such as strain on the gears and parts?

The price is about $43; according to discounttiredirect.com.....265's - $220 285's - $263

I might shop around to see if I can find anywhere cheaper. Those prices seem awful steep.

So, what would you all say? 265/70R17 or 285/70R17?

Here's a visual of the truck if it influences your decision.

502ci · October 28, 2010

I just went through that decision not even 3 weeks ago, took me a month to decide before that but I finally wised up and went with stock 265 tires. Gas mileage was a factor as well as the fact the 285 would be knocking my already wimpy 3.42 down even lower...I do some towing and that would not be good.

I even was thinking about a 305/65/17 tire, it is roughly the same diameter as the 285 but around a 1 1/2" wider sidewall with a wider tread too. No way that was gonna fit on my truck without at least a lift in front.

sab316 · October 28, 2010

Do the 285's. You'll be alot happier that you did and will make your truck look alot better. Doooo it.

mxdirtrider56 · October 28, 2010

Go with the 285s. They will look much better with your leveled truck. You aren't really going to notice much of a difference in gas mileage and the 3.42 gears are fine for 285s. I have 285/70/17s and 3.42 gears. I tow all the time and that tire and gear combination is fine. The tires really aren't that big. They are only 33s.

dixie1865 · October 28, 2010

Check these guys out

http://www.treadepot.com/sizes/wdtr.html

I just got Duratrac's (haven't had them long enough to give a real review). Treadepot had the best price I could find. Check Discount Tire Direct too. They have "free" shipping. Treadepot was still slightly better for the size I got (285/60/20)

mc7719 · October 28, 2010

I just got Duratrac's (haven't had them long enough to give a real review). Treadepot had the best price I could find. Check Discount Tire Direct too. They have "free" shipping. Treadepot was still slightly better for the size I got (285/60/20)

And how does the 285/60R20s handle? Do they rub? What kind of lift do you have?

onntn87 · October 29, 2010

I just got Duratrac's (haven't had them long enough to give a real review). Treadepot had the best price I could find. Check Discount Tire Direct too. They have "free" shipping. Treadepot was still slightly better for the size I got (285/60/20)

And how does the 285/60R20s handle? Do they rub? What kind of lift do you have?

275/70/17, check that size out.

Mazer18 · October 30, 2010

Thanks for the replies so far guys!

I think I'm going to try the 285's. I haul every now and then but I have never towed anything with this truck. Gas mileage is already pretty low and I do mostly city style driving around town.

I called a local shop and they quoted me $298 per tire (including installation) plus tax. So that's $1,192 plus tax equals $1,263. Sound like a fair price?

I've never purchased new tires before so I'm curious if it's cheaper overall to buy online and then have a shop do the installation?

mxdirtrider56 · October 30, 2010

Thanks for the replies so far guys!

I think I'm going to try the 285's. I haul every now and then but I have never towed anything with this truck. Gas mileage is already pretty low and I do mostly city style driving around town.

I called a local shop and they quoted me $298 per tire (including installation) plus tax. So that's $1,192 plus tax equals $1,263. Sound like a fair price?

I've never purchased new tires before so I'm curious if it's cheaper overall to buy online and then have a shop do the installation?

It really depends. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy them online and have a shop install them. A lot of times a good shop will give you a better price for the same tires if they are the ones supplying the tires. Like I said, it all depends. You might just want to call a few places and ask.

dixie1865 · October 30, 2010

I just got Duratrac's (haven't had them long enough to give a real review). Treadepot had the best price I could find. Check Discount Tire Direct too. They have "free" shipping. Treadepot was still slightly better for the size I got (285/60/20)

And how does the 285/60R20s handle? Do they rub? What kind of lift do you have?

I have a Zone 2" leveling kit and then installed the Zone 1.5" body lift. The tires are mounted on GMC 20's (same as on the truck in your sig). So far, I haven't noticed any rubbing. I really haven't driven it much since I installed it earlier in the week. I've been riding my motorcycle to as much as I can before I have to put it away for the winter. After I got everything installed, I cranked the wheel all the way left and then right and checked the tires at the extremes. I was thinking if I have to do anything it will only be using some zip ties to pull the plastic back a little.

kdrchuck · October 30, 2010

THe Silent Armor is a great AT tire and the best i have ever had in the snow (and i put them to the test in snow). and they come in 275/70 17

andyems · October 30, 2010

Try a 275/70 17. I wanted something bigger than stock, but didn't want to go up to the 285s either. I put them on my '07 Silverado and they look great. I have a 1.5 in lift on the front, and they fit perfect. There are few choices in that size though but maybe if more begin using that size, other makers will jump on board. Goodyear makes several, Cooper, and also avail in Firestone Destination ATs. I bought the Wrangler AT/S and am very satisfied with them. Also, if you join Tread Lightly before the end of the year and you get a $100 mail in rebate on the Goodyears, which also helped my decision. It cost $25 for a one year membership, so you make $75.

Mazer18 · November 2, 2010

Thanks for all the input fellas!

Best price I could find locally was $1,116 installed plus tax. (6% tax = $1,182.96)

I went ahead today and had a local shop order in a set of 285's. They should be in on Wednesday and hopefully, if I make it out of class on time, I'll have them on the same afternoon.

Provost33 · November 3, 2010

Im looking to do the same thing. I plan on gettin the duratracs next week. the only question I have is do I HAVE to get the leveling kit? would adjusting the torchin bars be enough? I could probably get an inch out of it. and this is with a 285/70/17 and I want NO rubbing at all