True 33'' tire for an 18'' wheel

LaserBlueZ71 · December 8, 2014

Is there one?

The perfect size is the Duratrac 295/65R18. The problem is, after hours of reading about those tires, I do not think they will work for me. All the reports of these tires taking a sharp down grade in all category's once they are half worn, is confirmed. I know already I cannot live with a tire that has a short life, AND gets louder as time goes on.

It seems no one else makes a nice, wide but not too wide, true 33 inch tire for an 18 inch wheel.

What would you guys suggest? I could go to 17 inch wheels, or up to 20's. I just prefer not to as I really like the look of having a healthy amount of sidewall. 17 inch wheels seem too small, and 20's too big. Yet those sizes offer greater tire selection.

By the way, the truck will have a 4'' Rancho lift, I FINALLY decided that last night. I think 285/65R18 will look far too small on a 4 inch Rancho.

Any suggestions?

DaveH71 · December 8, 2014

Not many options with the 295. Goodyear and pro comp are about it.

If i were you i would just go with 285's, there is a ton more selection and i really doubt you're gonna be able to tell the .5" difference between the two.

Here is a little visual reference for you http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php?tires=285-65r18-295-65r18

Michelin makes 285's, they would be my choice.

newdude · December 8, 2014

275/70/18. Only thing is they are all E-load tires. Next closest would be 285/65/18.

blackout07 · December 8, 2014

Move up to 20s. Your truck is a 2011 so keep it in this decade and at least stay away from 17s. 305/55 is perfect with no shortage of sidewall.

Big Whiskey · December 8, 2014

If you're stuck on 18's, then check out 305/60/18's. They're about the only other option that hasn't been mentioned. The 285/65/18's will be a little shorter than 33", while the 275/70/18 will probably be too narrow for what you want. Also, a couple brands make a 285/70/18, but I think that comes out to a 33.5" or 34". A 295/70/18 is also very common, and might work with your 4" lift, but it's a 34" tire too.

LaserBlueZ71 · December 9, 2014

Move up to 20s. Your truck is a 2011 so keep it in this decade and at least stay away from 17s. 305/55 is perfect with no shortage of sidewall.

I think 20's would kill my fuel mileage worse than 18's would.

I looked into the wheels I want last night. The 18 inch version, 29 pounds. The 20 inch version, 40 pounds. That is a very substantial increase in weight for 2 inches more diameter. 20 inch tires are also HEAVIER.

295/65R18 Duratrac - 58 pounds.

305/55R20 Duratrac - 61 pounds.

Going with 20's over 18's in this case, would amount to a whopping 14 pounds of extra weight, per corner. As it is the performance will suffer with larger tires on 18's, I would hate to see how much more of a dog she would be if the truck had 20's on 33's.

blackout07 · December 9, 2014

Your truck won't notice 14 pounds per corner and neither will you.

LaserBlueZ71 · December 9, 2014

Now the whole thing might be out to pasture!

Found a 2011 2500HD, 6.6L, Allison, only 36,000 KM on it, for a smoking good price. This just might be the time to upgrade to a diesel!

BTW, I change my mind...a lot.

FormerFordGuy · December 11, 2014

I'm dealing with the same issue. So far I'm looking at Toyo R/Ts in 33x12.50r18 and Nitto G2s in 305/65r18. I really like the look of the toyo, but it is HEAVY. I mean heavier than some m/ts in the same size. The G2 is probably what I need since I'm on the highway a lot, but it isn't very aggressive looking