Stock 255/70r 17 tire size. Anyone keeping this size?

Donstar · December 9, 2016

After a great deal of research, and deliberation I decided to buy new Michelin Defenders in the stock size of 255/70r 17. A tire dealer suggested I go with 265/70r 17 as they are an optional size and much more common. I stuck with the stock size because they were available with my preferred black side-wall and were not much different in size according to specifications. The problem I am having now is that they look much skinnier than other trucks with 265's. (I remember putting 245's on my 2000 Silverado and thought they looked "fat"!) Certain significant family member(s) think it is all in my head and the slight difference in height and width wouldn't be noticeable to anyone but me. I know there are many readers who have made tire changes (for reasons other than upgrading wheels) and I am wondering if anyone else kept the stock tire size of 255/70r 17 and why?

Andy Seibel · December 9, 2016

narrower tires are better in snow. so there's that.

Donstar · December 9, 2016

There definitely are some positive aspects to not going with a wider tire. The stock size tires are lighter and don't impact your speedometer/odometer or alter your power to the wheels. However, with the sizes I am talking about these impacts would probably be negligible.

kstruckcountry · December 9, 2016

255/75/17 is another common size. I had them on my 2006 and I didn't really notice the difference in width appearance wise going to a 265.

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Donstar · December 9, 2016

255/75/17 is another common size. I had them on my 2006 and I didn't really notice the difference in width appearance wise going to a 265.

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I really struggled with this size. I believe it would look good, but is a 1 inch greater diameter. Increasing diameter (as I understand it) has a greater impact on power than increased width. I have the V6 and don't want to make it work any harder than it needs too!

ggray40 · December 14, 2016

going to show some ignorance here, but I have the 255/70r 17s on my 2014 Sierra...It's time for a new tires and I know nothing about tire sizes...how will the 265/70r 17s differ from the stock tire...any harm in going with the more common tire?

Imcrazy · December 14, 2016

I had 17's on my last truck, when considering replacing the tires, I traded the truck in so never did it, I was gonna get the 265's 255's looked funny on the truck to me.

ggray40 · December 14, 2016

I had 17's on my last truck, when considering replacing the tires, I traded the truck in so never did it, I was gonna get the 265's 255's looked funny on the truck to me.

They look odd to me as well...probably all in my head, but still...another stupid question, are there any safety issues by "sizing up" from stock size?

Donstar · December 14, 2016

Tire brands have a greater impact on looks, IMO. Today I replaced my OEM Bridgestones 684II's with Michelin Defenders LTX MS's. Both are 255/70r 17 yet a major improvement in looks with the Michelin. I could have gone with the 265/70r 17 Michelins which are rated about 1/2 inch wider and taller but very hard to see when tires are put side by side. The speed and load rating of my new tires are also a little better than my OEM tires. With this particular brand the 265's are only offered with raised white letters (not my preference) and are three pounds heavier. I am very pleased with my decision to keep my tire size as posted in the door frame while gaining significant improvement in looks and ride quality!

Donstar · December 15, 2016

going to show some ignorance here, but I have the 255/70r 17s on my 2014 Sierra...It's time for a new tires and I know nothing about tire sizes...how will the 265/70r 17s differ from the stock tire...any harm in going with the more common tire?

I doubt you will notice any harm going with "the most common tire". There is also no noticeable advantage to going to this size either. I've spent a considerable amount of time looking into the nuances of various tire sizing and have decided to either stick with what is posted on the door or make a substantial change. I found that tire dealers sometimes promote the more common sizes for ease of supply. However, most major tire manufacturers produce OEM tire sizes.

True North Truckin · December 15, 2016

going to show some ignorance here, but I have the 255/70r 17s on my 2014 Sierra...It's time for a new tires and I know nothing about tire sizes...how will the 265/70r 17s differ from the stock tire...any harm in going with the more common tire?

As mentioned above No real harm at all in going with the more common size in this case because they are so close in size however keep in mind:

1) The taller the tire is vs stock setup you will have the effect of "gearing down" your truck i.e if your truck has a 3.42 rear axle by putting the slightly larger tires you have effectively "geared down" to for example sake a 3.35 rear axle which would negatively effect towing/acceleration (very marginally in this case).

2) The wider the tire the worse your fuel consumption again very small in this case.

Donstar · December 16, 2016

I had my alignment checked to make sure my new tires get a good start. Good thing I did because it was off! I have attached a couple of pictures of my new tires to show that they do not look small or strange. (FYI a 255/70r 17 tire would have been an up size from the base tire offered up until 2013!)