Tire Suggestion 305/55r20 or 33x12.50

Trailboss75 · April 7, 2019

Ok, trying to decide which tire would be best to go with the 33x12.50r20 or the 305/55r20? I am looking at the Nitto Ridge Grappler and the 33" are 32.76"x12.5" and the 305 tires is 33.23"x12.44" . The tread depth is 18 on the 33 and 16 on the 305. I have been really looking at the 305/55 as it was slight larger and basically the same width. But it seems most everyone is going with the 33x12.50. I asked on FB and they seem to say because the 33 has more tread depth the ride quaility is better, is this true? Should I stay away from the 305/55 if I am looking for the best ride quality? Which would you choose and why?

z1boss · April 7, 2019

1 hour ago, Trailboss75 said:

Ok, trying to decide which tire would be best to go with the 33x12.50r20 or the 305/55r20? I am looking at the Nitto Ridge Grappler and the 33" are 32.76"x12.5" and the 305 tires is 33.23"x12.44" . The tread depth is 18 on the 33 and 16 on the 305. I have been really looking at the 305/55 as it was slight larger and basically the same width. But it seems most everyone is going with the 33x12.50. I asked on FB and they seem to say because the 33 has more tread depth the ride quaility is better, is this true? Should I stay away from the 305/55 if I am looking for the best ride quality? Which would you choose and why?

I'm running the 305/55R20 but my tread depth is 20.5 (Mickey Thompson MTZ). Is your Trailboss leveled? Mine do rub a touch but other than that I absolutely love them.

Edited April 7, 2019 by z1boss

Trailboss75 · April 8, 2019

1 hour ago, z1boss said:

I'm running the 305/55R20 but my tread depth is 20.5 (Mickey Thompson MTZ). Is your Trailboss leveled? Mine do rub a touch but other than that I absolutely love them.

So I have bought the motofab 1” and 1.5” lift. I think I am going to try the 1” and see how it fits and what it looks like as far as angles etc. if the tire shop and I are both satisfied I will keep it on. I am looking to go 305/55r20 with a 20x10 -18. But after seeing everyone is using the 33x12.50 I am second guessing my tire decision. I’m doing the lift and everything this week, so just trying to make my final decision on which way to go. The guy on FB scared me when he talked about he tread depth and smoother ride. I don’t want to put new tires on and have a worse ride than stock. Also, truck is pavement only, I won’t be off roading, worst place would be the beach lol. I liked the 305 as it was slightly larger. The 33x12.50 at a height of 32.76” is just barely bigger than stock tire.

z1boss · April 8, 2019

9 minutes ago, Trailboss75 said:

So I have bought the motofab 1” and 1.5” lift. I think I am going to try the 1” and see how it fits and what it looks like as far as angles etc. if the tire shop and I are both satisfied I will keep it on. I am looking to go 305/55r20 with a 20x10 -18. But after seeing everyone is using the 33x12.50 I am second guessing my tire decision. I’m doing the lift and everything this week, so just trying to make my final decision on which way to go. The guy on FB scared me when he talked about he tread depth and smoother ride. I don’t want to put new tires on and have a worse ride than stock. Also, truck is pavement only, I won’t be off roading, worst place would be the beach lol. I liked the 305 as it was slightly larger. The 33x12.50 at a height of 32.76” is just barely bigger than stock tire.

If it's the same tire, I honestly dont think your gonna notice much of a ride difference between the two sizes and tread depths because the differences are minimal

Edited April 8, 2019 by z1boss

Darksky · April 8, 2019

If they’re comparable tires, then the extra tread depth should yield a few more miles before wear out. If they are close to rubbing at all, I would go with the smaller. Remember, when you’re looking at wheel well clearance, you’re doing it static. Your suspension is dynamic. If it’s close parked, then the suspension travel will cause impact when it gets compressed, especially if turning. Don’t carve up your new rubber with sheet metal. Lastly, price is king. Which is cheaper and has better warranty? That would decide for me, if everything else is equal. You’ll not be able to tell the difference in the two tires sizes if they’re the same model. Also, is one ten ply? If so, pick the ten ply. Just my .02 cents.

Edited April 8, 2019 by Darksky

Trailboss75 · April 8, 2019

5 minutes ago, Darksky said:

If they’re comparable tires, then the extra tread depth should yield a few more miles before wear out. If they are close to rubbing at all, I would go with the smaller. Remember, when you’re looking at wheel well clearance, you’re doing it static. Your suspension is dynamic. If it’s close parked, then the suspension travel will cause impact when it gets compressed, especially if turning. Don’t carve up your new rubber with sheet metal. Lastly, price is king. Which is cheaper and has better warranty? That would decide for me, if everything else is equal. You’ll not be able to tell the difference in the two tires sizes if they’re the same model. Also, is one ten ply? If so, pick the ten ply. Just my .02 cents.

Unfortunately Nitto does not provide a warranty on tires. Both the 305/55 and the 33” tires are F load 12 ply tires. I am adding a 1” lift so neither tire should rub, or at least that’s the plan!

Darksky · April 8, 2019

I buy tires from Discount tire. I’ve had good luck lately with TA KO 2 they “good will” mileage warranty them for me, there. But, I’m also a couple of decades in with one tire shop, so I get a little bit of preferential treatment once in a while. The last NITTOs I tried, I removed after a week. For me, they didn’t handle well. But, that’s just “for me” your findings may vary wildly from mine.

the other thing I’ll add is that, if Lifetime balance and rotation is an option, it is well worth the added cost. Especially if you can get it rolled into the deal. It is very nice to drop your truck off for a couple of hours and get it back with freshly road force balanced wheels for free.