285/65r18 vs 275/70r18 opinions

[mmio]

I have 285/65r18 all terrain tires right now, and am thinking of 'upgrading' to 275/70r18 the next time I need tires.
Both of these are near the limit of what fits without rubbing, and what fits as the spare.

Anyone with experience running both? Any noticeable differences, assuming same category of tires? Pros/cons?

My primary use cases is long winter trips, and some tricky dirt roads with sand. Unlikely to attempt serious rock crawling.

 

[jwright1376]

I have 285/65r18 all terrain tires right now, and am thinking of 'upgrading' to 275/70r18 the next time I need tires.
Both of these are near the limit of what fits without rubbing, and what fits as the spare.

Anyone with experience running both? Any noticeable differences, assuming same category of tires? Pros/cons?

My primary use cases is long winter trips, and some tricky dirt roads with sand. Unlikely to attempt serious rock crawling.

Hello, I’m a new member as well, a few threads on this forum, I see mixed reviews. Some say 275/70s fit and others say they don’t. On the 10th I’m having the Westcott designs front level and then putting on some 275/70s. I will reply with pics once I get it done. Wish me luck lol. Btw, any place to take off some rust from the undercarriage on a 14’ LC200? I’m in NC and the closest seems Wilmington a 2 hour drive

 

[jefo13]

275/70 fit no problem with stock wheels and no spacers. If you add spacers you will need to move the fender liner forward and trim your mud flaps.
That's my experience.

 

[jwright1376]

275/70 fit no problem with stock wheels and no spacers. If you add spacers you will need to move the fender liner forward and trim your mud flaps.
That's my experience.

Thank you so much, no spacers for me and tomorrow front level will go in. Will take before and after pics.

 

[dudemancool1904]

Remember all tires are not created equal. There is no parity in the tire industry. The same size tire from two different manufacturers may not be exactly the same.

 

[NKP Garage]

Either one will fit fine. I went with 295/70r18 on +12 wheels which was not ideal wheel offset. But even with that setup I was able to get it all to clear with some trimming of plastics. Posted lots of details in this thread. 2017 LX570 - Back again in another 200 - Ownership log and Build thread - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/2017-lx570-back-again-in-another-200-ownership-log-and-build-thread.1316789/page-4#post-15649391

 

[DallasTide]

I've been running 275/70 for the last year with OEM front coil spacers and 1" bora wheel spacers. Had to do a little "massaging" in the front wheel wells but nothing crazy and totally worth it.

 

[mmio]

I am not worried about 275/70r18 fitting, it seems they will fit with minor modifications at most.

What about handling and road noise compared to 285/65r18 ? It is slightly taller, but also slightly narrower. I am hoping that it will be slightly similar or hopefully, even better. Has anyone run both these sizes?

 

[mceagle555]

LX570 = 275/70/18 fits
LC200 = 275/70/18 need to massage a few things because of KDSS

I've run both BFG KO2 and Cooper AT3 XLT in 275/70/18 without issues on my LX570.

I prefer the 275/70/18 because of slightly better fuel economy, cheaper tires, and better snow performance.

 

[mceagle555]

I am not worried about 275/70r18 fitting, it seems they will fit with minor modifications at most.

What about handling and road noise compared to 285/65r18 ? It is slightly taller, but also slightly narrower. I am hoping that it will be slightly similar or hopefully, even better. Has anyone run both these sizes?

Road noise is more dependent on the type of tire than size. Here is an example of 3 types I have run:

- Most quiet: Michelin Defender
- Middle: Cooper AT3 XLT (My current choice to balance looks/noise)
- Louder: BFG KO2

Super loud would be any mud tire.

 

[dudemancool1904]

Well today’s the 10th! Let’s see some pics!

 

[eatSleepWoof]

I've long moved from the bigger is better to "OEM is best" camp. Full blown, 90 y/o, rocking chair, get-off-my-lawn, grey-haired grampa opinion!

The OEM (or very close to) size pros:
- tires are usually light
- easy to find
- typically cheaper
- won't hurt your fuel economy
- zero concerns about fitment, mismatched tire sizes, etc.
- will never give your dealership an excuse to blame for some unrelated problem

The cons:
- not Overland AF
- don't look cool

If you're gonna rock crawl and NEED the larger tires, by all means, have at 'er. If you have OP's use case (I'd say that's 99% of us), keep it simple, stupid.

I've got OEM size Blizzacks for the winter, and 33", P-rated Falken AT3W for my other three seasons. Falkens are getting close to being worn out and will be replaced by OEM-sized all terrains when the time comes. I know, I know, and I'm sorry for the unjust and inhumane pain & suffering I just caused you.

(If this reply gets me permanently banned from all enthusiast forums world-wide, I'll understand.)

 

[DallasTide]

- don't look cool

Nonstarter

 

[LTSR]

LC200 = 275/70/18 need to massage a few things because of KDSS

i don’t think this is accurate. maybe fender liners and mud flaps but I have never heard of KDSS being an issue for this size tire.

 

[mceagle555]

i don’t think this is accurate. maybe fender liners and mud flaps but I have never heard of KDSS being an issue for this size tire.

Read before/after this post. Alot depends on spacers, offset of wheels (stock wheels vs. Tundra TRD Pro vs. aftermarket), lift, etc...

The general consensus is that while the LC200 & LX570 are 90% the same, the LX has a tad more room/options when it comes to fitting tires.

200 Series Tire and Wheel Size Database

I'm running 275/70R18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers with 1.25" spacers on a King 2.5 suspension (should be about 2.5" of total lift) and had much more rubbing than expected (full lock in reverse). Both of the front flaps have now been removed; the rubbing on the rearward flap was very slight and...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[MRego]

To answer the OP question, my preference has always been to run 285/65/18. It is the closest to OEM size without any mods. Cons of this size is usually you will have to settle for an E rated. Not a problem for me (I like the added ply strength) but may be for others. 275s are tempting because of the 70 profile, but visually IMO they are just too "skinny" for the tank-like 200's wide body. Every time I see this set up, it remembers me the "skipped leg day" looks. To each their own though.

 

[MCtree]

i don’t think this is accurate. maybe fender liners and mud flaps but I have never heard of KDSS being an issue for this size tire.

I rubbed a bit with K02’s at 275/70/18.
But can’t say it this is due to the KDSS or not.

It went away when I got the mildest Ironman lift though.

Edit: sorry. I had “275/60” as a typo initially and have corrected it.

 

[dudemancool1904]

i don’t think this is accurate. maybe fender liners and mud flaps but I have never heard of KDSS being an issue for this size tire.

My stock truck with with TRD BBS 18x8 et60 275/70-18 cooper at3 XLT rubs on the drivers side KDSS bar at full right lock. It’s super minor but the witness mark is clear as day.

 

[LTSR]

My stock truck with with TRD BBS 18x8 et60 275/70-18 cooper at3 XLT rubs on the drivers side KDSS bar at full right lock. It’s super minor but the witness mark is clear as day.

I stand corrected. i really thought i had a good grasp of what fit without hitting the bar. Apologies to the OP for side tracking their thread.

to keep it on topic, i thought about going the 275/70 route but it just looked too skinny on a fat 200 series. just my opinion. there are some pros, more tire options that are lighter in weight like the General brand that offer non E load.

 

[JohnPW]

To answer the OP question, my preference has always been to run 285/65/18. It is the closest to OEM size without any mods. Cons of this size is usually you will have to settle for an E rated. Not a problem for me (I like the added ply strength) but may be for others. 275s are tempting because of the 70 profile, but visually IMO they are just too "skinny" for the tank-like 200's wide body. Every time I see this set up, it remembers me the "skipped leg day" looks. To each their own though.

Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 is now available in a lightweight XL rated (non LT) tire in 285/65r18. They don’t look cool but they will handle the OP’s uses while maintaining ride, mpg and braking. If you need LT-E tires off road this doesn’t apply, but for my uses this is perfect, and will be my next tire