BFG 285 vs 275 - quick report (1 Viewer)

[Kneel]

I parked next to a dodge ram yesterday with 275/60/20 Cooper Zeon LTZ's. It was a great visual how a tire can look so different as my 275/70/18 Toyo Open Country which is the same diameter tire as the Cooper, looked like "the small doughnut in the box" next to it.

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I have just over 5k miles on the Cooper Zeon LTZ in 275/70R18. It's amazing how much small THEY look compared to the similarly sized Discoverer ST's I had on previously. The way the outer lugs are presented make all the difference on how they look at the curb...

 

[4Peanut]

...here is another with AHC on HIGH to give a sense of how it would look with about 2" lift.

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Zazoo62, can you repost this pic larger? Also, with you AHC on high, what are the measurements from fender lip to the top of the rim, front and rear? I'm trying to get a sense for how the 285/75-18 BFG's will look on my 100 with about 1.5" of lift.

Thanks!

 

[Hounwas]

For anyone considering new tires for your 18" wheels and no lift...
I just installed a set of BFG AT KO 285/65/18 a week ago. These replaced a new set of BFG AT KO 275/65/18 which I bought when I bought the truck a month or so ago. Although the actual specs do not show a significant size difference, it is VERY noticeable installed. The 285s appear a fair amount wider and taller than the actual .5-1" differences. Purely going on looks, these are a 10. They are a great proportion with the 18" wheels and look great without lift and I think good with a couple inch lift as well (put up AHC to HIGH to see what it would look like).
There is also, however, a noticeable difference in ride quality. Whether it's just the weight difference, or the size difference as well, the truck absolutely handles more sluggishly on the road than it did with the 275s. I've had many sets of these BFGs on various LCs - on my 2000, and on my two FJ62s, so while my opinion is obviously subjective, for what it's worth, it's not my first time with this heavy AT tire. Can't say I dislike the handling difference, but it is there. I'm running about 40# all around, so I will be paying with slight increases and decreases to see what I like best. I feel these are also noticeably stiffer/harsher in the same pressure than the 275s did (both are E load, which is all that's available in this tire/sizes)
Haven't taken it off road yet, but I am confident that the 285s will shine.
Of course, it's light years from a set of regular road tires for road use. When I bought the truck, it had some all-season somethings and the handling was incredibly light and easy to maneuver in comparison. I personally like the feel of the heavier tire and like the extra size it gives, so I would do it this way again. I am going to wait to buy a front and rear bumper though and get used to this feel for a while. My SliderSteps are going in next week so that will add some serious weight as well and I'd like to see how it affects handling.

I thought this might be helpful to post for anyone torn between sizes so that you can make the most informed decision. NOTE: both sizes fit a 2006 AHC-equiped LC with no lift with no problems - no rubbing, no nothing.

Photos to come.

I would definitely recommend getting the 285/65/18 tires. They look great and perform well, even without a lift. The only downside is that they can make the truck feel more sluggish on the road, but it's nothing that can't be adjusted to. Overall, I think they're a great choice for anyone choosing new tires for their 18" wheels.