Downsizing 285/70/r17 to 285/75/r16 (1 Viewer)

[bourneagain]

I've been looking to downgrade the wheel size to save on weight and get more traction offroad (sand). From browsing the forum, i gather 285 75r16 to be the size to aim for. Will this achieve my goal and what other differences can i notice? Specifically ride softness on road?

Will be going from BFG to Yokohoma Geolander AT.

Visited a couple of tire shops asking the same question but their answers seem to vary based on what they stock and can sell me...which is pants. Hoping to get a more honest opinion from fellow cruiser

 

[TheForger]

You won't really be downsizing. The differences between those are the aspect ratio and wheel diameter so the only change is how much sidewall you will have. The 16" size will have 1" of more total sidewall (0.5" on the radius), but because you just went down 1" in wheel size the tires will remain basically the same overall height. Of course they're both 285 so the width will remain constant as well.

 

[paulevans76]

It will also likely depend on how the load rating and sidewall thickness in general compare between the two tires.

 

[bourneagain]

It will also likely depend on how the load rating and sidewall thickness in general compare between the two tires.

Current

BFG A/T KO2 285/70/17 weight 58lb maxload 3,195lbs rating E

Can't seem to find sidewall thickness spec

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=All-Terrain+T%2FA+KO2&partnum=87R7KO2RWL

https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/auto/tires/all-terrain-t-a-ko2

Here are some options available to me

BFG A/T KO2 285/75/r16 weight 59lb maxload 3,750 lbs rating E
Cooper DISCOVERER AT3 XLT - SIZE: LT285/75R16 54lb 3750 lbs E
ROAD VENTURE AT51 - SIZE: LT285/75R16 54lb 3750lbs E

 

[bourneagain]

You won't really be downsizing. The differences between those are the aspect ratio and wheel diameter so the only change is how much sidewall you will have. The 16" size will have 1" of more total sidewall (0.5" on the radius), but because you just went down 1" in wheel size the tires will remain basically the same overall height. Of course they're both 285 so the width will remain constant as well.

Ok so doesn't sound like much of a downgrade other than weight reduction for tyre and rim combined.

 

[TheForger]

Ok so doesn't sound like much of a downgrade other than weight reduction for tyre and rim combined.

Basically yes

 

[hoser]

I will suggest 285/75R17 (34") Load C

Taller, more compliant sidewall, similar weight to what you have now.

Toyo OC AT III
Nitto Ridge Grappler

 

[paulevans76]

I will suggest 285/75R17 (34") Load C

Taller, more compliant sidewall, similar weight to what you have now.

Toyo OC AT III
Nitto Ridge Grappler

Yeah, if you can get away with a load range C you'll be golden. But if you tow or really load it down for trips, you risk overloading the tires.

 

[hoser]

@paulevans76 Agreed. But load C is higher than stock tires.... and stock load rating is also conservative.

 

[bourneagain]

Yeah, if you can get away with a load range C you'll be golden. But if you tow or really load it down for trips, you risk overloading the tires.

Normally air down to 12-14 psi during desert drives which last 2-3 hours.

 

[bourneagain]

I will suggest 285/75R17 (34") Load C

Taller, more compliant sidewall, similar weight to what you have now.

Toyo OC AT III
Nitto Ridge Grappler

What do you mean by more compliant sidewall? And how is this beneficial in the context of long desert crossings?

 

[paulevans76]

Those 285/75/17 load range C tires mentioned are rated around 2800 or so lb max load vs the E's which were around 3800. Don't know what the OEM tires were rated for. But in general, C rated tires should be lighter and the sidewalls should flex better vs the stiffer E rated tires. There may be other things to look at like speed rating for on road driving if that matters, etc. There should also be C rated 285/75/16's as well, just less common than E rated in that size.

 

[trdcorolla]

I will suggest 285/75R17 (34") Load C

Taller, more compliant sidewall, similar weight to what you have now.

Toyo OC AT III
Nitto Ridge Grappler

Will these 34" tires fit a stock height LX/LC with 30mm offset wheels? I'm assuming it'll rub the washer fluid reservoir and need the pinch weld mod done.

 

[TLC Dan]

Or you could keep the 17 inch rims and go with BFG KO2's. they make a 285/70/17 in a "C" rating 51lbs and a 2755 lb load rating. Your signature shows 285 C's but you didn't mention this so its confusing. Not likely to find a 285/75/16 that is lighter than 51lbs. I have the 285 C's on rock warrior wheels and they are the same total weight as the stock wheels and tires. I love them....

 

[hoser]

Those 285/75/17 load range C tires mentioned are rated around 2800 or so lb max load vs the E's which were around 3800. Don't know what the OEM tires were rated for. But in general, C rated tires should be lighter and the sidewalls should flex better vs the stiffer E rated tires. There may be other things to look at like speed rating for on road driving if that matters, etc. There should also be C rated 285/75/16's as well, just less common than E rated in that size.

The stock P-metric tires are load rated at 2640lbs. When using P-metric tires on SUVs, manufacturers are required to use a tire that is rated at 110% of the desired load rating. So P-metric 2640lb is equivalent to an LT tire rated at 2400 lbs. (vs 2800 C-load).

Tire load rating: 2800 x 2 = 5600 lbs per axle. If we look at the data plate (pulled off internet), Gross Axle Weight Rating Front: 3595 and Rear: 4300 lbs. So the C-load tires are rated for 1300 lbs more than the rear axle is.

I understand the benefit of using D/E load tires to help with cuts in the sidewall and puncture resistance. But not needed for the sand.

Will these 34" tires fit a stock height LX/LC with 30mm offset wheels? I'm assuming it'll rub the washer fluid reservoir and need the pinch weld mod done.

Likely some minor clearancing will be needed for 30mm offset. But the OP is using 60mm offset wheels (I'm guessing).

 

[bourneagain]

Or you could keep the 17 inch rims and go with BFG KO2's. they make a 285/70/17 in a "C" rating 51lbs and a 2755 lb load rating. Your signature shows 285 C's but you didn't mention this so its confusing. Not likely to find a 285/75/16 that is lighter than 51lbs. I have the 285 C's on rock warrior wheels and they are the same total weight as the stock wheels and tires. I love them....

Hi I'm not sure which sig you're referring to but to be clear these are my current tyres

Current

BFG A/T KO2 285/70/17 weight 58lb maxload 3,195lbs rating E

I will take a look at C rated BFG

Reason i wasnt so keen on BFG is they are heavy

 

[Amir1975]

Hi I'm not sure which sig you're referring to but to be clear these are my current tyres

Current

BFG A/T KO2 285/70/17 weight 58lb maxload 3,195lbs rating E

I will take a look at C rated BFG

Reason i wasnt so keen on BFG is they are heavy

If you just go on the sand then bfg is not a practical one for you! But if you also hit rocks and hard Mountain tracks as a combination then they are perfect!

 

[Live to Ski]

I run the 285/75/16's in a cooper. the work great.

got them for the exact same reason as op....side wall flex at low psi. work great.