KO2 285/60/18 vs 285/65/18 on 2016 LC

[mcdermy]

I know this has been covered (and I can’t find the database anymore). But just curious why people recommend the 285/65/18 over the 285/60/18 for the KO2s. What is the advantage of the 65 given that the 60 is stock...as I think it changes the speedometer accuracy.
Thank you!

 

[vegasfj40]

They are an inch taller so you gain a little ground clearance. Also the taller side wall is better when in the dirt and rocks.

 

[TeCKis300]

For off-road enthusiasts, more clearance, traction, and compliance is the name of the game. There's literally no better mod than bigger tires. Off-roaders classify tires in inches by overall diameter, as it's a primary variable that speaks to the capability of a vehicle to tackle more difficult terrain. Stock 285/60R18 tire fitment is ~31.4" spec diameter tire, AKA 31" class tire, AKA 31s. A 285/65R18 specs at 32.6" or 33s.

33s represent a great balance between capability and efficiency, and is a highly sought tire fitment for many off-roaders and overlanders. Speedo accuracy is not much of a priority, though interestingly as stock speedos are known to report a tad slow, may actually be more accurate with 33s.

If I could offer a suggestion as it seems to me that you may not use the vehicle in a way that warrants KO2s... They may come with more compromises than you're ready for including noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). It's also an older design now that's been superseded by more broadly capable tires with better manners. I would recommend Toyo AT3s for your consideration list. It's also much much better in snow for those trips into Tahoe.

 

[gaijin]

Speedo accuracy is not much of a priority, though interestingly as stock speedos are known to report a tad slow, may actually be more accurate with 33s.

By Japanese law the stock speedo reads about 3-4% FASTER than real speed. Since larger tires (fewer revs per mile) will make the speedo read SLOWER, the speedo will be more accurate with larger tires. Your conclusion is correct, but your rationale is backwards.

HTH

 

[DCOVIEL]

Then there's the vanity card: the 65 aspect ration tire just LOOKS BETTER in the wheel wells.

 

[TeCKis300]

By Japanese law the stock speedo reads about 3-4% FASTER than real speed. Since larger tires (fewer revs per mile) will make the speedo read SLOWER, the speedo will be more accurate with larger tires. Your conclusion is correct, but your rationale is backwards.

HTH

Hah, you got it.

 

[mcdermy]

Thanks for the replies. Super helpful. Yes, I’m mainly on roads and snow in Tahoe as well as occasional dirt—but no hardcore off roading.
And yes, vanity is a bit of a factor as my wife asked if I was ever going to get rid of the mom tires .

Thanks for the rec on the Toyo AtIII. I’m also looking into the Falken Wildpeak as it sounds like those two tires are more suited to my uses

 

[iamthewheel]

Can I run 285/65/18 with Method 16X9, 35mm offset with no rubbing on my 2017 LC? Thanks!

 

[TLC2013]

You will clear the KDSS / sway bar but will be rubbing plastic as you rotate the steering wheel.

 

[iamthewheel]

You will clear the KDSS / sway bar but will be rubbing plastic as you rotate the steering wheel.

What size do you recommend with a Method 18X9, 35 offset wheel. I want no rubbing. Thank you. Jeff.

 

[iamthewheel]

You will clear the KDSS / sway bar but will be rubbing plastic as you rotate the steering wheel.

How about 275/70/18? Thx.

 

[TLC2013]

If you don't want to rub/touch the plastic fender liner you will need an offset between 50-60mm. 35mm offset wheels are the challenge as the wheel is about 1" further out from the hub then the OEM Wheel. This leads to the tire coming into contact with either the mud flap at the rear of the wheel well or the plastic at the front of the wheel wheel when making tight turns (such as a u-turn). I wouldn't be surprised if the stock size 285/60r18 rubbed with the 35mm offset.

 

[iamthewheel]

If you don't want to rub/touch the plastic fender liner you will need an offset between 50-60mm. 35mm offset wheels are the challenge as the wheel is about 1" further out from the hub then the OEM Wheel. This leads to the tire coming into contact with either the mud flap at the rear of the wheel well or the plastic at the front of the wheel wheel when making tight turns (such as a u-turn). I wouldn't be surprised if the stock size 285/60r18 rubbed with the 35mm offset.

s***! This has been a nightmare! This is what I want to do. Pls see pics. Thank you.

 

[iamthewheel]

So, in other words, leave it alone? Save my money? I wonder how the guy in the pics did it? Thx. Jeff

 

[TLC2013]

Get to it lol

 

[LCH21]

By Japanese law the stock speedo reads about 3-4% FASTER than real speed. Since larger tires (fewer revs per mile) will make the speedo read SLOWER, the speedo will be more accurate with larger tires. Your conclusion is correct, but your rationale is backwards.

HTH

With my 285/65R18 KO2s, my speedometer now reads about one MPH slow as compared with the GPS speed. This is at speeds above 35 to 40 MPH. At 80 indicated, the GPS is bouncing between 81-82 MPH.

I have no rubbing with this tire size. It is close at full right lock and backing up but it does clear. Stock suspension and Heritage rims.

 

[iamthewheel]

With my 285/65R18 KO2s, my speedometer now reads about one MPH slow as compared with the GPS speed. This is at speeds above 35 to 40 MPH. At 80 indicated, the GPS is bouncing between 81-82 MPH.

I have no rubbing with this tire size. It is close at full right lock and backing up but it does clear. Stock suspension and Heritage rims.

Is yours a heritage edition? Mine is not. Wonder if that matters? I’ve read some posts where that size rubbed? Can you share a pic of your rig? Thx. Jeff

 

[LCH21]

Is yours a heritage edition? Mine is not. Wonder if that matters? I’ve read some posts where that size rubbed? Can you share a pic of your rig? Thx. Jeff

Yes, mine is a Heritage edition. I did have some minor rubbing at right full lock backing up at first, but I found that the plastic wheel well trim was loose. I forgot to tighten it back up after installing the Slee skids. I pushed it forward away from the tire as far as it would go and tightened the screws and problem solved. After that, I have about 3/8th inch clearance. I have had it off road and still no rubbing at full stuff. With the rain the Mojave received over the past year, many of the roads are in really bad shape, I need all the ground clearance I can get, thus the larger tire. I still need about another two inches. Some places I used to go are now impassible. The road is just gone. Of course, the BLM is happy. Less for them to do.

Horse Cove Campground, outside of Robbinsville, NC. I used to camp there back in the '60s with my family. It was one of the nicest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The campground is now in shambles, no water, no maintenance, trees down, Santeetlah Creek is clogged with logs, Many of the camp sites are uninhabitable and others blocked with downed trees. It was so depressing, I didn't even stay.

I don't have any close-ups of the tire clearance. Sorry.

 

[iamthewheel]

Yes, mine is a Heritage edition. I did have some minor rubbing at right full lock backing up at first, but I found that the plastic wheel well trim was loose. I forgot to tighten it back up after installing the Slee skids. I pushed it forward away from the tire as far as it would go and tightened the screws and problem solved. After that, I have about 3/8th inch clearance. I have had it off road and still no rubbing at full stuff. With the rain the Mojave received over the past year, many of the roads are in really bad shape, I need all the ground clearance I can get, thus the larger tire. I still need about another two inches. Some places I used to go are now impassible. The road is just gone. Of course, the BLM is happy. Less for them to do.

View attachment 3529838
Horse Cove Campground, outside of Robbinsville, NC. I used to camp there back in the '60s with my family. It was one of the nicest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The campground is now in shambles, no water, no maintenance, trees down, Santeetlah Creek is clogged with logs, Many of the camp sites are uninhabitable and others blocked with downed trees. It was so depressing, I didn't even stay.

I don't have any close-ups of the tire clearance. Sorry.

Good lookin ride! Tire size again please. Sorry. KO2’s right? Thx. Jeff

 

[iamthewheel]

Is yours a heritage edition? Mine is not. Wonder if that matters? I’ve read some posts where that size rubbed? Can you share a pic of your rig? Thx. Jeff

285/65/18. Got it. Thx.