Nitto Ridge Grappler Tire Selection

[thirdparty]

Is there really any difference between a 285/65 R18 as opposed to a 275/70 R18 Ridge Grapplers for towing purposes? I have 285/65 R18 BFG KO2s now, but will be upgrading to BP51s, springs, and 40 L gas tank.

I use this rig for lots of around town, highway and dirt road (bull rock, caliche) almost every weekend. I'll also tow everything from 10 ft. single axle ATV trailer to 18 ft. doublt axle UTV/Tractor trailer.

Will the skinnier 275/70 R18 tires make any real difference for towing? Does the wider tire help or hurt the towing performance. I'm looking for a bit of a break on the MPG with the skinnier tire and to fill up the whell well a bit more with the BP51s.

Thoughts? I've seen all of Eric Sargeant's videos on their builds and it looks very nice with this tire setup. Video example:

Looking for more thoughts on things I may be missing or if it really matters at all.

Thanks!

 

[TLC2013]

I have experience with both tire sizes but can’t comment on the towing aspect between the two, I’ll let the guys with more experience chime in on that subject.
In regards to the size difference, you are basically trading 1/2” difference in width verse height between the two sizes. I have used Michelins and General Grabbers in LT285/65R18 and am now running Kenda klever RTs in LT275/70r18. The Kendas run wide and tall for their size so any real difference in width is unnoticeable and honestly the height difference is hardly noticeable even with the kendas measuring nearly an inch taller. The 200 series is a porker so the wider tires are more aesthetically pleasing on the eye.

My experience with the Mpg difference is Around 1-2 mpgs better for the 275s. Basically the same, with a slight edge to the narrower tire.

 

[thirdparty]

Did you have any speedometer variance with the 275/70s since they were a larger diameter? If I could see the tires with a lift side by side I could decide in a second, but I just hesitate pulling the trigger on the expense without having a good idea of the concrete differences.

 

[TLC2013]

285 size will have the Speedo reading dead on. 275 Reads 2-3 mph low at 70-75. If you are willing to accept some rubbing lt285/70r18 is a popular size here. Great size for width and height. wheel offset does play a big role to address rubbing on KDSS and fender liner that is common with this larger size.

 

[TimCFJ40]

I haven't run both sizes in Ridge Grapplers, but I ran 275/70R18 Duratracs on Stock wheels and 285/70R17 Ridge Grapplers on Rock Warriors. Both Load Range E tires. I had a significant (1-2mpg) improvement with the slightly shorter wider 285s. I wouldn't have believed it was that significant without living it myself.

 

[thirdparty]

That's very interesting that the larger wider tire gave you the MPG advantage.