Thoughts for new Tire FAQ
- Thread starter Romer
- Start date
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The Severe Snow Rating (which is already in the FAQ near the beginning) was established by the RMA in order to designate tires that perform to a certain level in snow and ice. This was because there was not standard for tires that call themselves Mud and Snow tires. Generally you only see the rating on dedicated snow tires.
I should have noted that the BFG A/T in LOAD RANGE E sizes 265/75/16 and 285/75/16 are NOT Severe Snow rated. This is likely because of a different compounding in the tire. IMHO there is no need to run a load range E tire on the 80, and the E rated tires may account for part of the reason that there is a wide varience in opinions as to the BFG's snow and ice performance.
- Thread starter
- #25
The tire FAQ has been moved to the General Section of the FAQ and is no longer a stickey thread.
If you have additions/changes or modifications. Please PM reffug or myself or start a thread with FAQ in the title. We don't have a chance to read everythread.
If you have additions/changes or modifications. Please PM reffug or myself or start a thread with FAQ in the title. We don't have a chance to read everythread.
Will they fit?
Thinking about ordering some BFG 285/75/16s. Will a fifth fit under the carriage? Or will I have to carry it on top? Looks like my current spare, a 275/70/16, is taking up all the room.
Also- I'm putting a 2" lift on my 97 cruiser. Is a 275/75/16 as large a tire as I can go without rubbing?
Thanks for any help
Thinking about ordering some BFG 285/75/16s. Will a fifth fit under the carriage? Or will I have to carry it on top? Looks like my current spare, a 275/70/16, is taking up all the room.
Also- I'm putting a 2" lift on my 97 cruiser. Is a 275/75/16 as large a tire as I can go without rubbing?
Thanks for any help
- Thread starter
- #27
The Tire FAQ mentioned here can be found at: https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=114057
If you read that it will tell you a 285 tire will fit with a stock suspension and in the spare tire slot.
If you read that it will tell you a 285 tire will fit with a stock suspension and in the spare tire slot.
i have been throught the faq section 5 times, i cannot find anywhere what is the largest size i can go, with a stock suspension. It states about the spare. So if i can go to a 285 will i have to remove running board end caps? will there be any rub? etc...
It is possible to make a 285 rub on a stock truck, but you have to try real hard to do it. I.e. flogging the truck mercilessly on moguls.
A 285 spare will fit under the truck, but it can be tight and you'll find that it hangs down more than you'll probably want to have long term. No modifications to flares, caps, etc - it simply works. There are some options using stacked washers to help move the spare higher in the undercarriage that would be worth while to look up if you're going this route.
If you're sticking with a stock suspension but want it to look like it has a real tire under it, I suggest checking out the GY Duratrac in 265/75R16 (31.5"). I have them on my wife's truck and it looks right. It is still an AT that rides nice, but looks way more aggressive and more like a proper off-road tire. It also has great snow/ice/rain traction. MPG takes a bit of a hit with them though.
If you're going to a 2.5" lift but don't want to spend the $$$$ on a proper rear swing out tire carrier, then you're pretty much limiting to a 285/75R16 (33") tire so you can carry a spare.
If you're going to a 2.5" lift, use a swing out spare carrier (must), don't care if you rub a bit, and re-gearing the differentials sounds like fun, then 315/75R16 (35") is for you. I did this size in Duratrac tires on my truck. I like it - a lot. I was expecting something, but the off road gains by going from a 33" to a 35" tire and gearing down to 4.88 was huge.
If you don't mind doing a 5" lift ($$$$), trimming flares, re-gearing (must), using a swing out spare (must), trimming back some metal here and there from the wheel arches, spending $300+ per tire - then 37s to 40s are in your future.
IMHO YMMV
There are hundreds of thread in the forum about "largest tire size". 285/75/16 is a good option, it works and generally will not rub in most any situation. People have used up to 315/75/16, and have had anywhere from some regular rubbing, to only rubbing when the suspension is cycled more than normal street driving.
No one has talked about the other option...
255/85/16 the size is getting harder to find but is IMO the best size. It is about 33in tall and 9.5 wide so it is a tall skinny tire that looks great on the 80.
Just stay away from Kelly Safari MS I have them and don't really like them they have some strange wear patterns and I have talked to others with the same tires on other types of trucks and they say the same thing, uneven wear.
I will more than likely go with the 285 for my next set for the simple reason that their is way more selection out their, if the 255 had more options I would stay with it but I have been told they are phasing it out, kind of like the 16.5in wheel stuff...
255/85/16 the size is getting harder to find but is IMO the best size. It is about 33in tall and 9.5 wide so it is a tall skinny tire that looks great on the 80.
Just stay away from Kelly Safari MS I have them and don't really like them they have some strange wear patterns and I have talked to others with the same tires on other types of trucks and they say the same thing, uneven wear.
I will more than likely go with the 285 for my next set for the simple reason that their is way more selection out their, if the 255 had more options I would stay with it but I have been told they are phasing it out, kind of like the 16.5in wheel stuff...
A Bridgeston REVO II in 285/75/R16 will rub at full compression with stock springs. This was experienced when hauling about 2 tons (1 ton inside and 1 ton in trailer) of rock with my '93. Tough rig.