Tires - 285s vs 275s???

[NE07FJC]

I've been reading a lot about tires on FJCs. I'm not sure if I am more knowledgeable, or just more confused

So now I am hoping to find someone who has the same or similar goals as me, and has already tried both tire sizes.

Background: I am trying to strike the right balance between wheeling and normal, everyday driving. I want to do enough mods that I can comfortably do some easy-to-moderate wheeling in New England *BUT* I don't want to turn my everyday ride into a "trail beast," and break the bank in the process.

Tires will be needed soon (40k miles on the originals), and other mods are planned (see my sig.)

I already know I want A/T radials. I already know I am going to stick with the factory 17" rims. And, I already know this will be my everyday ride (and the vehicle I use for vacations and other long road-trips) for at least another 3-4 years.

The question: Does this sound like you? Have you tried BOTH 275/70/17's & 285/70/17's? If so, I want to hear from you.

 

[Lovey]

My truck is a DD and sometimes wheeler.
Not much tho lately. Having too much fun with the 80

Have 285's. No complaints.

 

[NE07FJC]

Thanks, Lovey (I'm sorry, but that just *feels* wrong).

How much highway driving (yearly, weekly, monthly, whatever) do you do in the FJC?

 

[jmylie]

I run 285/70/17 Wrangler MTR's and like them. Drove through some horrendous rain coming back from the northern Adirondacks and the MTR handled it just fine.

Even stock trails in the Northeast will benefit from any additional height. Even the measly 0.5 inches in difference between the 275 (32.2") and the 285 (32.7").

I have yet to run off road but will eventually.

 

[FJ40 MNTCRZR]

I went from the stock 265's to 285's and have had no issues or problems with the switch. i drive 45 miles to work one way, daily.
i am running the toyo open country AT's.

Get the 285's and be done with it ...

 

[Lovey]

Thanks, Lovey (I'm sorry, but that just *feels* wrong).

How much highway driving (yearly, weekly, monthly, whatever) do you do in the FJC?

My commute to work is nice and close. 25 miles RT.
Been averaging just about 1k miles a month in the FJC.
Drive the 80 on weekends and to work once in awhile.

Like the others said...285's and be done with it.
I also have OME med all around. To me its a great mix of DD and when needed go just about anywhere trail rig.

 

[Niner]

Just remember the first number in a metric tire size is the width.

the next number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width.

Just a reminder many think the first number is the height.

I have a excell spreadsheet I made that will calculate tire size in both directions. I'll try to find it and post it up.

 

[NE07FJC]

Thanks, Chris. By all means feel free to post your spreadsheet but I'm good.

 

[NE07FJC]

Thanks, everyone! I'm going to go with 285s (see updated sig).

 

[Brock]

i have 295 Nitto Terra Grapplers on the alloy 17inch wheels....it is my daily driver, vacation driver, camping driver and everything else. If I had to do it all over again I would go with the 285 Nittos.....slightly smaller...but also lighter for less rolling mass which affects gas mileage. I might even go with 265.....if I was just doing occasional wheeling without anything too big.

this past weekend a guy had stock FJ on Nittos...think they were the 265 size as he still had the oem spare tire on back....he scraped a little but he never go stopped because of tires and did nearly every trail the rest of us did with our lifts, 33-35 or bigger tires, and all...

I would go with a good quality aggressive AT tire like the Nitto, Pro Comp or Toyo.....as in my experience in mud or snow they clean better than BFG AT...and are tough as nails. I would recommend the Nitto 265 70 17 and in couple years when they wear out....you can decide to go more aggressive, larger or both.....gives you great road handling in wet weather and on highway....and the ability to tackle 80% of what you will encounter offroad.

 

[FelixLeiter]

No clearance issues with the 285s? I am considering a medium ome lift but not commited yet...will the 285 be ok with stock height?

 

[NE07FJC]

In my research I have found there are a LOT of (differing) opinions out there on this topic. I *believe* - based on what I've read, not on what I've tried - you can get away with putting 285/70/17s on a stock vehicle and will experience only a little rub from time to time if doing some aggressive driving (on or off road). 275/70/17s should not be a problem.

To net it out: IMHO if you think you will eventually add the new OME suspension, go with 285s. But if you think you may not get around to it for a while, but need the tires now, play it safe with 275s.