MTC

I want to get a more aggressive looking tire, but I want to keep the "E" load range but cant find many in the stock size. If I go up to 285 70 17, what are any negatives? I do alot of towing and some fairly heavy towing. Will going up one size be noticable when towing? Will mileage suffer? Anything else I should be concerned with?

dodgezilla04

i've got e range 295 70/17's toyo m/t. i tow with them, and have no issues at all.

MrSlug

Look at the manufact load rating for the tire you have in mind. Just because it is listed with an "E" does not mean it will always handle more weight than brand X with a "D".

I really doubt your CTD will be radically affected in terms of perf and milage going from a 265 70 R17 to a 285 70 17.

MTC

The reason I ask is because the guy at the tire shop told me that if I go up a size, I would essentially go from 3.73's to like 3.55's(gear ratios). He said I would lose "take-off" power when towing and cause the tranny undue stress..

Anything to what this guy is saying?????

RamWheelsBy4

Well he is correct about the effective gear ratio changing. That sounds about right, but don't have my formula here.

As far as losing take off power, yes because of the gear ration change, but I doubt with the Cummins that you will really notice it that much if any.

djbikeman

He's telling an exaggerated version of the truth. Yes it will have an impact on takeoff and stress the tranny, as well as ball joints u joints etc. but we are talking about a minimal impact. These trucks are designed to tow 10000+ pounds. If you did that all day everyday, that would put way more stress on the tranny and certainly reduce takeoff. You won't hardly feel the difference between 265's and 285's.

There are plenty of people running 33's-35's all day everyday, and it's not killing the tranny's. I have run 33's for 50k miles on two trucks without any issues.

tristan21

Yeah most tire guys (no offense) like to make there job seem more influintial than it is. I dont even ask them anymore cause they tell you all kinds of crap thats only mildly true. I once had a guy tell me that he has seen wheels break off the axle from not being the manufactures recomended size. What ever buddy, must've beem like 48" tires on a Tracker or something.

MikeyB

3.73 with 285's should put the ratio right at 3.60.

MikeyB

MTC

Thanks for all the info guys

ramtd02

Correct, but a "E" rated tire will handle the load much better with less sidewall flex, and generate less heat due too the increased load!!!