Have had my BFG 315s for over 2 years and have loved everybit of them, but its getting close to start saving for some new tires and with the price of diesel going up Im thinking about going down to some 285s and taking off the leveling kit and maybe taking a block out of the rear(I like the level look). My question is will it be worth it. I like the look of the 315s but dont really use them to there fullest, dont go off road that much anymore. Right now Im getting around 14 to 15 MPGs around town and I can get 17-18 MPGs on the highway squeaked out 20 one trip but that was going 65 the whole way. What is everyone else getting with there 285s, I know it wont be a huge difrence but right now Ill take anything.
JW

 

I had a nice difference (aka increase) in power and mileage when I dropped down to the 285s for a month...............

I just liked the 315s too much!

 

I ran 315s on my old 03 for quite a while. I eventually switched over to some PowerWagon rims w/ 285s and my mileage did not change one bit.

 

My mileage is up big time going back down from my 315s... Makes a HUGE difference

 

I'm thinking about making the same move, as I really need a load range E tire for the slide in camper that I am putting on the truck.
Scott

 

Alot of it will depend on what tire you go back with if you look at the actual tire specs that bfg 315/70/17 doesnt measure out to true 35" where as some 285/75/17's are 34.4 inches so it is very close if not larger than the bfgs just narrower. It all depends on tire mfg. I just know bfgs tend to run alot smaller than others since they are only offer those sizes in a 70 series. I did the research and was dissappoint that they werent closer.

 

Thats the problem Im having it just looks to tuff with the 315s to take them off, that and I like it when the girls say "WOW thats a big truck." I dont think it will look to bad if I take the leveling kit off and block out of the rear the 285s should fill the finders pretty nice. Any of you guys have pics with the 285's? Thanks for the help.
JW

 

Oh and I'm running a 265-70-17.... Big differnce in Mileage and towing power

 

I change to 305-75-17 procomp extreme at, 40k tread warranty, good road tire and off road outer lugs, drop 1mpg from 265/75/17 stock, but have 410 gears, just put on Edge juice and should be look at 2 to 4 mpg back E rated tires. Pull trailers, haul wood etc. and no change in MPG< stock got 17 new at 70mph, 80 get 14, hoping for 15 to 20 well see!!!

 

The rolling resistance will be reduced as will weight so you will do better from that stanpoint but it will depend on tread as well. Make sure it's aligned and they are inflated properly as well. As for the 285's, I have the Toyo 285x75x17 and that might be something to look at. I really like mine, they aren't as large as the 315 but taller then the 285x70 series. Plus they are an E rated tire and I believe the capacity is 3990 lbs or around there. For a truck without a big lift I think they are about perfect, at least for my driving. My previous tires were BFG's and the Toyo's are so much better it's amazing. I had at least one square BFG and have had problems with them balancing. The Toyo's have very little weight on them and seem to perform on and off road much better.

 

You don't say what 285s your considering.

I had 315s for about 50,000 miles and lost about 1.5 MPG over the stock 265s. The traction off road was great. Then I went to BFG 285/70s and got back about half of the mileage I lost. Then I finally got a clue and went to Toyo 285/75 and got the best mileag of all. Plus load E, a very good highway ride, and great steering.

John

 

"I like it when the girls say "WOW thats a big truck." "


Since that's what your going for, just ask the girls! Or, you could build it the way you like it.

 

I've heard from a few people who went from 265 tires to 315 and a small lift and lost between 2-5 mpg. So that is what you may gain if you go to smaller tires that have good rolling resistance and lower it to stock. My self I would rather have better mpg then looks and I would think that the smaller tires should be cheaper.

 

Have any pics of your truck?

Anyone have pics with 285/75R17 with a leveling kit or 3" lift?

I have the 285/70R17 BFG ATs and think they are a little small. I have the KORE Recon front lift and I think it sits a tad high. Ordered some 1.5" blocks to get the rear end up in the air a little more.

I was planning on doing 315s but the 285/75R17 did catch my attention. I plan on doing the H2 wheels as well.

 

Love my 285's and H2 wheels. Rides better too. Spacers and blocks coming up. Hopefully this weekend yet. I can get pics then.