Mark03Ram

I went from the 285/75/17 to the 285/70/17 best thing I ever did. I did go from toyo a/t to mich ltx m/s2 to be fair but it was about 10lbs a tire less, ride improves 100% stops so much easier, and takes way less pedal to get going. Truck feels much lighter then it did before, I would have gone 265/70, but they really do look small on a 4x4 truck.

sCreamin400

The bigger tires do cause other issues. I think the truck rode and handled better with the smaller tires. The bigger tires sure do work against the brakes. I love the looks of my big tires but everything else points to the smaller tires. Can I give up the looks is the main question.

truckjunkie

This is exactly what I'm going to do - I have the 285/75's and will be going to 285/70's for the same reasons. I only pull (on a regular basis) a 5x10 enclosed trailer, but I can tell the taller tires aren't doing me any favors - and I have a 6 spd. I definitely don't want to go back to the stock size, but I think I'll give the 285/70's a try next.

I WILL probably go with the Toyo Dura Grapplers again - I do like the tires, just will go a size smaller.

Grit Dog

Wow, I wouldn't imagine the truck would feel it that much, maybe a little on takeoff in 2nd gear.
I got another set of 285/70's b/c it was a deal I couldn't pass up ($600 for a set of BFG AT E load), but was really planning on 285/75's to get the hiway rpms down a little more since I don't tow heavy.

sCreamin400

Well I guess I have to make my decision this afternoon. My tire dealer is getting in a set of Kelly tsr 315/70/17 for me to take a look at. These are 8 ply. He has in stock a set of Firestone destination at that are 285/70/17 10 ply for me to look at. I am mixed on which I would get but thinking I am going with the bigger tires but just not sure until I see size difference and price diference. The firestone is rated very will but not available in a 315 for quite a while.

sCreamin400

It's done. Finally. I went with the Kelly tsr 285/70/17. Decided to go for function instead of looks. They look smaller than my worn out 35's but not much. So far my ride quality has come back. The truck rolls easier. If I had wider rims I may have gone for the 315s again but with a stock rim they are just too wide imo. I had to run lower air pressure in them to get them to run even. So far these are quiet as they should be. They are more aggressive than I was going to go but not too bad. Guess I had to grow up at 51 and decide what I wanted out of the truck. Looks wise the 315's are nicer. That is the only nice thing I can say about them.

truckjunkie

It does make a bit of a difference, believe it or not. I can definitely tell when merging into traffic on the highway - the EGTs go much higher than with the stockers, and that's going to about 2500rpm in every gear up to 6th.

BTW - I did not see a mileage improvement or reduction going with the taller tires. It's the same mileage as the stockers, and I had the pinion factor set for the taller tires so my speedo and odometer are accurate. I have an 04.5 so the pinion factor CAN be set to accommodate the 285/75's - I don't think any of the trucks newer than mine can - I think they're maxed out at the 285/70's, which is the stock size of tires on the Power Wagons.

It's a 'seat of the pants' feeling that the truck just isn't as quick with the taller tires - I know there isn't THAT much of a difference, but there's enough of a difference that I can tell.

Maybe I'll need to look into a Smarty Jr. now that my warranty is out...

Danderson

You went from an e-rated to a d-rated tire. That would explain the softer ride. The Michelin has a 700#+ load capacity reduction also. The Toyos do ride rough,but are plenty strong for my camper application. The other benefit is extreme flat protection. My buddy has run them aired down to 30# in Baja for hundreds of miles without a single flat nor sidewall damage.

Dieseljunkie

I had this same debate, because I wanted an E rated tire, but I loved my 35's. I then found out that Firestone is making a 315 in load range E, the Destination AT. Awesome. I bought them. They were not cheap, but IMHO, worth every penny, and the truck looks SOOO much better with them on it.

sCreamin400

Took my truck for a spin today and everything but the looks is better with then smaller tires imo. I sure did like the looks of the 35's but now my truck handles like a 2006 not a 1986. I really doubt I will ever put 35's on again unless I become single and need it for the looks. lol

joshshamblin66

i got a 2"levling kit 35"big horns welding rig haul over 2000lbs on the back of this hog every day with no problems

JasonblkZ06

I actually went with 315s instead of 285s to SAVE money. Don't forget H2 takeoffs guys - they are much cheaper than new anything.

oldsmobiledave

Why did you limit your tire choices to 285 70 17s & 315 70 17s when there are 295 70 17 & 305 65 17s that would have been a nice compromise?

gsbrockman

Perhaps he had an insight to the crazy increase in fuel prices we've been experiencing as of late.

Highway 4x4

I now have the stock 265's but need new soon. I have done some research on the torque and HP and from what I have read on the Cummins suite they say that 2000-2200 is best for power and MPG. So unless you have the 4.10 gears or like to tow at 70+mph or if you have the auto with 3.73's and tow out of OD, well, 265's are about it. My Cal 235 SO 235 hp will not do well with 285's towing at 60-65 at about 1600 rpm's. But I do like the look of the bigger meats, just don't want to loose performance.