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265/75/16 vs 285/75/16

8.2K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  ArcticDriver  
#1 ·
Factory height. No lift.

I have always had the 265/75/16 Michelins XLT but considering stepping up one size to 285/75/16 in same Michelin.

How much will my fuel economy drop?

Is it possible they will rub?

Thanks for responding with opinion/experience.
 
#2 · (Edited)
A buddy up here has run 285/75R16's on a truck without a lift, and I don't recall him having issues with rubbing.


As far as mileage, I don't know how they'd affect it. I would guess not much, maybe a percent or two. As they say, "Your mileage may vary" :winking:
Your speedo will change by about 5% because of the slightly larger diameter of the 285's, so that will drop your rpms for the same actual speed by that percentage as well and offset a little bit of mileage decrease.
 
#3 ·
They won't affect actual mileage enough to notice or calculate. But they may affect PERCEIVED mileage if you fail to re-calibrate the speedo (odo).

As to rubbing...
They're nominally 20mm wider, so if your current tires have at least 20mm (~13/16") between their sidewalls at the NARROWEST point (at the ground), AND you run about the same pressure, they probably won't rub. For a slightly-more-accurate guesstimate, look up the actual width on the mfr's website, or TireRack.
 
#4 ·
I guess the two potential spots for rubbing would be the leaf springs and the inner fender if turning on a bumpy surface where the front compresses?

Good to know about the fuel economy. I was worried the additional mass and rolling surface might be an issue.

Can I change tire size on AE?
 
#5 ·
AE will calibrate the ABS module for tire size. You have to connect to the ABS module specifically. Tire rack has rev per mile info, which is what you need to input for the change.
 
#6 ·
I used to run 295s with no issues so I think 285s should be no problem. The height actually corrected the speedo to be more accurate.
 
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#8 ·
You’re right about the speedo being more accurate with the larger 285/75/16.

Speedometer: 60-mph

GPS: 61-mph
 
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#7 ·
Thanks for all your input above and the PM from KLH and GameWarden.

I went with the Michelin Defender LTX in the larger 285/75/16 since Discount Tire has a sale going right now for $100 discount.

A feller has a used set of X-code front leafs I am thinking of installing as a way to level that front end.
Old threads suggest this will add about 1.5" lift.

Have a good weekend.