another 255/85/16 question

[wyattsf150]

So im trying to decide on a tire still. and not convinced that the 285 is the way to go. i just recently aquired a set of 20s for my 02 f150 crew cab 4x4 and was going to put some 33-1250-20s on it but im getting the idea that they wouldnt be good for my use. my plans are to take a few week trip in the summer of 2011 from washington state to alaska. so far i have a brush guard kc lights and a topper, small air compressor, and backup compressor, the truck has rear bags and a leveling kit and im currently running 285/75/16s but they are getting worn down. ive seen lots of people on this forum that really like the 255/85/16s and i was wondering if they would be the ticket to my application. like i said im lost on tire size, and im sorry to bring bac up my dilema. thanks again

 

[Rot Box]

I wouldn't put 20's on any light duty pickup! :snorkel: I run the 255-85-16 BFG KM2's and I cannot say enough good about them. They are a 10 ply E-rated tire and they are wearing exceptionally well and have proven to be very durable for what I put them through. While you might not need a mud terrain I would highly recommend the E-rating in whatever tire you choose. My only concern would be your trucks gearing as fuel economy and get-up-and-go may suffer due to the larger than stock size...

Edit: Oh and tire avalibility in this size is not that great so make sure you have a spare--or two--as you'll likely never find one in a roadside tire store rack

 

[wyattsf150]

my truck has the 4.6 v8 with cold air intake. edge evolution programer and true dual flowmaster exhaust. also the gearing is 3.55 with lsd. so i shouldnt have to much problem pushing the 255s??...

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

You should have no problem with the 255s (33.1x10) especially considering your running 285/75s (32.8x 11.5) now and they will definitely be easier to push than the 33x12.50x20s. Since your losing an inch in width and the weight is about the same for most tires in these sizes your truck will feel about the same with either tire. I also would avoid running the 20's due to the very little amount of sidewall you will have.

 

[Rovertrader]

just an fyi, it is available in 17" as well, 255/80-17 I believe. And we just traded our 150 for an Expedition, and part of the deal was to swap tires/wheels to avoid having the 20s.

 

[redthies]

My older brother has finally started to listen to the wisdom of (relative) youth... When he was buying his new Ram 1500 ( he didn't get the 2500 though, so still not that great a listener), he did do as I suggested and made the dealer put 17s of his choice on the truck and gave the 20s to someone else who would never leave the pavement. Just for cost of tires this is worth it. Here in BC ( "Bring Cash" ), 20" rubber usually costs around $100 per tire more than the same size and tread in a 17". That $480 after taxes buys alot of other fun!