Tire size: 235 85/16E vs. 265 75/16C or D?

[Stereo]

... pay attention to how vulnerable your sidewalls are going to be. Being at the max recommended rim width for a given tread width isn't a great place to be.

What am I looking for to check for "vulnerability"? Can you please explain the risks to this newbie? Thank you.

 

[Mattm94]

The wider your wheel is in relation to the tread width of the tire, the more exposed your sidewall and wheel are exposed to hazards on a trail, such as a sharp rock. Here's kind of an extreme example of what you DON'T want.

Rice-Tard Example...

 

[RMP&O]

285/75R16 BFG AT's is all I would run on my truck, that or KM2s. I don't need an agressive tire though. The A/Ts have proven themself to me and done it very well, I won't use another tire now on my overland truck. I like the 285/75R16s because it is the biggest tire I can fit with 2.5" of lift. Oh and I think they are D rated.

I hate 15" rims and won't ever use them on any of my trucks. To ugly, looks like roller skate tires.

 

[targa88]

265/75r16 is also a common tyre size an easy to find

 

[Stereo]

Yep. That's what's on my truck now.