265/70R17 or 285/70R17 - is there that much difference?

[NevadaBob]

I have some Method 703’s inbound and need to order tires. Truck is a 24 Lariat FX4, gray azure, 2.7L. I have a 1.5” Readylift level, and for whatever reason it is absolutely level or even a hair squatty in the back. I drive 98% highway or surface streets and get off road occasionally. Thanks to some people on here I’m obsessed with how the 6G looks leveled and with 285s, so that’s what my 18 year old self says to buy. My 58 year old self says 285s are heavy and expensive and noisy and will destroy my gas mileage.

Regardless which size I go with I’ll get P-rated and not LT to save some weight. I’ve narrowed it down to the Toyo Open Country A/T III in the 285 size (47lbs) or probably a Bridgestone Dueler AT 3 Ascent in 265 (37lbs). About $250 difference in a set from Tire Rack (Bridgestones are cheaper).

My question is, since there’s only roughly an inch in height and width difference between the two, would I really notice the difference in appearance? I bet I’d notice the acceleration and gas mileage difference, given the 10ths weight difference.

Any thoughts? Not asking for someone to make a decision for me, just want to hear other people’s opinions and experiences.

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[NM Mike]

The 265/70 17’s won’t be much of a change from your stock 255/65-18’s. A discerning eye might notice they are a tad talker snd wider (depending on the actual height and tread width of the original and new tires). Your speedo won’t be off much. Probably 2-3 mph at 65-70. I don’t think you’ll notice any significant loss of power or mileage.
The difference between the stock tires and the 285’s will be more noticeable on all accounts. IMO the 285’s would look great with the right offset. You would need 3.92 gears to regain speedometer and mileage and throttle response.

 

[gtistiffler]

Take a look at 255/75-17

 

[NevadaBob]

Take a look at 255/75-17

I’ll do that. Thanks

I looked. LT only in the Bridgestones.

 

[XORegonian]

285/70 r17 toyo open country with stock 17" wheel size (from a bronco) and 1.5" level. Only thing different from what you want is mine is a 2.3 not a v6.

 

[XORegonian]

Did drop my mpg to 18 from 19, I think it looks great though.

 

[NevadaBob]

285/70 r17 toyo open country with stock 17" wheel size (from a bronco) and 1.5" level. Only thing different from what you want is mine is a 2.3 not a v6.

That looks perfect to me. How’s the road noise? I figure it will be worse than stock tires, but how bad?

 

[XORegonian]

Definitely has some more noise, but not at all bad. I had 265/70 r17 toyos on before these and I can't tell the difference in noise. I think any AT tire will be noticable noise, these aren't annoying to me at all.

 

[ryanO]

I have some Method 703’s inbound and need to order tires. Truck is a 24 Lariat FX4, gray azure, 2.7L. I have a 1.5” Readylift level, and for whatever reason it is absolutely level or even a hair squatty in the back. I drive 98% highway or surface streets and get off road occasionally. Thanks to some people on here I’m obsessed with how the 6G looks leveled and with 285s, so that’s what my 18 year old self says to buy. My 58 year old self says 285s are heavy and expensive and noisy and will destroy my gas mileage.

Regardless which size I go with I’ll get P-rated and not LT to save some weight. I’ve narrowed it down to the Toyo Open Country A/T III in the 285 size (47lbs) or probably a Bridgestone Dueler AT 3 Ascent in 265 (37lbs). About $250 difference in a set from Tire Rack (Bridgestones are cheaper).

My question is, since there’s only roughly an inch in height and width difference between the two, would I really notice the difference in appearance? I bet I’d notice the acceleration and gas mileage difference, given the 10ths weight difference.

Any thoughts? Not asking for someone to make a decision for me, just want to hear other people’s opinions and experiences.

The appearance difference will be noticeable between those two sizes. The sidewall and width are a lot different.
Let's pretend you get 3 MPG less, how many actual dollars is that? MAYBE $20/mth. The MPG drop isn't worth worrying about.
The difference between the two types of tires from a noise perspective will be negligible. Yes, it will be more than stock, but of you're gonna go with the Bridgestones, there's little difference is stepping up to the Toyos. I've had both "types" of tires and it's close on both.

 

[NevadaBob]

The appearance difference will be noticeable between those two sizes. The sidewall and width are a lot different.
Let's pretend you get 3 MPG less, how many actual dollars is that? MAYBE $20/mth. The MPG drop isn't worth worrying about.
The difference between the two types of tires from a noise perspective will be negligible. Yes, it will be more than stock, but of you're gonna go with the Bridgestones, there's little difference is stepping up to the Toyos. I've had both "types" of tires and it's close on both.

That’s a great way to think about it. The fuel cost difference would be pretty minimal.

I appreciate all the help from this forum.

 

[superj]

 

[Sparky62]

265/70/17 on Tremor take off's. Eibach Pro-Truck 2.0 level installed. Originally had the 255/65/18 with BAP wheels, preferred them over the Lariat wheels, but like the Tremor wheels better.

 

[NevadaBob]

So I'm happy to report that I went with the Toyo Open Country AT III tires in 285/70R17 on the Method 703 +35 wheels. With the ReadyLift 1.5" level I already had, the tires fit beautifully with no rubbing, no trimming, no problems. Once the weather straightens out I'll get some pictures.

 

[ryanO]

D

So I'm happy to report that I went with the Toyo Open Country AT III tires in 285/70R17 on the Method 703 +35 wheels. With the ReadyLift 1.5" level I already had, the tires fit beautifully with no rubbing, no trimming, no problems. Once the weather straightens out I'll get some pictures.

Definitely want pics!

 

[Bluestra1n]

D
Definitely want pics!

I second that! @NevadaBob could you also get a pic of the UCA clearance?

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