275's or 295's

Discussion in 'Wheels & Tires' started by MHC-F150, Jul 24, 2015.

  1. MHC-F150

    MHC-F150 Full Access Member

    Posts:
    824
    Likes Received:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Okay, I have read ak_cowboy's thread on tire size, but have additional questions.

    Truck is a 2006 F150 XLT 4x4 with stock suspension currently running 275/70-18 BFG T/A KO on stock 18's. The BFG's have been on since 2010, have about 26K on them, and will need replaced prior to winter hitting.

    Tires I'm looking at come in 275/70-18 and 295/65-18. Both are 33" tires, but the 295 is just under an inch wider. Looking at AT tires, not MT, as need good street traction for the winter.

    Based on everyone's experience, will the 295's rub (control arm, valance, etc)? Wanting to keep at the 33" height, but get a little wider tire if possible without having to replace the rims, level the truck or trim.
     
  2. ak_cowboy

    ak_cowboy Penguin Hunter

    Age:
    37
    Posts:
    14,843
    Likes Received:
    359
    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2010
    Location:
    Alaska
    If you run an all terrain tire the 295s won't rub anywhere. I put some 33×12.5 tires on my dad's stock 2006 and it only rubbed on the valance a little bit. Never bothered to trim.

    I'd look at 285-70-18 for a good middle ground. The 295s will get the side of the truck a lot dirtier.
     
  3. TxFx04

    TxFx04 FFS Frequent Traveler

    Age:
    30
    Posts:
    21,338
    Likes Received:
    25
    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2011
    Location:
    Conroe, Tx
    You shouldn't have any issues rubbing with a 33" on stock wheels, especially on a 4x4.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  4. MHC-F150

    MHC-F150 Full Access Member

    Posts:
    824
    Likes Received:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Thanks fellas, greatly appreciate the feedback.

    I didn't think the 295's would rub, but thought I'd better check. The local shop didn't think they'd rub either, and is willing to install the 295's and test for rubbing prior to purchase.

    As for the 285/70-18's, those would be nice, but can only find MT tires through internet searches in that size, not really any AT's. See some AT 285/65-18's, but that would drop me just under the 33" tire that I'm attempting to keep.

    Love the aggressive look of MT's, but need a more reasonable all season tire that will handle snow/ice decently well without studs.

    EDIT: ak_cowboy: Yeah, these are only about 11.6" wide compared to the 12.5" tires installed on your dad's truck. So hopefully that reduction of an inch will keep from rubbing the valance. Oh, and not worried about the 295's throwing up on the side of the truck, kind of expect it with wider tires.
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2015
  5. MHC-F150

    MHC-F150 Full Access Member

    Posts:
    824
    Likes Received:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Follow-up question. The 295/65-18's I'm looking at are approved for 8.0-10.0 inch wide rims.

    Being the stock 18's are 7.5" wide, will there be any rim seating issues or abnormal wear on these 295's being they are on a smaller than approved rim? Wouldn't think a 1/2 inch would make much of an impact, but just double checking. Don't want to drop all that coin on a tire that's going to run down oddly and too quick.

    Thanks!
     
  6. TxFx04

    TxFx04 FFS Frequent Traveler

    Age:
    30
    Posts:
    21,338
    Likes Received:
    25
    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2011
    Location:
    Conroe, Tx
    Should fit just fine, There's people that run 35's on stocks. I'm sure they might wear A little more in the center of the tire but as long as you do your rotations it shouldn't be noticeable.
     
  7. MHC-F150

    MHC-F150 Full Access Member

    Posts:
    824
    Likes Received:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Ku, thanks brother!

    The tires get rotated every 3-5K miles with oil change, so rotations aren't an issue. The 275/70 BFG's I have currently, even though I keep at 40psi, are much more worn on the edges than the center of the tire. Used to run them at or close to 50psi, but that didn't help much and the wife hated the ride. She still hates the ride at 40psi, but compares to her old Altima and her current Rouge.
     
  8. FofTworide

    FofTworide Full Access Member

    Posts:
    71
    Likes Received:
    6
    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2014
    Location:
    GA
    You're almost on the same boat with an older guy here but dealing with more on wet winter roads and mud rather than snow. He ended up LT285/65R18 Nitto Terra Grappler, check performance ratings here for your preference: Nitto Terra Grappler
    He have them for about 8 months and very pleased, especially quietness on highway. He chosen 285/65 as he mind gap for easier cleaning.
     

Share This Page