235/85-16 vs 245 or 265/75-16 Tires

[mjammer]

I am about to the point to re-tire, tossing the factory 245's, and looking at either the LTX M/S or Revo's. I am trying top decide between the 265/75-16 or the 235/85-16 size or just sticking with the 245's. Trying to decide what would be best balance of looks, MPG, traction, etc. (and with the old warranty risk out there as I have ~16 months warranty left). I don't pull real heavy loads (5K or less, usually under 3K) and the only real off road driving I do is camping trips or boat ramps. I do get some snow in my area and some good rain so weather traction is a concern.

So any thoughts or opinions here?

[Jake99Z71]

I've got two trucks in my sig. running the 235 size. Both have great traction running from 400-550hp daily in snow or rain. I've got Hercules Terra Trac. One of my friends, friends runs this tire in the 265 size and likes them too.

[NEW2DMAX]

I ran the stock 245 and boy I was sure proud of my Trucks performance 2500HD 4x4 18mpg. Then at approx: 50,000miles put a set of Bridgestone Duelers A/T 265's great looking tire, BUT I have notice a loss in performance and lower MPG(16). The truck seems to be fine with no load, with light load 3,000lb (stock trailer empty) feels like I'm dragging a parachute in a head wind.

[GMC]

My opinion is to go with the 265's. Why would you want the 235/85? You don't have a dually, right?

I think the 285's look the best, but if you don't want to go that route, do the 265s.

I got 20 MPG/HWY with my '02 with 285's and no driveabity issues....

Have you considered the Goodyear Forteras?

[mjammer]

Looking at the 235/85 as it gets a little more ride height and associated looks. It also give a better chance at improving MPG as it is less rolling resistance as well as larger diameter over stock. 265 gives a similar gain in height and look but is a higher rolling resistance due to wider tire width. As far as the Goodyear Fortera, I don't think they make it in the E series.

[mjammer]

OK, it's time to get the tires this month but still torn on the two size choices. I am leaning towards the Revo's for the tire brand choice due to past experience with the LTX M/S having some traction issues but that was a 2WD truck then. Talked to my dealer and they had no problem with either size. Looking for any last minute advice or recommendations on the size choice or the choice between these two tire options.

[pjt97k2500]

I have a 97 4x4, 6.5 liter turbo, 3:73 gears and have been running LTX M/S 235/85x16 since I bought the truck new. I am running down the highway at 1750 - 1800 rpm, 110 km per hour and easily doing 20 mpg. I fail to understand why all you guys think you need wide tires on these trucks. The only time I needed wider tires was when I was on the Oregon coast and I wanted to drive on the beach. Just look at highway rigs guys. Look at the hieght/width aspect ratio of the heavy haulers. I rotate my tires every 10000 km and got 100000 km out of my first set, the second set is doing just as well. I would do the same thing with the next truck I buy. It is simple physics guys, reduce the number of revolutions and decrease the rolling resistance.

[DA BIG ONE]

http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html#examples

[pjt97k2500]

Thank you, Very good article on tire selection. Now, the tire "salesman" need to be educated.

[n3pro]

One part of the article says narrow and taller is better except for soft mud snow, then other part say narrow is good for snow. Which is it or am I missing something.

I currently use the standard 245/75/16 - would a 235/75/16 be better or would there be no difference until I would increase to a 235/85/16?

For snow narrow and taller with less air? or is the air not important? Reading the article makes tire selection a science! Looks like a difficult mix of surface, weight, and air pressure for the best traction/stability.

Whew, thanks for the article - I think I need to read it a few times. Quite a debated topic. I'm in the pothole state of Pennsylvania so I think rocky terrain is important, but it is not uncommon to get a foot or so of snow, and do get to the mountains. AHHHHH! Difficulties

Thanks guys.

[IUPAC]

I just replaced my stock 245/75/16 with 265/75/16 Revo's (7000 mi ago). They will throw some serious mud (don't ask), however my mileage decreased by almost 2 mpg. With the 6.0 L, I don't get very good mileage anyway, but they do look good. I was looking for a heavy load range, semi-aggressive tread that would fill up the wheel well better. On my '87 I run 255/85/16 BFG MT's, I like the tall narrow tire on that truck and have had no problems off road.

[mjammer]

I ended up going with the 265's. It does look like a mileage drop but need to run a few tanks through it to see how much. They look great on it though.

[dieselrealtor]

Have you reprogrammed your speedo for the larger tires?
If not, they are going to do less revolutions to go the same distance & thus show lower miles than actually travelled.

Would it make enough to be a 5-10% difference?



I am about to put tires on mine (#2) & would like to go a little larger but do NOT want to sacrafice fuel economy.

I am considering the silent armor, I really hate road noise, need a long wearing tire, need good bite in snow & mud. This seems to be at the top of the list.

Any other suggestions?

[DarylB]

If you dont mind going to a 17" wheel like the H2 (17" x 8.5") a 265/70/17 is the equivalent height of the 245/75/16 stock tire on the factory (16" x 6.5") wheel. Here's a few pictures of my d-max & H2 wheels. I'm running the Michelin LTX/AS tires in the above 17" size.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/dwbussell/dmaxwinch.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/dwbussell/dmax2.jpg