truck tire size

[Mr. Wizard]

I have a 2005 F150... tire size 255/70R17 that needs a new set of tires. The choices in that size are very limited. Can I switch to a 265/75R17?

[Jack Peterson]

I don't see anything wrong with that, but you can bet a buck someone on here has a very different opinion.

It'll just be a height difference.

[Powerstroke]

Your truck can very easily handle a 265/70 or a 265/75 with no problems.

[zamboni]

It will throw your speedometer off a bit. If you have a GPS, check your MPH on GPS vs your speedo to get an idea of how fast it is going

[Powerstroke]

That minute of a change will not change your speedo. When I changed from a 31" tire to a 35" tire it was off by 10% which meant about 3mph at 30 and 6mph at 60.

By changing to a 265/75 you would be off by 5% so you're would be off 1.5mph at 30 and 3mph at 60. 3.5mph at 70.

[zamboni]

I did say a "bit off". But if you're speedo says 60 in a 55 and you're actually going 63, you will get a ticket.

[caseymcq]

You could probably even squeeze 285's under it if you wanted to go even bigger.

[hanson]

You could probably even squeeze 285's under it if you wanted to go even bigger.

I've got 285's on my GMC Sierra. Plenty of room.

[SkunkedAgain]

Just remember that (all other variables aside), the more surface area/wider tire means less traction in the snow. You're distributing the vehicle's weight across a wider area so it rides the tiniest bit higher. That said, a switch from 255 to 265 won't create that big of a difference, but it's worth considering. You can always put on bigger tires but you should think about why the factory specified a certain tire spec.

[caseymcq]

I've got 285's on my GMC Sierra. Plenty of room.

[SkunkedAgain]

Yup, that's why I said all other variables aside. The original poster was only talking about going to a wider, higher profile tire.

[caseymcq]

And I was agreeing with you so it didn't appear I was trying to argue against the point you had made. Apparently I wasn't as clear in doing so as I intended to be. I apologize.

I have a 2005 F150... tire size 255/70R17 that needs a new set of tires. The choices in that size are very limited. Can I switch to a 265/75R17?

I guess I read the original poster as talking about going to a different size for more options (a.k.a. wasn't only talking about going to a wider, higher profile tire.). I was throwing that out there as a consideration for more options.

[SkunkedAgain]

We cool. We cool.

[hanson]

You can always put on bigger tires but you should think about why the factory specified a certain tire spec.

Hmmmm.... doesn't look cool, gets better gas mileage, is easier on the drivetrain, doesn't look cool.

I've had oversize tires on all my trucks over the last 15 years, I'd be lying if I said it didn't have an affect on the vehicle. Gas mileage drops, towing is a bit more work, I've put new transmissions in both vehicles.

But without going to a full off-road tire like a Mud-Terrain or a Swamper, BFG All-Terrains have given me pretty incredible mud & snow driving as well as great snow and ice handling on our winter roads. Plus I'm getting nearly 100k out of a set of tires, I'll be approaching that here soon with my 3rd set.

[Powerstroke]

I gotta agree with hanson. We're not talking about a 35x14.5" tire or anything.

This tire will be slightly taller and slightly wider. The OP was only asking about a specific size mostly because of selection I'm sure.

Any cop that gives you a ticket at 63 will give you a ticket at 60. Hardly a concern, especially if you know you're speedo is affected you can drive it slightly slower.

I say find a tire you like and get it in a size that fits. If you're not comfortable with that than buy the OEM size. Its small, light and inconvenient.