Forum Discussion
Joe417
Jul 08, 2016Explorer
We are running Firestone 285/75R16s on stock steel GM wheels. Firestone recommends 7.5 to 9 inches so I'm sure they will wear more in the center, but hasn't been a problem yet. I decide a shorter tire life due to center wear is acceptable.
I keep them at max inflation and feel no squirm as some have stated. The side walls are really stiff. Pressure increase from cold to max running temp has been a max of 4 lbs. even at 100* ambient temps.
The larger diameter caused the speedometer to register about 4 mph under actual so I run my speed 5 under and haven't had a problem. I've been told the local dealer can calibrate the speedometer, I haven't bothered.
The larger diameter allows the tire to barely hit the inner fenders when turning. Some say they just cut the plastic out. I just let it rub as it only makes a bit of noise when turning sharp, really doesn't bother us. Hasn't caused much damage to the plastic after running them about 2 years and maybe 11,000 miles.
I wasn't able to find a wider set of wheels locally without spending big $$ when I decided to run the bigger tires. I have intended to get a wider set but the tires run great and I haven't carried it any further.
For now they work great so I'm running them as is unless a set of wider wheels jump out in front of me at a reasonable price. I got tired of looking and searching.
One issue, with the larger diameter, the factory jack will not lift the axle high enough. You need a low profile bottle jack with a double ram to get under the axle with the tire flat and then lift it high enough to remove the tire. I didn't find the right bottle jack yet, so I need a piece of 2x6 to get it high enough. I decided I'll call Good Sam if it needs to be changed.
Also, no issue putting the spare tire where it goes.
I keep them at max inflation and feel no squirm as some have stated. The side walls are really stiff. Pressure increase from cold to max running temp has been a max of 4 lbs. even at 100* ambient temps.
The larger diameter caused the speedometer to register about 4 mph under actual so I run my speed 5 under and haven't had a problem. I've been told the local dealer can calibrate the speedometer, I haven't bothered.
The larger diameter allows the tire to barely hit the inner fenders when turning. Some say they just cut the plastic out. I just let it rub as it only makes a bit of noise when turning sharp, really doesn't bother us. Hasn't caused much damage to the plastic after running them about 2 years and maybe 11,000 miles.
I wasn't able to find a wider set of wheels locally without spending big $$ when I decided to run the bigger tires. I have intended to get a wider set but the tires run great and I haven't carried it any further.
For now they work great so I'm running them as is unless a set of wider wheels jump out in front of me at a reasonable price. I got tired of looking and searching.
One issue, with the larger diameter, the factory jack will not lift the axle high enough. You need a low profile bottle jack with a double ram to get under the axle with the tire flat and then lift it high enough to remove the tire. I didn't find the right bottle jack yet, so I need a piece of 2x6 to get it high enough. I decided I'll call Good Sam if it needs to be changed.
Also, no issue putting the spare tire where it goes.
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