Forum Discussion

brian91's avatar
brian91
Explorer
Jul 13, 2016

lt265/70/17 upgrade to lt275/65/18 worthwhile

Title pretty much says it all. Wondering if anyone has gone from lt265/70/17 to lt275/65/18 and seen any benefits? I am well under the limits of the 17s but since I need new tires want to look at all options. Right now my rear axle weight is at about 5400lbs loaded. The 18s are slightly taller and slightly wider but gives me a bigger safety margin in carrying capacity. 17s are 3195 per tire, 18s are 3415 per tire.

Thanks for any input,
Brian
Tow Vehicles

25 Replies

Show More
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2016
    Larger wheels/tires will always take a MPG hit. You have additional rotating mass due to the heavier wheel/tire combo, larger contact patch(more friction) and a more aggressive tread (more rolling friction). Add it all up and there is no overcoming physics...

    The upside is with a larger contact patch you can run a much lower PSI when unloaded making for a more forgiving ride IMO.

    And yes they will LOOK better!
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2016
    I did basically the same. But went from 245/70/17 to 275/65/18. Worth it? Maybe maybe not. I put KO2s on and lost around 1-1.5 mpg across the board. I also feel like I lost a bit of power. Hard to tell but seat of the pants say maybe.
    I went from Michelin ATs to a much more aggressive tread pattern so I'm thinking that's the issue. They're dynamite in the snow though. But for a DD and towing not so good. They look great.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2016
    If you go to 275/70R18 it'll take you up to 3640 per tire.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Jul 13, 2016
    17" rims and tires are a dying breed. Their ratings have been going down. Chris
  • SoCalDesertRid1's avatar
    SoCalDesertRid1
    Explorer II
    Jul 13, 2016
    If you need the rear axle load capacity increase, by all means, do it. If not, well then there really is no reason to do it, unless you just like the look of 18's over 17's.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,044 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 29, 2025