Need Alternative Tire Size Info

[cmm47172]

I’m looking for suggestions about alternative tire sizes for my 2008 Ram 1500.
According to the sticker inside the door, the original tire size was 245/70R17.
Right now I have 265/70R17 tires that are worn out and need to be replaced.
I’d like to know what the largest size is that I can use without installing a lift kit or experiencing wheel well rub.
I’m also wondering if it is unheard of to ask the tire dealer to mount a larger tire just to see what it would look like.
I will probably go back with a 265 street tire although I would like something a little wider and I’m curious what alternatives are available for the 2008.
Any suggestions or pictures would be appreciated.

 

[Detox]

On a stock 4x4 fitment is limited to width on that year more than height with stock wheels. 34" x 11.5" is the absolute widest possible. Any wider and tire contacts upper a-arm balljoint. On a 2wd 33's are the biggest.

As far as mounting one to test, will depend on the dealer, most will either tell you what i said above, or at least roll a tire out that's the same size for comparison.

 

[cmm47172]

Thanks for the feedback.
My Truck is 2 wheel drive.
What is a 33" tire specifically?

 

[chedched]

285/70r17

 

[HemiSport07]

Second 285 70/r17

 

[cmm47172]

Thanks for the reply.
So is that taller, wider or both when compared to a 265/70R17?

 

[smiley]

Thanks for the reply.
So is that taller, wider or both when compared to a 265/70R17?

Both since the 70 number is a percentage of tread width which is larger in this case.

8.1 inches wide 31.7 diameter for 265
8.7 inches wide 32.8 diameter for 285


$miley

 

[cmm47172]

I think I will stay with the 265/70R17 unless someone has a compelling reason to go with the 285.
I don't plan to do any off road driving. Money is not too much of a concern. I want something that will last many miles, has low road noise and also work well in rain/snow.
I also want solid or outlined raised white letters. Any suggestions as to what brand/ style I should get?

 

[chedched]

Michelin LTX MS or AS. Good tread life.

Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors. Decrnt tread life with great traction.

 

[Detox]

I think I will stay with the 265/70R17 unless someone has a compelling reason to go with the 285.
I don't plan to do any off road driving. Money is not too much of a concern. I want something that will last many miles, has low road noise and also work well in rain/snow.
I also want solid or outlined raised white letters. Any suggestions as to what brand/ style I should get?

With your truck I'd stick with a smaller tire if your driving everyday. A bigger tire will kill your fuel mileage in a v6.

 

[cmm47172]

I went to Sam's club yesterday where they had one guy working the counter and his manager working in the shop.
I asked the guy at the counter what size tires are available for my truck?
He looked up my truck (2008 RAM 1500 ST 4x2 regular cab) in a paperback book and said that he could fit me up with a 245/70r17 or a 255/70r17.
I told him that I wanted a 265/70R17 like I have now.
So he called the manager in from the shop who said they could sell me anything I want however they would only install what was shown in the book.
So, I said what's the difference between a 255 and a 265 and he said there is very little difference, just a matter of a few millimeters.
Then I said, get one of each off the shelf so I can compare the two.
He said, sorry we have no 255s in stock and that it would have to be special ordered.
So I asked, why can't you mount a 265?
He said they have to go buy the book. It's a liability/ safety issue.
I then asked the manager guy to look it up on his computer to see how it compares to the book.
He looked it up and it showed dozens of tire sizes.
He said his system was old and not reliable which is why they refer to paperback book only.
I told him that according to the Sam’s club website, only two tires were available, specifically a 245 and a 265.
He said that I must have been mistaken so I told him to look it up himself so he did, reluctantly.
He saw that I was correct, so like he was doing me some sort of personal favor, he said he would mount the 265s.
I had to go round and round with this guy for nearly an hour.
Anyway, I’m still shopping.
Here’s what they have at Sam’s…
Goodyear Wrangler SR-A (50,000 mile warranty) for $153.42.
They also have a BF Goodrich Long Trail T/A (60,000 mile warranty) for $154.96
As far as looks go, I think I like the Goodyear best although I like the extra 10,000 mile warranty offered by BF Goodrich for only $1.54 more.
What do you guys think about the 255 v.s. the 265?
Is there really much difference?
Am I truly facing a safety issue with the 265s?
What is your preference between the two tire models?

 

[smiley]

No not a safety issue do the 265.

I like BF Goodrich a lot I find they wear much better than Goodyear does. If the price is close I would do the BFG.


$miley

 

[cmm47172]

****UPDATE - 2 Years Later****
I went with the BF Goodrich. After 30,000 miles, no tread left and need a new set.
Any suggestion as to what I should get now?

 

[JJEH]

****UPDATE - 2 Years Later****
I went with the BF Goodrich. After 30,000 miles, no tread left and need a new set.
Any suggestion as to what I should get now?

I have NITTO Terra Grappler and love 'em. They have ~20k under their belt and don't show any sign of fatigue. PLENTY of thread left!

I recommend NITTO and will get another set once these are worn out.

 

[smiley]

****UPDATE - 2 Years Later****
I went with the BF Goodrich. After 30,000 miles, no tread left and need a new set.
Any suggestion as to what I should get now?

Which ones? Did you rotate! I have about 70k on mine and still have decent tread. I am due for a new set at some point here.

 

[smiley]

I went back and read the Long Trail does not get good reviews since they changed the tread years ago. The old pattern wore for like 80k but the new ones nope. They will warranty but will be prorated.

 

[xtremewlr]

Toyo Open Country II would be my choice:

Open Country A/T II | Toyo Tires

That tire has a 65,000 mile treadwear warranty. Have a set on my daughter's Toyota pickup and they are great.

 

[smiley]

Toyo Open Country II would be my choice:

Open Country A/T II | Toyo Tires

That tire has a 65,000 mile treadwear warranty. Have a set on my daughter's Toyota pickup and they are great.

Yes 65000 on P series and 50,000 on LT series. Seems like a very good tire that people really like.

 

[cmm47172]

I rotated them on a regular basis and all four are wearing evenly. Just wearing too fast overall. I guess I will try Goodyear or Michelin.

 

[smiley]

I think it is just that style of BFG people don't have luck with. The All Terrain has wore amazing. Michelin owns BFG btw.