LT235/80R17 or LT255/80R17 on a 2009 SSV?

[tbird86]

I recently picked up a 2009 SSV. It came to me with brand new stock-sized P265/70R17 Cooper AT's, which look like they would be great for a dedicated road rig, but this was purchased to be a camping/hunting rig, so it will be seeing ~25% forest service & BLM roads with plenty of roots, rocks, and snow. I'm not convinced that the P-Metric tires will live a long and prosperous life under these conditions, but I could run with them and replace with the same size but LT-rated if they fail.

The 235/80R17's on my old F150 got me everywhere I tried to go without issue, and they're essentially the same OD (+.2") as the stockers. My stock 17x7.5" steel wheels are at the wide end of the acceptable range for these, so there should be no issues there.

Another option would be stepping up just a bit (+1.5") to 255/80R17. It looks like I have at least 3/4" clearance throughout the wheel travel, so there should be no need for lift or trimming. 7.5" wheel width is right in the middle of the acceptable range. I'd probably need to get to the dealer or add a programmer to let the transmission know about the bigger rubber.

My favorite option would be 35's, but it looks like they'll require 8.5-9" wheels, and there's not going to be budget for lift/trim/wheels for several months, and by then the current tires will be worn enough that they won't be as easy to sell/trade.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[tallsville]

check into https://www.treadwright.com/ i got my 285/70/17 AT from them for $600 shipped. I use this to go offroading. I mainly do fire roads and trails. BUt have been in mud pits with no problems. I was able to run the 285's with no lift, but with a little rubbing. This might help out budget a little bit.

 

[tbird86]

One reason I'm considering the 255's is that they're slightly taller than 285's, but ~1" narrower.

Are the 285's rubbing because they're too tall, or too wide?

Any gearing/shifting issues with the 285's? If not, have you done anything to prevent them?

Thanks for the reference to Tread Wright - I've been following them for a while, but have not had a chance to pick up a set. At the moment, I'm trying to figure out what fits, then will come the decision what to run.

 

[tallsville]

i had had issue when i turned the wheel to far. The "knobs" of the tire would hit the inner fender plastic. Noticed it more when going in reverse. I've had no issues with gearing or shifting with these tires. If you look at my pictures in my album. You can see what they look like with and without the lift. I know im 2nd gen vs your 3rd gen but you can get some idea. I posted pics on here before of the tire rub. Just cant remember where.