Tire Size 285/55r20 vs 33×12.50r20
Changing tire sizes can significantly impact your vehicle’s performance and appearance. The switch from 285/55r20 to 33×12.50r20 tires is a popular upgrade, especially for off-road enthusiasts. Here are the top 5 key points of switching from 285/55r20 to 33×12.50r20 tires:
- Tire width increases by 1.3 inches for improved traction
- Diameter grows by 0.68 inches boosting ground clearance slightly
- Speedometer accuracy decreases by about 2.1%
- Fuel efficiency may drop due to increased size and weight
- Off-road performance improves with larger contact patch
285/55r20 vs 33×12.50r20 Table
The most notable difference when switching from 285/55r20 to 33×12.50r20 tires is the increase in width. The new tires are 1.3 inches (33 mm) wider, representing an 11.6% increase.
Fitment Guide
For optimal performance and safety, tire replacement should adhere to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, ideally not deviating more than 3% from the original tire’s diameter.
The 285/55r20 and 33×12.50r20 have a diameter difference of about 2.1%, which is within the acceptable range, ensuring minimal issues with speedometer accuracy and vehicle handling.
On-Road Impact
Switching to larger, wider tires can affect your vehicle’s on-road performance in several ways. Here’s what you can expect when driving on paved surfaces with your new 33×12.50r20 tires:
- Gas Mileage: The increased width and slightly larger diameter of the 33×12.50r20 tires may lead to a small decrease in fuel efficiency. The extra weight and rolling resistance can make your engine work harder, especially during acceleration.
- Ride Comfort: You might notice a slight change in ride quality. The wider tires can absorb road imperfections better, but they may also transmit more road noise into the cabin.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The 2.1% increase in diameter will affect your speedometer readings. At a displayed speed of 20 mph, your actual speed will be about 20.42 mph. This difference becomes more noticeable at higher speeds, so keep this in mind to avoid unintentional speeding.
- Handling: The wider tires can provide better grip on dry roads, potentially improving cornering performance. However, they may also increase the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions due to the larger contact patch.
Off-Road Impact
For off-road enthusiasts, the switch to 33×12.50r20 tires can bring several benefits. Here’s how the new tires might enhance your off-road experience:
- Ground Clearance: The slight increase in diameter (0.68 inches or 17.22 mm) will provide a small boost in ground clearance. This can help you navigate over obstacles more easily and reduce the risk of underbody damage.
- Traction: The wider tires offer a larger contact patch, which can significantly improve traction on loose surfaces like sand, mud, or gravel. This extra grip can be a game-changer in challenging off-road conditions.
- Flotation: The increased width helps distribute the vehicle’s weight over a larger area, reducing the risk of sinking in soft terrain like sand or snow.
- Aesthetics: The larger, more aggressive tires can give your vehicle a more rugged, off-road-ready appearance. This look is particularly popular among truck and SUV owners.
- Durability: Off-road tires typically have stronger sidewalls and more robust construction, which can better withstand the rigors of off-road use.
What is the Difference Between 285/55r20 and 33×12.50r20?
The main difference between 285/55r20 and 33×12.50r20 tires is the width. The 33×12.50r20 tire is significantly wider, measuring 12.52 inches (318 mm) compared to the 285/55r20’s width of 11.22 inches (285 mm).
This 1.3-inch (33 mm) increase represents an 11.6% wider footprint, which can noticeably affect traction, handling, and the overall appearance of the vehicle.
Can I Use 33×12.50r20 Instead of 285/55r20?
Yes, you can use 33×12.50r20 tires instead of 285/55r20. The diameter difference between these two sizes is 0.68 inches (17.22 mm) or 2.1%, which falls within the recommended 3% tolerance.
This means the switch should not significantly impact your vehicle’s performance or safety, though minor adjustments in handling and fuel efficiency can be expected.
How Much Taller Is a 33×12.50r20 Tire Than a 285/55r20?
A 33×12.50r20 tire is 0.68 inches (17.22 mm) taller than a 285/55r20 tire. The 33×12.50r20 has a diameter of 33.02 inches (838.72 mm), while the 285/55r20 has a diameter of 32.34 inches (821.5 mm). This represents a 2.1% increase in overall height.
How Much Wider is a 33×12.50r20 Tire Than a 285/55r20?
A 33×12.50r20 tire is 1.3 inches (33 mm) wider than a 285/55r20 tire. The 33×12.50r20 has a width of 12.52 inches (318 mm), while the 285/55r20 has a width of 11.22 inches (285 mm). This difference represents an 11.6% increase in width.
Our Observation
Switching from 285/55r20 to 33×12.50r20 tires offers a mix of benefits and potential drawbacks. The wider, slightly taller tires provide improved off-road performance, better traction, and a more aggressive look.
However, these gains come at the cost of slightly reduced fuel efficiency and potential changes in on-road handling. The 2.1% diameter increase is within the acceptable range, making this a viable upgrade for most vehicles without major modifications.
For off-road enthusiasts, the benefits likely outweigh the drawbacks, while daily drivers should carefully consider their needs before making the switch.
Meet Caitlin McCormack, a Tire Size Expert and Blogger Passionate About Everything Related to Tires. With Years of Experience in the Tire Industry, Caitlin Has Become an Expert in Tire Sizes and Their Impact on Vehicle Performance.