Tire Size 285/75r17 vs 265/70r17
The main difference between 285/75r17 and 265/70r17 tires is the sidewall height. That means the 285/75r17 tire size is about 1.11 inch taller than the 265/70r17 tire size.
This means that the 285/75R17 tire has a taller sidewall, which can provide better off-road performance and a more comfortable ride.
Fitment Guide
Replacement tires should be within 3% of the original size to avoid clearance issues or speedometer inaccuracies.
The 265/70r17 is 7% smaller in overall diameter than the 285/75r17, so may not be an ideal direct replacement unless adaptations are made.
The smaller 265/70r17 is more likely to fit without rubbing or requiring modifications.
Ground Clearance
The taller 285/75r17 provides 1.11 inches more ground clearance than the 265/70r17, beneficial for off-roading. However, this also causes a lower speedometer reading.
The shorter 265/70r17 reduces clearance, increasing scrape risk, but gives a more accurate speedometer.
Gas Mileage
The smaller 265/70r17 should confer slightly better fuel efficiency than the 285/75r17. The smaller contact patch and lower rotational mass contribute to improved efficiency, a plus for daily drivers.
Ride Comfort
The taller 70 aspect ratio sidewall of the 285/75r17 absorbs road impacts better than the shorter 65 aspect of the 265/70r17.
This provides a marginally smoother ride, especially over very uneven surfaces. The 265/70r17 transmits more harshness into the cabin.
Aesthetics
The 285/75r17 has a slightly taller sidewall, giving it a more aggressive, “stretched” look compared to the 265/70r17. This aesthetic suits trucks and SUVs well. The 265/70r17 has a more low-profile appearance.
Handling & Stability
The shorter 265/70r17 sidewall offers sharper handling response and cornering on pavement. The taller 285/75r17 sidewall flexes more, reducing handling precision somewhat. Both deliver stable performance.
Noise & Vibration
The stiffer 265/70r17 sidewall transmits more road noise and vibration into the cabin. The 285/75r17’s extra sidewall flex dampens noise and vibration better. However, differences are minor.
Durability & Wear
The lower profile 265/70r17 may exhibit more even treadwear and longer life. The taller 285/75r17 endures more impacts but its added weight could increase wear on components.
Adverse Conditions
Performance in rain, snow and off-road is similar. The extra ground clearance of the 285/75r17 provides a slight advantage off-road. The 265/70r17’s shorter sidewall makes it a bit more responsive.
Speedometer Reading
At 20 mph actual speed, the speedometer reads 20 mph with 285/75r17 tires equipped. But with 265/70r17 tires, it reads 18.68 mph at that true 20 mph speed. This 2.32 mph difference is due to the smaller diameter of the 265/70r17.
Can I Use 265/70r17 Instead of 285/75r17?
No, you cannot use 265/70R17 tires instead of 285/75R17 tires. The diameter difference between these two tire sizes is 7%, which exceeds the recommended 3% limit.
This can impact the speedometer’s accuracy, cause vehicle handling issues, and result in fitment problems.
What Does 285/75R17 Mean?
The 285 indicates the tire is 285 millimeters wide from sidewall to sidewall. The aspect ratio of 75 means the tire’s height equals 75% of its width, making it a relatively tall tire profile.
The R indicates it is a radial tire, with internal steel belts reinforcing the tread area for better stability. Overall, this size describes a comprehensive, reasonably tall radial tire intended for a 17-inch wheel. In inches, the tire with size 33.9×11.2R17 is the same as the tire size 285/75R17.
How Much Taller Is A 285/75r17 Tire Than A 265/70r17?
The 285/75r17 tire is 2.22 inches (56.5 mm) taller than the 265/70r17 tire, representing a 7% increase in diameter. In summary, a 265/70R17 tire measures 31.61 inches (802.8 mm) in height, while a 285/75R17 tire measures 33.83 inches (859.3 mm).
How Much Wider Is A 285/75r17 Tire Than A 265/70r17?
The 285/75r17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than the 265/70r17 tire, indicating a 7.5% increase in width. The 265/70r17 measures 10.43 inches (265mm) across in width, while the 285/75r17 comes in at 11.22 inches (285mm) across in width from sidewall to sidewall.
What Size Rim Fits A 285/75r17?
The 285/75R17 tire is designed to fit a 17-inch rim. The rim width range for this tire is typically between 7.5 inches and 9.5 inches. Most 285-width tires have manufacturer-recommended rim widths between 8 inches and 9.5 inches.
What Size Rim Fits A 265/70r17?
The tire size 265/70R17 is compatible with wheels that have a diameter of 17 inches and a width range of 7.00 to 9.00 inches. Using the correctly sized wheel for a tire is important for safety, handling, and optimal performance.
Our Observation
Based on our observation of “285/75r17 vs 265/70r17”, the 285/75r17 is better suited for off-roading and rugged terrain thanks to its taller sidewall and greater ground clearance.
However, the 265/70r17 provides advantages for on-road driving, with its sharper handling, potential fuel economy benefit, and lower-profile aesthetic.
For light off-roading needs, we recommend the more versatile 285/75r17. But the 265/70r17 is ideal for vehicles that will stay mostly on pavement.
Overall, the application will dictate which tire size better fits the intended usage. For moderate off-roading, we suggest the more capable 285/75r17.
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.