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.

/ R
/ R
Parameter205/50 R15215/50 R15Difference
Overall Diameter
Section Width
Circumference
Sidewall Height
Revs per mile
Rim size

 

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.

285 75r17 In Inches

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.

285 75r17 In Inches

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 265/70r17 Mean?

The tire size 265/70r17 indicates important specifications. The “265” refers to tire width in millimeters, “70” indicates aspect ratio (height as a percentage of width), “r” stands for radial construction, and “17” is the wheel diameter in inches. The tire size 265/70R17 is the same as 31.7×10.4R17 in inches.

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.

265/70r17 vs 285/75r17

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.

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