Tire Size 285/75r17 vs 33×12.5r17
Before swapping your 285/75r17s for 33×12.5r17s, it’s important to understand the differences and how they may affect your vehicle’s performance, handling, and even fuel efficiency. Let’s dive in and explore the key factors to consider.
- Wider tires may slightly reduce ride comfort due to less sidewall flex
- Increased width can enhance cornering stability and handling, especially in dry conditions
- Larger tires may marginally decrease fuel efficiency due to added weight and rolling resistance
- Wider stance gives the vehicle a more aggressive, capable appearance
285/75r17 vs 33×12.5r17
This table is designed to provide you with a quick and easy way to understand the differences.
Fitment Guide
To avoid issues, the new size should be within 3% of the original tire’s diameter when replacing tires.
The 33×12.5r17 is 2.4% smaller in diameter than the 285/75r17, so it falls within the safe replacement range. However, the wider 33×12.5r17 may require modifications like a leveling kit to prevent rubbing.
Ground Clearance
With a diameter of 33.03 inches, the 33×12.5r17 provides 0.81 inches less ground clearance than the 285/75r17 at 33.83 inches.
This reduced clearance increases the risk of scraping on obstacles. However, the lower profile aesthetic may be preferential for some vehicles.
Gas Mileage
The lighter 33×12.5r17 size with less rolling resistance can provide slightly better fuel efficiency over the 285/75r17. But the difference is modest, given their similar diameters.
Ride Comfort
The 33×12.5r17 offers a firmer ride with its shorter 8.01-inch sidewall versus 8.42 inches on the 285/75r17. This transmits more road impacts into the cabin, but some prefer the responsive handling.
Aesthetics
Visually, the 33×12.5r17 appears more muscular with its wider tread and lower profile sidewall than the 285/75r17. This aggressive look suits trucks and SUVs well.
Handling & Stability
The 285/75r17’s taller sidewall flexes more, reducing handling precision slightly. In contrast, the 33×12.5r17’s shorter sidewall height and wider tread make it feel more planted and responsive during cornering.
Noise & Vibration
With a shorter sidewall, the 33×12.5r17 transmits more road noise and vibration over bumps. The 285/75r17 dampens vibrations better for a smoother, quieter ride. But both absorb impacts reasonably well.
Durability & Wear
The 285/75r17 may exhibit slightly more even tread wear over time, given its narrower width. The wider 33×12.5r17 distributes the load over more rubber, but the difference in wear is minor between these sizes.
Adverse Conditions
In snow, the narrower 285/75r17 can cut through to the pavement better, while the wider 33×12.5r17 floats more. Off-road, the 33×12.5r17 provides a traction advantage from its sizable footprint.
Speedometer Reading
The 285/75r17 diameter causes a higher speedometer reading than the smaller 33×12.5r17. At an actual speed of 20 mph, the speedometer reads 1.52 mph higher with the 285/75r17 size.
What Size is A 33×12.5r17?
The 33×12.5R17 tire has a diameter of 33 inches (839 mm), a section width of 12.5 inches (317.5 mm), and fits a wheel with a diameter of 17 inches.
What is the Main Difference Between 285/75r17 and 33×12.5r17?
The primary difference between 285/75r17 and 33×12.5r17 tires is the width. 33×12.5r17 tires are 1.3 inches (33 mm) wider than 285/75r17 tires, an 11.6% increase in width.
Can I Use 33×12.5r17 Instead of 285/75r17?
Yes, you can use 33×12.5r17 tires instead of 285/75r17 as the overall diameter difference is within the acceptable ±3% range. However, the increased width may require modifications to prevent rubbing.
How Much Taller Is a 285/75r17 Tire Than a 33×12.5r17?
A 285/75r17 tire is 0.81 inches (20.46 mm) taller than a 33×12.5r17 tire, with the 285/75r17 having a diameter of 33.83 inches compared to the 33×12.5r17’s 33.03 inches.
How Much Wider is a 33×12.5r17 Tire Than a 285/75r17?
A 33×12.5r17 tire is 1.3 inches (33 mm) wider than a 285/75r17 tire. The 33×12.5r17 has a width of 12.52 inches, while the 285/75r17 measures 11.22 inches wide.
Our Observation
The 285/75R17 offers slightly better ride comfort and noise isolation thanks to its taller sidewall, while the 33×12.5R17 provides a more aggressive aesthetic, better handling, and improved off-road traction from its wider tread and lower profile.
For an SUV or truck used mainly on-road, the 285/75R17 is likely the better choice for its smoother ride and quieter cabin.
For off-road adventures or improved cornering on pavement, the 33×12.5R17 is recommended for its stability and traction advantages.
The differences are minor, so choosing based on intended use and personal preference is advised.
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.