Tire Size with Chains; 285/75's?

[retmotor]

I'm due for new tires. I'm thinking about going up in size and staying with the stock wheels. I was looking at 285/75R16's but I don't know if they'll work with chains. Moving the front bumper out is not a problem but I was worried about hitting the springs with the chains.

Stock 4x4, no leveling kit (and NO desire to get one).

Thanks.

[retmotor]

I need to make this decision in the next day or two.

I was looking at the bigger tire mostly because of the higher load rating. Figured it'd be a better tire for hauling the camper and towing, although I'll probably never approach the load limit of the 235/85's. I've just had a few blow-outs on pickups with OEM tires for no other apparent reason than driving on Southern Nevada freeways in the summer. That's probably more of an OEM tire thing than a stock size thing, but I find myself leery.

So, 285/75's on stock wheels with chains? Anyone?

[dereku]

I never heard of anyone rubbing with 285s on the springs. But adding chains adds width.

See how close the stock tires are with chains at full lock. If you have over 2 inches you should be golden with the bigger tires.

[retmotor]

Originally Posted by dereku

...See how close the stock tires are with chains at full lock. If you have over 2 inches you should be golden with the bigger tires.

Thanks. It's close, it's real close. As near as I can imagine, it looks like I'd have a half inch clearance at the front of the tire to the spring, and zero clearance at the back of the tire to the spring with the chains. But that's all just guess work.

[retmotor]

Well, better safe than sorry, I'll stick with the 235's. That'll save me from buying new chains anyway, so that's a budget plus.

Think I'll get the Michelin LTX A/T 2's from Costco. Old worn out, cracked Michelin's LTX A/T's I bought in a pinch were by far my most favorite road tires ever for a pickup and Costco has a great price on 'em.

Thanks guys. I know not everyone runs this size with chains -- I appreciate you looking.