Tires - 265 or 285?

[Dilbertnomore]

My 'new-to-me' '03 X needs new shoes. I want to stay with the original 16" wheels. Would appreciate hearing the pros and cons of staying with the original 265-75x16 tires versus moving up to larger 285-75x16 tires.

Also, I am leaning toward buying the Michelin LTX MS/2. Any thoughts? Any better alternatives for fuel economy, performance and wear mileage?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences and opinions.

[99F250SD7.3]

the michelin ltx m/s2 is the best tire IMO. Has great wear, lasts for 50+k and is great in rain/snow.

[Beast Of Burden]

I dont have an X ( I wish I did) but I went from 265's to 285's on my F250 and I absolutely love them, It looks SO much better, they arent big enough to make a real noticeable difference in fuel mileage. I dont have any experience with the Michelin tires, but my GoodYear Dura Trac's are by far the best tire I've ever had. Hope this helps a little. Congrats on the X

[TXSailor]

I did have 265 BFG's on and when I needed new shoes got the 285 Michelin LTX2. I like them much better than the BFGs because:

1) Much quieter on the HW
2) Not quite as much traction "off-road" as BFGs but very acceptable
3) Made my Speedo EXACTLY correct (via GPS and radar)
4) Provide a wider stance (and the EX's need a broad stance)
5) Raised the truck (albeit only a fraction of an inch)
6) Look Great and were on sale!!!!

I have the original 16 in wheels and did not change them.

Down sides:

1) They do pick up small stones (pebbles) but not any worse than the BFG's did
2) If not on sale may be more expensive.
3) You have to act graceful/humble when everyone comments on how good your Truck looks.

D

[Dilbertnomore]

Many thanks for your wise counsel. Looks like it will be the Michelin LTX MS.2 in 285.

[Tempsho]

I have LT265/75R16 LTX MS2's on my Excursion right now. (Great tire for highway use! I can get a constant 20-21 mpg with them on the highway) When they wear out I am going to try LT285/75R16 Toyo Open Country H/T Tuff Duty. I'll see how much my mileage drops with the bigger tire, hopefully not too much.


OPEN COUNTRY H/T WITH TUFF DUTY | Toyo Tires

[Maverick1701]

I dont have an EX but we (Hall County Sheriffs Offfice) run those tires on our Expeditions and 1/2 ton pickups w/no complaints whatsoever.
they do VERY well on road, snow and ice and do pretty well off-road as well (I have yet to get stuck)

They also last a long time and wear very well....even though they have a pretty hard life being mounted on a patrol vehicle.

Originally Posted by TXSailor

I did have 265 BFG's on and when I needed new shoes got the 285 Michelin LTX2. I like them much better than the BFGs because:

1) Much quieter on the HW
2) Not quite as much traction "off-road" as BFGs but very acceptable
3) Made my Speedo EXACTLY correct (via GPS and radar)
4) Provide a wider stance (and the EX's need a broad stance)
5) Raised the truck (albeit only a fraction of an inch)
6) Look Great and were on sale!!!!

I have the original 16 in wheels and did not change them.

Down sides:

1) They do pick up small stones (pebbles) but not any worse than the BFG's did
2) If not on sale may be more expensive.
3) You have to act graceful/humble when everyone comments on how good your Truck looks.

D

[JMM_MD]

The 265s are the stock tire size (on my 00 anyway) so you should be good to go with those, but I would recommend that you try to arrange a test fit at the tire shop you deal with if you decide to go with the 285s. I have an 00 Ex and with the stock wheels (7" 4.5 BS w/ 0 offset) when I tried to mount BFG ATOs in 285 on it they rubbed at full lock. The 295s I tried first rubbed much worse. I realize that different tires may give you a bit different fit so I cannot speak about the Mich. tires you are looking at. I went with a new wheel and was able to get the 295s on there without any rubbing. The wheel I went with was an 8" 4.0 BS and -12mm offset.

[7.3Excursion4x4]

I am a huge fan of the BFT Rugged Trail T/A (LT265/75/R16 LRE) but have never tried anything else. I bought my Ex in 02/2007 with 86864 miles on it. That day, i put the BFG's on it and they lasted until 07/2009 with 176,979 miles (90,115 miles). These are still on the truck with 255K on the clock. With approx 78K on them, they are just below 50% on the tread.
I also run nitrogen in them and have them rotated every 5-6K at the local costco.
I do a lot of hwy driving but also pull my 12K boat every week in and out of bad ramps.
I cant risk trying new tires with these track records.

[Jason812]

I don't think you would go wrong the the Michelin's. I have Firestone Destination AT's 285/75-16 E rated and am right at half tread with 28,000 miles. I've had no rubbing issues and would not consider putting 265's back on her. The 285's look right and the speedo is dead on now.