285/70r17 C-rated vs. 255/80r17 E-rated Tires

Hey guys,

Looking for input on some 33’s for my TRDOR DCSB; specifically, BFG KO2’s (285 “C”) vs. Toyo AT3 (255 “E”). I have my Bilstein 6112/5160’s(6/5) and Headstrong 3-leaf AAL en route, and my five 17x8.5” SCS Ray10’s on the garage floor. Now I’m at the dilemma of what tire size to choose; I’ve done plenty of reading on TW and around the various parts of the internet, but hopefully I can gain some insight not previously yet mentioned.

Pizza cutter AT3’s
Pros:
-Narrower (hopefully less trimming and no cmc required)
-Little bit taller than the 285 KO2
-Narrower footprint could equal slightly better mpg vs. KO2

Cons:
-only available in E rating
-looks good, but not quite as sexy (imo) as the 285

285 KO2’s
-I like the wider footprint and the C-rating
-I don’t like the idea of having to trim anything and it would require me to find a reputable individual to do the CMC

Sorry for detracting from my original format, but I’m on my phone and trying to wrap this up.


Anyone have experience with either of these tires? Also would love to hear of your personal journeys to fit 285’s or pizza cutters if you haven’t posted in a previous thread (I’ve probably read it, but go ahead).

 

285's will very likely require trimming, especially with the negative offset Ray10's. I'm running 255/80's on my truck with -6mm offset wheels, still had to do cmc for full articulation lock to lock with no rubbing.

 

The AT3s shouldn't rub or require trimming hopefully, negative offset might see some fender flare bending needs. Chances/hopes are all you'll need to worry about is removing your stock mudflaps and if desired adding something new, lower profile, and flexible if you want to wheel it. AT3s are also better quality than the KO2s, and don't turn into drag slicks with a bit of wear and rain or skates on cold surfaces. With your negative offset you'll either have some poke, or be flush with the fender flares which looks fantastic, even with a skinny tire.

Your footprint is in terms of length, not width, especially when airing down. A skinny tire aired down will have a long, well planted contact patch and with e-load the sidewalls are stiff enough to keep it formed. A wide tire will almost billow inwards at the middle - think how your tire wears if you leave it underinflated for a few thousand miles. Outside edges only right?

Edit: Weight differs by 2lb - 285 KO2s are 51lb, Toyo AT3 are 53lb. The Toyos are also a hair bigger, I think I read 33.2" whereas the KO2s are 32.7" (I might be off a decimal point for both).

Edit: I run skinny 255/85R16s in Coopers. Love 'em for summer use but switch to 265s in the winter. All the traction I could hope for.

 

Never had an issue with the KO2s, rain, bad weather. Don’t drive like a dumbass and you’ll be fine.
285 KO2s C load are 51 lbs.
Toyo does make good tires as well.

 

Had both BFGs for 30 plus years and made the switch to Toyos. Use them on a few Tacomas and 4runners, hands down just a better tire overall. FYI, been running BFGS since the mid 80s and they have improved over the years but still prefer a Toyo!

 

Appreciate the input! I’m thinking I’ll give the Toyo’s a try this time around and consider going to 285’s my next set of tires.

@photogr4x4 Thanks for pointing out the fact that the more durable sidewalls of the ‘E’ tires will allow me to air down more confidently and make the footprint comparable to the wider 285. I also should have revisited the weights myself, I knew the difference wasn’t too great based on the fact ones bigger while the other has more layers to it.

Big thanks to everyone who chimed in, I feel more confident I won’t have any buyers remorse once I pull the trigger here in a couple days.

 

Worst case scenario you decide "Hey, these tires just aren't for me due to __ reason. I'll try a new set next time!". We've all been in that boat, save for a few people who rock a tire and love 'em to death. I've considered switching to a more mild AT instead of a hybrid, and I've also considered switching to a full blown MT. Hell, I've even considered going up to 285/75R16 (33"), 285/75R17 (34"ish), and even 35x10.5x17 (not so skinny "skinny" 35s)! Right now though a 255/85R16 fits the bill.

Needless to say there's always room for improvement or modification. Your needs might change down the road. There's no problem with that. Either tire is going to last likely a minimum of five years anyways and a good set of rubber used only a couple years with tread left will always have monetary value to someone else.

 

255/80/17 required minor bumper trimming for me and removing the mud flaps. The at3 has done great in every scenario I’ve put it in and it’s tracks very well compared to the 285 I tried. 10/10 would recommend.

 

I’ve been rocking 265/75r16 C-rated Duratracs for the last few years, I see a lot of positive and negative opinions; but to be honest I’ve been pretty pleased with them since I’ve had them.

@Hatfieco05 those pizza cutters look awesome, as does your truck. Thanks for sharing!

 

The tread design on the AT3s is so much nicer than the AT2s. Little bit bulkier lugs but larger voids. Much better choice than KO2s if you're getting into some slippery stuff or notchy rocks.

Here's R16 skinnies from the side on my truck. At the moment they're about 1-1.5" tucked in from the fender. I have some summer wheels that I need to do some sand blasting, an inspection and then powder or clear coating plus a grab a set of TPMS for cloning. They should push my tires flush with the fenders.

 

What did you end up with? Love my 255/80/17 Toyos

 

@dirtnsmores

I found a set of used 285/70r17/C KO2’s on my local marketplace, so I decided to give those a try. It’s been a minute now and I only really rub on the thick part of the upper portion of the mudflaps; more so when turning right up an incline such as my driveway. It’s not too bad, it’s worst when backing up and turning right down my driveway. All in all, when I buy a new set of tires next year, I think I’ll opt for the 255/80r17 Toyo’s and give those a try.

 

That looks great. Yeah right now it's hard to come by tires just take what you can get

 

Thanks! I’m pretty happy with how it turned out myself.. I was actually pretty stoked to get these used tires for under $300 just to be able to mount my new wheels and “complete” my build and be able to start figuring out when and where the rubbing occurs. I feel like these KO2’s are a good representative of the 285/70r17 options and in my opinion, the rubbing isn’t as bad as I expected it to be. With my new tires, I’ll likely be purchasing some SPC adjustable UCA’s or other aftermarket ones with positive caster.

I’m also really curious how the taller but thinner 255/80r17 will compare to the KO2 I have on there now assuming stock UCA’s.

 

I have the spc ucas and they've been great

 

Love my Duratracs. I too wish they came in a 255 pizza cutter size. C or E load.

 

Hey guys,

I have an update for anyone interested: Just got my 255/80R17 Toyo AT3’s installed!

Only got 5 miles on them at the time of this post; however, I already noticed the rubbing, or lack thereof, has improved dramatically. With the 285/70’s, I had to sort of drive knowing I can’t fully turn the wheel with a front wheel articulated, same with backing up. Thus far, I’ve been driving as though I’m in a stock truck and went to the store, tried to emulate as many scenarios as I could that would cause rubbing with the old tires and so far, so good! I got a very light rub sound (nothing like before) when I turned into my steep drive away at speed, but I feel like that can be eliminated by removing the mudflaps as it was very light. Obviously I haven’t done any serious wheeling yet, but I do plan to report back so that this thread may serve someone else in a similar predicament in the future.

Pics coming soon!

 

285/70/17 KO2 C
Scs SR8 17x8.5 -10

2.5” toytec lift, camburg UCA, cmc