255/80/17 - any downsides?

[Sting-Gray Neutral Pres.]

Is there any benefit to running the stock 285/70/17 over the skinnier and very slightly taller 255/80/17? Assuming identical tire model/tread.
Has anyone made such a direct switch that they can give feedback on?

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[Thunderspud]

I went from stock 285/70r17 Falken MT's to 255/85r17 Mickey Thompsons and noticed exactly zero difference other than what would be expected when getting new tires. Well, that and I smile a bit more when walking up to the Jeep because I like the skinny tires on OEM wheels. Never been fan of the off-road skateboard look.

 

[whiteglad]

I made the change. No negatives.

 

[Jaxmax]

I’m making the change from stock Falkens AT3 to the 255/80 Falkens AT3 which weigh 52 lbs. versus 62lb. for factory 285/70 hopefully feel a bit of difference in steering, and possibly mpg. Hell maybe I’ll be able to jump the Mojave higher!….Jack

 

[Sandman 4x4]

The only difference between the two will be the positive column will be longer than negative using the lighter, narrower and slightly taller 255/80-17! The biggest improvement will be in heavy rain and snow. With the heavier weight per sq inch of surface contact area.

 

[Sting-Gray Neutral Pres.]

Thanks all for weighing in, that really helps with my decision making process. After a ton of reading I've gotten over my concern about them all being E-rated tires and will likely be going with an R/T in this size like the Toyo Open Country R/T Trail or the Cooper Discover S/T Maxx.

 

[Thunderspud]

Thanks all for weighing in, that really helps with my decision making process. After a ton of reading I've gotten over my concern about them all being E-rated tires and will likely be going with an R/T in this size like the Toyo Open Country R/T Trail or the Cooper Discover S/T Maxx.

The tire shop will most likely overfill them. Just a heads up. E-rated tires aren't gonna have the same PSI requirements for the load your truck will be exerting on them as they would for the larger trucks. I ended up at 30psi cold on the Mickey Thompsons after doing the chalk test. Just hit the first rotation and about 5k miles (both on and offroad) and they seem to be wearing perfectly fine.

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