Cajuntriton

So if all things considered are nearly the same (brand, weight, ply, etc...) what's the consensus on which affects performance the most, a taller tire vs a wider tire? For example BFG KO2 305/55/20 33.2" x 12.4" 60.7# vs 285/65/20 34.5" x 11.5" 60.3#.

I'm currently running Toyo ATll 295/60/20 33.9" X 11.8" 62#, I have been extremely happy with these pushing 40,000 miles but I may try something different next go round. I'm debating going to a true 35x12.5 but they are so heavy.

Edit: and by performance I'm stating actual acceleration and towing performance more then I'm concerned with MPG, thanks.

RLXXI

Tire weight mainly. Also wider tires give you more contact on the road which equals more rolling resistance.

I'm rolling on 35x12.50's. I also have a custom tune so my truck feels like it's as light as a sports car.
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Cajuntriton

Yeh I'm just using a Superchips canned tune, jury is still out if I like it as a DD, was nice to fix the speedo though. I'm wondering if the rolling resistance of the extra rubber of a wider tire affects more then the diameter affect of the axle ratio on a taller tire if weight is the same. I've searched google and yes weight seems to be biggest factor but I can't find a straight answer for towing and acceleration just more on MPG.

Cajuntriton

Maybe I posted in wrong forum, figured more would have weighed in.

Custom Offsets

height and width will both negatively affect MPG's, height- because it lifts the truck off the ground more, especially adding a lift, as it spaces out suspension in the open more- causing wind drag, width due to rolling resistance as well as more wind resistance.

Which one affects it more- would require a ton of research and trial and error. Weight itself will be a big factor as well with rotating mass.

Kyle@RealTruck

The major factors to look at when determining tire size for performance and comfort would be tire weight, width, load index and load range. For example if we can compare the 295/60r20 to the 35x12.5r20 Toyo AT2. The 295 will weigh 65 lbs, have a load index of 125, max psi of 80, max load of 3640 and will be 11.5" in wide. The 35 will weigh 68 lbs, have a load index of 121, max psi of 65, max load of 3195 and will be 12.5" in wide. This would mean that the 295 will weigh 3 pounds less, ride a slight bit stiffer because of the higher load ratings and will have 1 inch less road contact. There will not be a noticeable weight difference although the extra inch of road contact will create more drag with more traction. I would also expect the 35 to ride a small amount softer than the 295. I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to reply or send me a PM with any other questions or quote requests.

hilld

The taller tire will be more detrimental to your acceleration as it effectively reduces (numerically) your gear ratio. Will 1" difference be easily measurable that is up for discussion? A wider tire will give you better surface contact on dry surfaces but will also increase the potential for hydroplaning on wet roads and can possibly increase the likelyhood of tramlining or wandering on rutted roads and freeways due to the wider tire. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=47

Cajuntriton

So seems like a taller tire will affect acceleration and towing performance more and a wider tire may affect MPG more.

Trehelm

Makoto

if those are factory 20's you're looking at around 45lbs per wheel which puts you at 105lbs PER WHEEL... so you're needing to move 420 lbs at a larger radius (which is exponentially makes things worse when it comes to accelerating and stopping) while a truck with stock 18's only has to move 60lbs per wheel with 240lbs total.

the tires give a benefit but the cost is fuel and they make you much slower.