IceCreamSammich

I currently have some 305/55/20 BFG TA/KO and they are heavy (63) lbs and wide (12.5").

I am seriously thinking about getting the new 2015 F150, but if not, ill need new tires in a year anyways. I am considering the Duratracs in the two aforementioned sizes.

285/60/20 = 33.5" tall 11.5" wide 59lbs 18/32 tread depth
275/65/20 = 34.1" tall 11.1" wide 57lbs 18/32 tread depth

Which tire is going to ride smoother? The one 1/2" taller or the tire that is 1/2" narrower? Will 2lbs make a difference? Its taller, but lighter, does the 275/65/20 get better mpg?

Which of the two above tires would you get? Why? Dick Cepek has a tire in the 275/65/20 size that is very comparable to the Duratrac too, but much cheaper. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dick+Cepek&tireModel=Fun+Countr y&partnum=765QR0FC&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare 1=yes

However, the Dick Cepek is much heavier back at 65lbs. Back to bad MPG?

Please Help!

BassAckwards

The 285/60R20 would likely ride better and would get better mileage because it's shorter.

IceCreamSammich

I think better MPG but slightly worse ride. Less sidewall means less flex. Also, is the 1/2" lack in height mitigated by being heavier?

BassAckwards

2lbs difference is negligible. Being that half inch shorter makes your final drive ratio shorter and it's easier to take off in stop and go situations using less fuel.

xSTICKBOYx

286/60/20

IceCreamSammich

I understand how gear ratios work. However, what I want to know: if 2lbs is negligible, why is 1/2" a huge deal?

The two heights are within 1.8% of each other.
The two weights are within 3.4% of each other.

Seems like you got your negligible numbers backwards.

*I am not the best at math and it is very possible that all the above information is incorrect.*

BassAckwards

It's about the leverage that taller tire has. They are both pretty insignificant amounts but the height will make more a difference than the weight IMO. Obviously I can't give you a 100% positive answer without having run both setups myself. I'm only basing my statements off several years as a Tire Technician and Salesman.

PawPaw

I like those two sizes even if the 285x60's are a little oddball...they would probably be the max height I would go with the 3.31 gear's I have. The 275x65's being a little taller would fill up the wheelwell's a little better but would cut into the final gearing a little more. At highway speed's the taller tire will drop your cruising rpm's a little and may help get better gas mileage...same as highway truck's do by using taller rubber to reduce tire rotation's and improve mileage. The shorter tire would be better in start and stop city driving and pulling any kind of weight. The 275x65's are a stock size tire on F-250's and may be easier to find in a hurry in case of a tire problem. Just my 2 cent's!

SLVRXP

I just had the same decision to make.

Went with the 275/65/20 Duratracs, figured narrower tire will be better in snow and will fill wheelwell nicer.

rmwillard

Can you fit 285/60/20 Duratracs on stock suspension without rubbing?