295/70/17 Much Worse Than 285/70/17?

My current 285/70/17 Nitto RGs are running low on tread. I am considering stepping up the size. I'm not quite ready to regear, but open to the idea of a Yotawerx tune if needed.

Originally I was considering going up to 285/75/17 but gear ratio calculations dictate this to basically requires a regear to 4.11 (which doesn't exist for 5th Gens as far as I know.)

So I find myself stuck between 285/70/17 on stock gears, or just biting the bullet for a 4.56 regear and stepping up to 285/75/17 or even a 305/70/17. This would lead me down the road of potentially breaking more parts and putting even more stress on steering parts. In an effort to keep my daily reliable I started considering more options.

Long story short I was looking at Nittos website and saw they offered a 295/70/17. I know there are a few guys on this forum who run this size of tire.

https://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-tires/ridge-grappler-light-truck-tire/

For context:
I have about 400 Lbs of constant weight added (winch/bumper/skids/sliders)
I live in a flat state (TX) and do not tow.
I run an 8.5" wheel which is ideal for Nitto's 295 option.
Body mount chopped, front wheel wells are clearanced.

My questions for guys who run this tire size:
1. Does this tire size make sense for you guys on stock gearing?
2. What are some other tire brand options for this size?
3. Is 295/70/17 a good fit for you? Why?
4. Is it much worse than the 285/70/17?
5. Any regrets?

 

I was looking at 285/75R17 vs 295/70R17 because 285/75R17 seems to have Load C options so it would meet my comfort needs and if I'm not mistaken they were much taller. I think I saw decently light weight tires in 285/75R17 for its size. Would have less rubbing issues also.

I was also looking at 34x10.5R17D Toyo Open country. I love its weight. Its little wider than stock 265mm, so it won't look bad / odd as 255/80R17 for a relatively wider body of 4Runner.

Just some info on top of my head when I look in the past. Don't remember too much now.

Edit - Forgot to mention no personal experience. I was only looking at specs.

 

Yea they are a little taller but skinnier than my current tire. Which is odd considering they are both 285s.

Mainly just worried about performance. Any personal experience with 295's?

 

I run 33.3” tall tires and I’m regeared to 4.88s

 

How fast can you comfortably cruise on the HWY and what is your RPM at that cruising speed?

 

This thing is a big fat pig.


But cruising down the highway at 70 it’s at 2500rpm on the dot and perfectly comfortable.

 

Oh that's not bad. I see some massive freeways in this area; I'll typically cruise at 80-90 mph to keep up with traffic. I was worried if I regeared that wouldn't be possible. But 70mph at 2500rpm (while still on 33s) is pretty decent really. I'd still probably stick to 4.56 and 34s to play it safe, but I'm trying to stave off the eventual regear...

Very curious if anyone has 295s and can speak to their performance?

 

Where's that frickin bass guy when you need him. Probably has one of those fancy things called a job

 

Another thing to keep in mind is the that additional width will really start affecting the power steering. Even on 285/70s I’m finding that the PS fluid gets mighty hot on extended slow crawly situation, and you can tell the power steering gets a little lazy. It might be worth avoiding too much extra width if you are doing a lot of slow technical off road.

 

I like the look of the 34x10.5.0 Toyo AT3. I was looking at them recently, if I recall correctly, the specs are 33.5 in tall, 10.6 in wide. So basically 2 in taller than the stock size, but same width. They're also load range D, and weigh 55 lbs each.

It's a shame more tires aren't offered in the size.

 

This is with 4.88:1 gears on 33.3” tall tires. The 295 “34s” posted above are a 33.31” tall tires so it’s direct 1 to 1 comparison.

 

I was wondering why nobody ever mentions that.

 

Good to know

What's do you reckon a benefit of 285/75 would be over 285/70?
Thx

 

One of the many reasons we went with 255/80/17

 

Really close for sure!
The 295s would be an inch or two wider so more rolling resistance.
You also run a large RTT so you may be fighting more wind.
Maybe those things would help cancel eachother out a bit?

I'm sure tire weight plays a roll in the city as well. Nitto RGs are a heavy tire. Especially when stepping up to 295.

 

@Agent_Outside to be clear I think the 255/80/17 is a great choice and the fact that you can mount them on the stock wheels without any controversy is a positive as well!

Personally I'm just curious about the 295

 

I understand that you’re looking for and what you’re asking. My second comment was just in reference to ”sticking with 33s” while wanting to go with 34s, when in reality they are the exact same diameter so they will have the exact same impact on the effective gear ratio.

 

I went with Yokohama Geolandar MT's because they were lighter than some of the other tires I was looking for. You definitely feel the difference. But, it's not really bad. In regular driving, I don't even think about them. The only time I really notice them is when I need to accelerate aggressively.

I'd probably be regeared if it was cheap. But, I don't hate driving it. I'm sure it will be different for each driver, depending on personal preference.

 

If you go with Mickeythompsons Baja boss only 4lbs heavier in SL. I’m jumping up from 265’s to 285’s.

 

I agree with these folks ^
^

Also, a lot of dudes on Facebook say to pay for a tune and that will suffice instead of regear

 

While a tune definitely helps. If I was steping up to a 295 70 17 or 315 70 17 I'd definitely regear to 4.56s

 

No ya I'd definitely do that too. But I just don't have that $$$. And I like not messing with the Toyota parts

 

This is good news to me. I know I'll eventually want a regear but the 295 seems like a good option in the meantime. A slight height and width advantage would be a nice change.
The Geolander seems very comparable to the 295 RGs I was looking at. Nearly the same weight, but the Geolander is a little larger.

Are the Geolanders loud compared to other tires you've tried?

 

They're the first MT I've used, so I don't have much to compare them to. They're certainly louder than any AT I've used. But, they're not really obnoxious or anything.

I'll say that they're loud enough that I look forward to switching back to my Toyo AT3's in the fall. But, not loud enough for me to swap them out between off-roading trips in the summer.

Sometimes I actually enjoy the sound when I'm cruising around at lower speeds.

 

Fair enough. Any regrets on not going with a 255/80/17, 275/75/17, or even a 305/70/17?

The 295 seems to be a good fit, I'm just curious on your opinion.

 

No regrets whatsoever. I think the size looks good on the 4Runner. And, I've been plenty satisfied with the overall performance.

I didn't want skinnies, because I think they look weird on the 4Runner. I also wanted as much flotation as possible, so I figured wider was better.

Fuel economy isn't even bad, if I don't drive like a maniac.

I considered a 305 as well, but it seemed like I was already pushing it on stock gears at 295. If I regeared at this point, it would most likely in preparation for 35's. But, I'm trying to maintain a good balance of off-road capability and keeping it nice for traveling. So, I don't know if 35's fit into that plan very well.

 

Also, for context- I have skids, sliders, low profile bumper, winch, roof rack, and a bunch of tools and recovery gear in it all of the time. I weighed in at 5520# without anything extra loaded in.

 

Those are also on my short list, 48 lbs for the SL 285 70.

 

Sound like we will have a very similar setup. Even more similar once I move to 295s.

Like you, I'm not willing to give up flotation. I also know that the jump to 305 would be a big one, and I don't want to ruin the 4R as a comfortable road trip/ expedition vehicle. Finding a balance between off road and on road capability is the goal.

Certainly sounds like the 295 is a good option for keeping the rig reliable and streetable, while increasing its off road ability just a little more.

 

@1SilverRunner I honestly haven't heard nearly as much good feedback on RG's as I have on Geolanders and Baja Boss. I've heard some negative feedback on Nitto and Grapplers in various threads. Haven't heard anything negative at all on the other two imho