For clarification: 2008 FX4 SCrew, 2" Bilstein lift on front.

OK, I have absolutly narrowed down the new tires I want to get, but the minimal size difference compared to price difference are driving me nuts as I try to decide the size.

BF Goodrich All Terrain 275/65/20 = 34.1 x 11 (per BFG)

BF Goodrich All Terrain 285/65/20 = 34.7 x 11.2 (per BFG)

These are the only 2 sizes I'm considering.

The difference in cost is about $80 per tire. I've searched every thread I could find and looked at pics of both, and can't tell much of a difference, but pics aren't the same as seeing them in person. The 285/65/20 seems to be more popular, but for the cost difference I'm not sure why?

On paper, the size difference seem's almost nil, but again, in person they might be noticeably different. The pics don't seem to suggest this though? Thoughts?

I'm not afraid to spend the extra dough, but damn, if I can't really tell the diffrence what's the point?

 

Honestly, theres not going to be any noticable difference unless you put the tires side by side. I am looking at those same two sizes for when I need new tires, and I just can't justify the extra $200 for about a 1/2" difference in size.

 

I would tend to agree, but that begs the question why would BFG make 2 different tires so close in size? And how do they justify the substantial price difference? It isn't like that much more material is required.

 

Yup, how do they justify the substantial price difference? i'm just curious about that.

 

I run 285s. I measured mine the other day and they were at 34.7x11.6. I do agree that price increase is crazy. But, when I bought mine last month there was maybe only an 80-100 dollar difference total between the 2 sizes. I bought from a local shop and paid 1600 shipped mounted and balanced. If the best price you can get is still 200 bucks apart, I would absolutely opt for the smaller size. You wont notice the difference.

 

It's actually $80 per tire. So the total difference between the two sizes would be $320.00. So, for $320 I get a full 1/2" wider tire, and a whopping .6" of height.

Man, I'm still going back and forth trying to make sense of this. I want width more than height, but I'm not sure sure 1/2" would be that noticeable once mounted? At the same time, I don't want a tall skinny looking tire. Not in to the pizza cutter look.

 

if you're dead set on the bfgs, go with the 275s and save some money. if you're open to options. check out the nitto terra grapplers in 295/60/20. I believe they are 34.5x12.5 tire. discounttire direct has the nittos for $328 and the 275 bfgs for $302 each.

 

I'm pretty set on BFG's. Think I'll stay away from 295 and up due to potential rubbing issues. I think 285 is the max I'd be willing to go just to error on the side of caution. Rub drives me crazy, even if only a little.

Man, I kep looking at the pics of 275's and just don't think I'd notice enough difference to pop for the 285's. Think I am slowly coming around to the 275's. I just hate regret, so I want to be dead set before forking over the dough.

 

i say go for it! i doubt you regret it, especially for the difference in price. i got a good deal on my tires, which is why i chose the 285s vs the 275s. Id put that extra $320 youre saving into buying a 5th tire as a full size spare.

 

OC Dan Did you scoop up the 275's yet?

I am in your boat right now- was dead set on the 285's b/c I didn't know the 275's existed in that height. I LOVE the price difference. I'm being careful cause it's a good bit of coin we are all driving Fords here not Ferrari's.

 

Not yet. Going to use up all of the Perelli's first.

I have decided that I will go with the 285's though. Even though their only a little bigger in size, I don't want to experience buyer's remorse. They cost more, but with the amount of miles I put on, I'll get about 5 years or more out of the BFG's, so the extra cost over time softens the blow of the extra cost for the 285's.