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Choosing the Right Tires: Detailed Guide to 285 Width Measurements

285 Tire

Understanding 285 metric tire sizes ensures you buy the perfect tires for your truck.

285 refers to the tire's width in millimeters, meaning it has a width of 11.2 inches.

The height percentage of the sidewall in a 285 75r16 tire is 75, and the tire height is around 33 inches, making it the closest equivalent to 33" tires.

We'll cover everything from off-road safety features of these tires, how to ensure they fit in your wheel arch, and so much more below.

Table Of Contents [show]

    285 Tire
    285 Tire

    What Does 285 Mean On A Tire Size?

    The number 285 on tire sizes denotes the width in millimeters, but there are other important measurements to be aware of.

    Take the 285/75/16 tire, for example.

    The number 16 means the tire was designed to fit a rim diameter or wheel of 16 inches.

    The 75 refers to the tire's aspect ratio, which is 75%.

    What's The Aspect Ratio?

    Put simply, it is the tire's sidewall height (i.e., from the rim's edge to the tread) in percentage.

    Using our example above, it means the sidewall height is 75% of the section width or 213 millimeters.

    Is 285 The Height On A Tire?

    As we've explained, this number is the width in millimeters.

    Are 285 Tires 33s?

    Despite what it may seem like at first glance, the 285 70r17 tire is the same as a 33" tire — they're just different measurements.

    285 is the tread width of the tire in millimeters, whereas 33 inches is the tire diameter.

    The widely accepted metric equivalent for 33 tires is normally 285/75/16, but if you're ever confused, you can use a tire size conversion calculator found online.

    Tire size guide
    Tire size guide

    33" denotes the tire's width (i.e., 285), multiplied by the aspect ratio (i.e., sidewall height percentage), times two for the inner and outer sidewall, divided by 25.4, plus the wheel size in inches.

    Since that's quite a lot of information, let's break it down into its formula form:

    • 285 = the width of the tread in millimeters
    • 75 = the aspect ratio or height percentage of the sidewall in millimeters
    • 285 x .75 = 213.75 millimeters
    • 213.75 x 2 = 427.5 millimeters
    • 427.5 divided by 25.4 = 16.831 inches
    • 16.831 + 16 (i.e., size of wheel) = 32.831 inches = the approximate tire diameter measurement

    Metric tire sizes are often more complicated since it's trickier to determine what size they actually are, causing problems when shopping for new tires.

    Since each tire manufacturer uses custom molds, the 285/75/16 is the accepted metric tire size for 33s, despite the fact the actual diameter can vary based on the manufacturer.

    Depending on the brand, 285s can come as bigger tires or smaller tires.

    Therefore, some 33-inch models are wider by 11 ½ or 12 ½ inches.

    To find the actual diameter, head to the manufacturer's website and check the specs to ensure adequate inside wheel clearance.

    How Much Lift Is Necessary To Fit 33" Tires?

    These tires improve almost any off-road vehicle.

    However, most trucks with an independent front suspension require at least a 2.5-inch to 3-inch life to fit the tires.

    On top of that, you may need to consider additional modifications to the chassis for optimum fit.

    If you have a vehicle with a solid front axle, you shouldn't need to do too many additional modifications to make these tires fit.

    Will Fitting A 285/75/16 Negatively Affect The Speedometer Reading?

    Upgrading from your truck's stock tires to larger ones with taller sidewalls will throw out your speedo reading slightly.

    With 33" tires, the diameter will be larger alongside the increased sidewall height.

    The bigger circumference and section width means your actual speed will be higher as you travel faster.

    Here's how the speedometer reading will be affected by your new tire sizes:

    • Speedo reading: 20 mph True speed: 21.4 mph
    • Speedo reading: 40 mph True speed: 42.9 mph
    • Speedo reading: 60 mph True speed: 64.3 mph
    • Speedo reading: 80 mph True speed: 85.8 mph

    What Is The Difference Between A 275 And A 285 Tire?

    If you're after wide tires, you should choose the 285 as it is ten millimeters broader than the 275 tire.

    But when trying to find the best tires for your truck, you should look at more than just the metric size, as other factors play a major role in choosing different tire sizes.

    275 tires are usually less expensive, lighter, and suited to highway use, whereas 285 tires are made for off-road driving, are more heavy-duty, come with deeper treads, and look amazing.

    Thanks to their thicker walls, bigger tires like the 285s are less vulnerable to warping or flexing — they're made for off-road terrains after all!

    Be mindful of the wheel arch if upgrading from stock tires to 275s or 285s.

    Rubbing happens when the tire touches the wheel wells, arch plastic, or even the upper control arm.

    Ensure you invest in a good set of rims and think about fender trimming if necessary.

    What's Fender and Arch Trimming?

    Typically, there are some plastic sections around the inner fenders requiring trimming to prevent rubbing at full lock.

    Use a Stanley knife and cut some of the wheel arch plastic where it makes contact with the tires.

    Fender trimming is more commonly needed with wider tires because they'll need increased wheel arch clearance.

    What's The Difference Between 285 And 295 Tires?

    Similarly, the main difference is that 295 tires are ten millimeters (or 0.1 inches) wider than 285 tires.

    You may be able to replace 285 tires with their 295 cousins, provided the larger tires won't rub on the wheel arch or other components.

    Another consideration is wheel offset, which is measured in millimeters and refers to how well the wheels sit in the wheel wells.

    With a positive offset, the line is toward the front.

    With a negative offset, the mounting surface exists nearer the rim's rear.

    You don't want too much of a negative offset; otherwise, you risk the wheels sticking out from the fenders.

    Conclusion

    285 tires are 285 millimeters (11.2 inches) wide, boast an aspect ratio of 75%, and have a height of roughly 33 inches.

    You can usually swap the stock tires on your truck with 275, 285, or 289 metric size tire, as long as you keep the independent front suspension, wheel arch, circumference, and other factors in mind.

    You might need to conduct arch trimming and purchase a lift kit, depending on your truck and the distance between the tires and fenders or wheel wells.