Wider or Taller vs MPG ?

jeepmedic · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:19 am

So..after looking all day-

What is going to kill my MPG even more, taller tire or a wider tire ? Not talking huge, example from a 235 to 245, or 70 to 75 ? There are so many posts that are all over the map on this.

HELP ! :shock:

Big A · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:34 am

I am waiting to get some new skins also... I currently have the stock 235/70/16 Good Year Eagles, ANd they SUCK...S U C K off road!

I am looking at the 235/70 BFG AT KO or the 245's. Will the tread design make that much difference in MPG's?

sandracer · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:11 am

Just my opinion but I think the biggest factor, considering the sizes you are considering, would be the weight of the tire. I'd suggest using tirerack.com to compare brands in a particular size. Some, the BFG KO in particular, are heavier than others. Of course, how and where you drive will have considerable bearing on your choice. Tread design won't have much influence until you get into Mud tires.

KJKev · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:40 am

It seems to reason that a taller tire will cause less rpm's thus giving your a bit more mpg. But take into account the extra weight of a taller tire and you probable will not notice any differenct.

I went from stock to 245-75/16's and did not notice a difference. Added a lift and Surco rack and mpg went down a bit.

KJKev

KJ04 · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:04 pm

Any increase in tire dia. will be the biggest factor in reducing mpg.
The taller the tire, the more decrease in mpg followed by tire weight, and tire width.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:59 pm

Don't forget that you have more tire on the road with a wider tire causing more friction.

A larger diameter may not weigh more than a wider tire. Remember, you are adding more tire when you go wider just as a larger diameter gets more tire also.

Could be pretty darn close between the two for mpg but, if you want better off-road capability with rocks (look for my post about width vs diameter), then go with diameter.

MiniDevil · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:17 pm

Probably wider tires decrease MPG more. You are still gaining weight, plus you have more drag resistance / friction.

LibertyGuy · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:37 pm

I replaced my junk Wrangler stock tires with GY TripleTred's and noticed my MPG got a little worse probably because the new tires a bit heavier. I don't care because the new tires handle so much better.

jeepmedic · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:25 pm

Thanks guys..This stuff can be so confusing when you are just getting into it

jason thompson · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:09 am

the OD makes the difference
if not I could run 33 10.5's on my TJ and not loose any thing

change the OD and you basicaly change your gearing
say now you have 3.73's with 235/70 16's a 29" tall tire
put on 245/75 16 a 30.5" tall tire and you end up like having
235/70's with 3.55 or 3.27 gears
with those tall gears your engine has to work harder to do the same thing or carry the same load
weight and width matter very little compared to hight
I run 31 11.5 LTB's and I know that if I go with 33 10.5's the TJ will be a DOG out on the trails
with on 3.73 and 2.72 in the T-case

Wider or Taller vs MPG ?

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