285/70R17 Tire Size Guide

The 285/70R17 code identifies a metric radial tire with a 285 millimeter section width, a sidewall height equal to 70 percent of that width, radial construction, and a 17-inch wheel diameter. In this size, the calculated sidewall height is 199.5 millimeters, or 7.85 inches, and the overall diameter works out to about 32.71 inches.

Unlike older alphanumeric or numeric truck sizes, this format spells out width, profile, construction, and wheel diameter directly in the code. What it does not tell you by itself is the tire's exact load capacity, weight, sidewall style, or intended duty level, so those details still need to be checked on the actual tire you plan to use.

The 285/70R17 fits a 17.0-inch wheel, which equals 431.8 millimeters at the bead seat. The wheel diameter must match exactly, because a tire built for a 17-inch rim cannot be mounted correctly on a wheel of any other diameter.

Wheel width matters too. In this size, the supported rim width range is 7.50 to 9.50 inches, and staying within that range helps the tire keep its intended shape. A wheel narrower or wider than that can change section width, sidewall profile, and clearance, so diameter alone is never the whole fitment answer.

The 285/70R17 has a section width of 285 millimeters, which converts to 11.22 inches. That number describes the tire's widest inflated point from sidewall to sidewall, not the tread face that actually contacts the road.

Section width is the dimension buyers should watch first when checking for interference at fender lips, inner wheelhouses, suspension links, and brake components. Tread width is usually narrower, so assuming the road-contact patch represents the full tire can lead to clearance mistakes, especially on trucks and SUVs with tight inner-side spacing.

The 285/70R17 has a calculated overall diameter of 32.71 inches, or about 830.8 millimeters. Measured conceptually from the ground to the top of the inflated tire through its center, that is the figure that defines the tire's total height.

Overall diameter affects more than appearance. A tire's height changes ride height, wheel-opening fill, effective gearing feel, and speedometer readings when compared with another size. Buyers considering a substitute size should compare overall diameter first, then check section width and wheel width so the truck or SUV keeps the stance and clearance they expect.

The 285/70R17 has a calculated sidewall height of 7.85 inches, or 199.5 millimeters, on each side of the wheel. Because the aspect ratio is 70, the sidewall height equals 70 percent of the 285 millimeter section width.

Sidewall height has a real effect on how the tire looks and behaves. A taller sidewall usually gives more visual sidewall presence and more cushioning over broken pavement, while a shorter one tends to sharpen the look and reduce flex. On trucks and SUVs, sidewall height also influences wheel-opening fill and how much compliance the tire contributes to the overall ride.

The 285/70R17 turns about 616.6 revolutions per mile. That figure comes from the tire's calculated circumference of 102.76 inches and describes how many full rotations it completes over one mile of travel.

Revolutions per mile matter when comparing this size with another option, because a meaningful change alters the relationship between road speed and wheel speed. On a modern truck or SUV, that can affect speedometer and odometer readings, and it can also change how the vehicle feels in everyday driving. Comparing this number alongside overall diameter gives the clearest picture.

No. The 285/70R17 shares a 17-inch wheel diameter with many other sizes, but wheel diameter alone does not determine fitment. Its 285 millimeter section width, 70-series sidewall, and roughly 32.71-inch overall diameter make it a substantial truck and SUV size that may not suit every 17-inch application.

Buyers should compare the original tire size, wheel width, load requirement, and available clearance before treating this as a replacement. In this size, the supported rim width range is 7.50 to 9.50 inches, and body or suspension clearance can still vary widely from one vehicle or trim package to another even when the wheel diameter matches.

The 285/70R17 fits wheels from 7.50 to 9.50 inches wide. Staying inside that range helps the tire hold its intended shape, maintain predictable profile height, and preserve the section width and overall proportions expected from this size.

A narrow wheel pulls the sidewalls inward and can make the tire appear taller and more rounded, while a wide wheel stretches the casing flatter and can change how the shoulders sit. Either condition can affect clearance and appearance. When replacing tires, confirm both wheel diameter and wheel width rather than assuming the size code alone answers the full question.

The 285/70R17 is a modern metric radial size, so it is usually chosen for present-day drivability and replacement use rather than for strict factory-style restoration work. Radial construction can improve road manners, but a judged vehicle focused on originality may call for a different type of size and construction.

Restoration decisions depend on the vehicle's era, the original tire format, and the standard expected for the build. If authenticity matters, compare this size against factory documentation instead of matching only the general diameter. If drivability matters more than originality, buyers still need to confirm load needs, wheel width, and body clearance before moving into this size.

The 285/70R17 is a radial truck and SUV size with a tall enough sidewall to add cushioning while still keeping a modern profile. In general, radial construction supports more stable road manners than older tire types, but the actual feel depends heavily on the tire's tread design, load specification, inflation, suspension condition, and alignment.

Drivers usually notice this size through its combination of width and height. A tire around 32.71 inches tall with an 11.22-inch section width can give a planted look and solid wheel-opening fill, yet it also places real demands on steering geometry and clearance. Evaluate the complete wheel-and-tire package, not just the nominal size, before expecting a certain on-road behavior.

A 70-series profile means the sidewall height is 70 percent of the section width, which gives the 285/70R17 a calculated sidewall of 7.85 inches. That is enough sidewall to contribute visible cushioning and absorb some road harshness better than a much lower-profile truck tire.

Ride comfort is still a system outcome, not a size-code guarantee. Wheel width, tire load version, inflation level, suspension tuning, and vehicle weight all influence the result. On trucks and SUVs, this profile often appeals to buyers who want a substantial sidewall instead of an overly short one, but the feel can change noticeably between lighter- and heavier-rated versions in the same size.

Two tires in 285/70R17 can feel very different because the size code only defines the basic dimensions and construction type. Within this size, available examples vary in load capacity, inflation requirement, speed rating, and weight, and those differences can change steering response, ride compliance, braking feel, and how firmly the tire supports the vehicle.

One example in this size is rated at 2,755 lb at 50 psi and another at 3,195 lb at 80 psi, with tire weight ranging from 50.3 to 58.2 pounds. A heavier, higher-pressure version may behave differently from a lighter one even though both share the same nominal size. Matching the tire to actual use matters as much as matching the size itself.

BFGoodrich is available in the 285/70R17 on this page. Even within a single brand, buyers should still compare the exact load specification, speed rating, construction details, and intended use because the same size can be offered in more than one duty level.

Brand recognition is helpful, but size-level buying decisions should stay focused on matching the tire to the vehicle. In this size, the more important questions are whether the tire's load rating suits the truck or SUV, whether the wheel width falls within 7.50 to 9.50 inches, and whether the sidewall style and overall character fit the build.

Quality in the 285/70R17 category should be judged by construction consistency, correct sizing, appropriate load capacity, and suitability for the vehicle's real use. A good choice is not just one that carries the right size code, but one whose load rating, weight, and intended service match the truck or SUV it will support.

Look beyond the nominal size and compare the complete specification. In this size, load ratings range from 2,755 lb at 50 psi to 3,195 lb at 80 psi, which shows how much the role of the tire can vary. Buyers replacing only one pair should also consider keeping construction and service characteristics consistent across the axle, and preferably across the full set.

Raised white letter sidewalls are available in the 285/70R17, and that choice is mainly about appearance rather than dimensional fitment. For many truck and SUV owners, raised white letter styling delivers a more traditional off-road and light-truck look than a plain black sidewall.

Appearance should be selected after the technical checks are done. The tire still needs to meet the vehicle's load requirement, fit the wheel correctly, and clear the body and suspension through the full steering and suspension range. If you want a matched look, choose the same sidewall presentation across the full set rather than mixing styles from corner to corner.

The 285/70R17 should be inspected routinely on any vehicle in regular service, especially before long trips, towing, or off-pavement use. Check for cuts, bulges, cracking, punctures, uneven wear, and any sign of air loss, because a large truck or SUV tire can hide developing problems until the vehicle is loaded or driven at speed.

Pressure checks matter just as much as visual inspection. Since this size can appear in versions with very different load and inflation requirements, buyers should follow the guidance for the exact tire and vehicle combination rather than assuming all 285/70R17 tires are interchangeable in service. Consistent inspection helps catch wear patterns that point to alignment or suspension issues early.

The 285/70R17 is normally a tubeless fitment. Tube use is still a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size question, so the final decision should be confirmed against the actual wheel and tire being used.

Most buyers in this size will be dealing with modern one-piece truck or SUV wheels, but wheel condition and wheel design still matter. If an older wheel, specialty wheel, or unusual application is involved, confirm the intended setup before installation. Matching the size code alone does not answer whether a tube belongs in the complete assembly.

A lightly driven 285/70R17 can still age out before the tread is worn away. Time, heat, sunlight, ozone exposure, and long periods of inactivity all affect rubber and casing condition, so low mileage should never be treated as proof that an older tire is still ready for normal road use.

Collector use is less common for this size than regular service, but storage habits still matter on seasonal trucks and SUVs. Keep the vehicle away from direct sun, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or welders when possible. Before returning a stored vehicle to the road, inspect for cracking, flat spotting, and air loss rather than relying on appearance alone.

The 285/70R17 should be replaced when age or condition raises concern, even if tread depth still looks usable. Cracking, bulges, impact damage, repeated air loss, uneven wear, or long-term weathering are all warning signs that matter just as much as remaining tread, especially on heavier trucks and SUVs.

Road use places real stress on a tire in this size, so buyers should inspect before long trips and after any hard off-road contact. A tire can look serviceable at a glance yet still be compromised by age or internal damage. When condition is uncertain, a qualified tire professional should evaluate the assembly before continued use.

Load rating is critical in the 285/70R17 because this size appears in versions with meaningfully different capacities. Examples here range from 2,755 lb at 50 psi to 3,195 lb at 80 psi, and those figures are not interchangeable just because the sidewall size is the same.

Vehicle weight, payload, towing use, and wheel rating all need to be considered together. Buyers should match the tire's actual service capability to the vehicle rather than choosing by dimensions alone. Using the right load specification helps the tire operate as intended and avoids the common mistake of assuming every tire in a shared size code serves the same job.

Buyers should verify tire condition, wheel compatibility, load requirement, and the exact rating printed on the tire before putting the 285/70R17 into regular road service. The 17-inch rim diameter must match exactly, the wheel width should fall within 7.50 to 9.50 inches, and the tire's service level needs to suit the vehicle's actual use.

Modern road use also calls for checking the basics that size alone cannot answer. Review the current sidewall markings, inspect for damage or age-related cracking, and confirm that the tire clears the body and suspension through normal travel and steering range. If the vehicle sees towing, heavy payloads, or mixed highway and trail use, those demands should shape the final tire choice.