Quote:
Originally Posted by JFlo
I feel there is sufficient clearance for chains, mud and snow build-up with a 265/70/17 wheel/tire combo. I've had mine pretty well loaded up with snow and muck with no issues.
I do not feel that way about a 285/70/17 combo unless the vehicle is lifted. 285's typically require some modification of the mud flaps and clearances are extremely tight. In my mind any build up of snow or mud would be a problem. Just my opinion....
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I am in complete agreement with JFlo above. I live in CA now, but I was raised in Iowa and living with snow and mud for any period of time will quickly show you how it will build up in the wheel wells over a short amount of time.
Here are the numbers for the BFG KO2's, you can draw your own conclusions.
BFG KO2 265/70/17: Measured distance (on my van) from sidewall of tire to side of stock strut = 0.36".
BFG KO2 285/70/17 width = 11.2"
BFG KO2 265/70/17 width = 10.4"
11.2" - 10.4" = 0.8"
0.8" / 2 = 0.4"
0.4" is greater than 0.36". Not by much and the plastic cover on the strut will no doubt move aside and/or rub a bit, but there is no clearance for build up of snow/mud and the math says it WILL rub as things move around. (Note: The 285/70/17 is what Snowy runs and he has said that he is happy with it.)
Wheel spacers or custom Roam wheels will add enough clearance to allow this combination to fit. Van Compass just posted pictures on their Instgram account of a 4x4 Sprinter with 285/75/16's with their 2" lift kit and 14mm Agile spacers and it is a really nice look.
It is interesting that nobody ever talks about running BFG KO2 275/70/17's. They are 10.8" wide and the math says they will just barely fit.
And FYI, the Sprinter manual says chains only go on the rear and NOT the front, thus chain clearance is not a consideration when talking about the front.
Again, I am with JFlo. If I decide to go to a larger tire it will be with a lift and spacers. In the meantime, the combination of the BFG KO2 265/70/17's and the full Van Compass skid plate package is working just fine.