Let's translate to inches:
Code:
Camburg: 32.8 x 12.6
Discount Tire: 32.7 x 12.6
QuadVan: 33.2 x 12.2
Quigley: 30.5 x 10.9
Salem Kroger: 31.5 x 10.9
Before the lift: 30.5 x 10.9
Stock SMB:* 32.8 x 12.6 (285/75/16)
Jagemobile:* 32.8 x 13.5 (305/70/16)
*These are not "MAX" either can fit 35s.
Don't let the precision fool you, tire sizes vary between manufacturers more than that. So essentially you're looking at 33s, 32s, or 31s instead of 30s.
The effect of the different sizes is ride height- not only does your pumpkin go up ½" for each size (negligible) but your running boards do too- I found myself in that situation with springs, but if you're van is at the perfect height 3" might change things significantly.
Again, nothing is exact, in different tire manufacturers the same size notations are physically different sizes, so your choices aren't very wide.
Speaking of width, width affects one thing primarily, and that is whether your tires rub on suspension or van components at full lock (wheel all the way turned). Keep in mind that something that doesn't rub in the parking lot might rub when the tire is stuffed under the van. The variation in widths possibly accounts for different components, but I think all the numbers are to keep you from rubbing at lock, whereas I don't generally worry about that (mine rub).
The last thing is rim size. Rim size is necessary to clear your brakes (or future brake upgrades) but negatively impacts amount of rubber between your rim and the road. You get a stiffer ride and higher tire rating with less rubber, but offroad you have less cushion when you air down. Personally I like a maximum amount of rubber, which on the van is second only to having E rated tires.
However, you could spin 24s and have 285/30/24s and you'd have 31x11 which would fit most of the options up there.... which is to say I'm confused by the 18" rim in Quadvan's recommendation, because you can ALWAYS go with a bigger rim.
So, to further confuse the matter, you've got Discount Tire listed with all the others. Clearly from the recommendations a Camburg lift is not equivalent to a Quigley lift for whatever size you're comparing, so I can't imagine that the Discount Tire is relevant unless your van is already lifted and the techs can look at it- in which case the other manufacturers recommendations are pointless since their recommendations are for their lift, not "lift of X inches".
Hope this helps, but if you pick a lift and then a tire brand and style (or two) the choices will narrow down significantly, and you can ask "I know a 285/75/16 Toyo MT will fit, but will a 305/70/16?" which was my question. The answer: they do, but they rub, which is OK.
El Guapo Rojo
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