tire newbie so i just had a question. i have a 2001 dodge ram 4x4 (not sport edition) with a factory suspension and i tend to keep it like that until i get enough money. I just wanted to know if 295's are a little taller than 285's? i just want a tall enough tire to fit and not rub on my truck.there might not even be a big difference but i'm just asking.
Semper Fi,
Ruben

 

Assuming the tires both have the same aspect ratio 295's would be slightly taller

 

if the second number is the same, then yes, 295s are taller. This is how you decode a tire:

First set of numbers : 295-the width of the tire (treadwidth) in millimeters
Second set: 60-A %age of the first number, as the hight of the tire (60% of 295mm)
Third set: 16- 16" Wheel

then there is a letter and more numbers, the letter is a speed rating (which also shows breaking and handling charictersits of the tire, the higher the speed the better the characteristics) and the numbers show the Weight raiting, not Load rating which is denotated by C,D,or E, though weight and load are quite similar.

Speed ratings are as follows


M
81 mph
130 km/h


N
87 mph
140km/h
Temporary Spare Tires

P
93 mph
150 km/h


Q
99 mph
160 km/h
Studless & Studdable Winter Tires

R
106 mph
170 km/h
H.D. Light Truck Tires

S
112 mph
180 km/h
Family Sedans & Vans

T
118 mph
190 km/h
Family Sedans & Vans

U
124 mph
200 km/h


H
130 mph
210 km/h
Sport Sedans & Coupes

V
149 mphS and T tires are usuially found as light truck tires as well. (note, the insert excludes W,Y, and Z rated tires which are W:168mph,Y:186mph, and Z anything over 149mph)

 

if you plan on keeping the suspension stock, i'd stick with the 285's, my 285's rub pretty bad at full lock, i certainly wouldn't want anything bigger on stock suspension.