Tire Size 275/60r20 vs 33×12.50r20
Switching from 225/65r17 to 225/60r17 tires involves a subtle change in size and performance. Let’s explore how this tire switch might impact your driving experience.
- Wider tread increases width by 1.69 inches improving off-road traction
- Diameter difference of 0.03 inches is negligible for ground clearance
- Speedometer accuracy remains virtually unchanged
- Tire revolutions decrease by only 0.52 per mile maintaining similar performance
- Significant width increase may affect on-road handling and fuel efficiency
Fitment Guide
The diameter difference between 275/60r20 and 33×12.50r20 tires is only 0.1%, which is well within the acceptable range of plus or minus 3%.
This means the interchange is recommended from a diameter perspective, and you shouldn’t need to make adaptations to prevent issues like rubbing or clearance problems based on the diameter alone.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 33×12.50r20 tires will affect your vehicle’s on-road performance in several ways:
- Speedometer Accuracy: Your speedometer will remain highly accurate. When it shows 20 mph, you’ll actually be traveling at 20.02 mph. This 0.1% difference is negligible and won’t affect your driving or speed awareness.
- Fuel Efficiency: The 33×12.50r20 tires make 0.52 fewer revolutions per mile, a mere 0.1% decrease. This slight difference is unlikely to have any noticeable impact on fuel efficiency due to revolutions alone. However, the increased width may create more rolling resistance and potentially decrease fuel economy slightly.
- Handling: The significantly wider profile of 33×12.50r20 tires could improve traction, especially in dry conditions. However, it might also increase the risk of hydroplaning in wet weather and could make the steering feel heavier.
- Ride Comfort: With only a 0.01-inch (0.2%) increase in sidewall height, there should be little to no difference in ride comfort based on the sidewall alone. However, the wider tire may absorb more road imperfections, potentially improving overall ride quality.
- Aesthetics: The much wider 33×12.50r20 tires will give your vehicle a more aggressive, off-road ready appearance. This can significantly change the look of your vehicle, making it appear more rugged and capable.
Off-Road Impact
For off-road enthusiasts, the switch to 33×12.50r20 tires can bring substantial benefits:
- Ground Clearance: The minimal increase in diameter (0.03 inches) means there will be no significant change in ground clearance. Your off-road capability in terms of obstacle clearance will remain virtually unchanged.
- Traction: The substantially wider tread of 33×12.50r20 tires will provide significantly better traction in most off-road conditions, including mud, sand, and loose gravel. This can greatly improve your vehicle’s off-road capability.
- Durability: The wider profile of 33×12.50r20 tires may provide better protection against punctures and cuts from off-road hazards. The slightly taller sidewall (though only by 0.01 inches) is unlikely to make a noticeable difference in durability.
- Flotation: The increased width of the 33×12.50r20 tires will provide much better flotation in soft terrains like sand or deep mud. This can help prevent your vehicle from getting stuck in these conditions and improve overall off-road performance.
What is the Difference Between 275/60r20 and 33×12.50r20?
The main difference between 275/60r20 and 33×12.50r20 tires is their width. The 33×12.50r20 is significantly wider at 12.52 inches compared to 10.83 inches for the 275/60r20.
Their diameters are very similar, with the 33×12.50r20 being only 0.03 inches larger. The sidewall heights and overall circumferences are also nearly identical.
Can I Use 33×12.50r20 Instead of 275/60r20?
Yes, you can use 33×12.50r20 instead of 275/60r20. The diameter difference is only 0.1%, well within the recommended 3% limit.
This means the interchange should not cause issues with speedometer accuracy or vehicle clearance. However, the significant width increase may affect handling and potentially require suspension modifications.
How Much Taller Is a 33×12.50r20 Tire Than a 275/60r20?
A 33×12.50r20 tire is 0.03 inches (0.72 mm) taller than a 275/60r20 tire. The 33×12.50r20 has a diameter of 33.02 inches (838.72 mm), while the 275/60r20 has a diameter of 32.99 inches (838 mm).
This represents a mere 0.1% difference in height, which is negligible for most purposes.
How Much Wider is a 33×12.50r20 Tire Than a 275/60r20?
A 33×12.50r20 tire is 1.69 inches (43 mm) wider than a 275/60r20 tire. The 33×12.50r20 has a width of 12.52 inches (318 mm), while the 275/60r20 has a width of 10.83 inches (275 mm).
This represents a 15.6% difference in width, which is a significant increase that can affect vehicle handling and appearance.
275/60r20 vs 33×12.50r20 Chart
This table outlines the minor differences between the 275/60R20 and 33×12.50R20 tires, mainly in width and sidewall height.
| Feature | 275/60R20 | 33×12.50R20 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 32.99 (838) | 33.02 (838.72) | 0.03 (0.72) 0.1% |
| Width inches (mm) | 10.83 (275) | 12.52 (318) | 1.69 (43) 15.6% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 103.65 (2632.65) | 103.74 (2634.92) | 0.09 (2.26) 0.1% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 6.5 (165) | 6.51 (165.36) | 0.01 (0.36) 0.2% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 611.3 (379.84) | 610.78 (379.52) | -0.52 (-0.33) -0.1% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 20.02 mph | +0.02 mph |
Our Observation
Switching from 275/60r20 to 33×12.50r20 tires offers significant benefits for off-road use with minimal compromise for on-road driving.
The negligible difference in diameter means speedometer accuracy and ground clearance remain virtually unchanged. The dramatic increase in width is the key factor, providing substantial improvements in off-road traction and flotation.
On-road, you may experience slightly reduced fuel efficiency and heavier steering, but gain improved dry traction. The aesthetic change is significant, giving your vehicle a more aggressive, off-road ready appearance.
Overall, this tire switch is ideal for those prioritizing off-road performance while maintaining good on-road manners.
Sabrina Khan Tisha, a lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com, brings a wealth of experience to her role. As the CEO of amarcalculator.com, she oversees a platform offering diverse calculation tools. Sabrina’s background in HR and office management, coupled with her numerous certifications, informs her approach to content creation. Her leadership and expertise contribute significantly to the automotive and calculation sectors.
