255/70R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 255/70R17 Tires

255/70R17 means the tire is 255 mm wide, with a 70% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, producing a 31.1-inch overall diameter and a 7.0-inch sidewall height.

The 255/70R17 size sits in the lower end of the 31-inch truck and SUV category, where overall diameter becomes a defining part of fitment rather than just a specification detail. 

255/70R17 size is taller than near-30-inch sizes such as 255/65R17, but still narrower than wider 265-series truck alternatives.

Where LT255/70R17 and P255/70R17 versions appear, they use the same external dimensions as 255/70R17 but follow different construction standards. That affects load capacity, inflation pressure, and intended use. The LT version is built for heavier-duty service, while the P-metric version is intended for passenger-vehicle applications, so they should not be treated as direct like-for-like substitutes.

255/70R17 Size Quick Specs

• Approved rim width range: 6.5–8.5"
• Measuring/design rim: 7.5 inches
• Overall diameter: 31.1"
• Width: 255 mm
• Sidewall height: 178.5 mm
• Fits 17-inch wheels

Note: The calculated overall diameter of 255/70R17 is ≈31.1 inches, though actual mounted measurements can vary by about ±0.1 to 0.3 inches depending on tread pattern and construction.

255/70R17 Common Vehicle Fitments

OEM applications for 255/70R17 span several major truck platforms, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (specific years), GMC Sierra 1500 (1999–2006 and 2019–2026), Ford F-150 (2004–2014), Ford Ranger (2022–2026), Lincoln Mark LT (2010–2014), and Volkswagen Amarok (2022–2026).

These vehicles reflect that 255/70R17 is a size used predominantly on half-ton and light-duty full-size trucks rather than CUVs or passenger cars. Because fitment varies by trim level and model year, the vehicle door placard remains the definitive reference before purchase.

Load index and construction type also matter here, especially where both P-metric and LT versions exist under the same nominal size.

255/70R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 255/70R17 tire size is ≈10.04 inches wide, ≈31.1 inches tall overall, and has a sidewall height of ≈7.03 inches.

At ≈31.1 inches in overall diameter, 255/70R17 corresponds to roughly 97.7 inches of circumference, which is the theoretical distance the tire travels in one full rotation. 

255/70R17 in Inches: All Measurements

• Overall diameter: ≈31.1"
• Width: 10.04"
• Sidewall height: 7.03"
• Wheel diameter: 17"
• Circumference: 97.73" (≈97.7")

Most Recommended 255/70R17 Tires

Best tires in 255/70R17 size include:

• 255/70R17 all terrain tires: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W, General Grabber A/T Sport
• All-season 255/70R17 tires: Continental TerrainContact H/T, Nexen Roadian HTX 2
• Affordable 255/70R17 tires: Ironman All Country HT 4S, Laufenn X FIT AT (LC01)
• 255/70R17 set of 4 (best price): Kumho Crugen HT51, Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme RF12

Comparison of 255/70R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

255/70R17 sits between shorter 65-series truck sizes and wider 265-series alternatives. Compared to 255/65R17, the 255/70 keeps the same section width but adds sidewall height and total diameter. 

Compared to 265/70R17, the 255/70R17 size stays in the same general truck category but gives up width and some overall height. Those two comparisons define where 255/70R17 fits within the 17-inch truck/SUV size range.

Difference Between 255/70R17 and 255/65R17 Tire Sizes

The 255/70R17 is taller than the 255/65R17 while keeping the same width:

• Width: both sizes are 255 mm
• Overall diameter: 255/70R17 is ≈1 inch (≈3.3%) larger than 255/65R17

The difference in OD between 255/70R17 and 255/65R17 is just over the ±3% threshold, so these sizes are not treated as direct replacements. The 255/70R17 adds measurable overall height and sidewall, which changes effective gearing and speedometer calibration.

Difference Between 255/70R17 and 265/70R17 Tire Sizes

The 265/70R17 is wider and slightly taller than the 255/70R17:

• Width: 265/70R17 is 10 mm wider than 255/70R17
• Overall diameter: 265/70R17 is ≈0.55 inches (≈1.8%) larger than 255/70R17

The difference in OD between 255/70R17 and 265/70R17 remains within the ±3% threshold, so these sizes are generally interchangeable from a diameter standpoint. The real distinction is in proportion: 265/70R17 adds section width and a modest increase in total height, which can affect clearance and wheel fitment.

To understand safe downsizing or upsizing options for the 265/70R17 tire size, refer to the full 3% tire size rule guide.