The 7" limits your tire size.
255/75/15 = 7"
265/70/17 = either
285/70/17 = 8"

Hope that helps.

 

very helpful thanks

 

You are very welcome.

The 285 will fit on the 7" wheel but for me it created a strange and unsafe handling problem when hitting a bump on a bend or hitting the brakes hard with the wheels turned. I am positive it was the wheel moving sideways in the tires.

 

I think I will just stick with the stock 265's knowing I can use either rim size. my understanding is that a thinner tire will cut through the snow a little better, although I guess wider is better on ice.

 

For a slightly narrower footprint without diameter size impact: 245/75R17

 

Will keep that option in mind. thanks

 

One buddy at MI stick with stock 265 and is doing great.

 

I was quoted with 265/70/17 for winter tires (OK Tire) . Canadian Tire lost my business because they will only quote stock size .