One wrong construction choice turns a smooth daily driver into a stiff, noisy ride that also eats fuel. Matching the size is the easy part. The placard on your driver’s door jamb lists the minimum load index and speed rating your truck or SUV honestly needs, and every tire you consider has to meet or beat those numbers.
Skip any one of them and you’ll find out the expensive way.
The Specs Behind The Size
Every number in 285/55R20 carries meaning: 285 millimeters is the nominal section width, 55 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), and R20 marks a 20-inch radial wheel.
Common wheel-width fitment runs 8 to 10 inches, though at least one model — the Toyo Open Country A/T III — narrows that to 8.5 to 10 inches. Pirelli’s Scorpion All Terrain Plus keeps the 8-to-10 range.
That consistent diameter matters. If you’re replacing an existing set at the same size, physical clearance shouldn’t change. If you’re upsizing from something smaller, measure before you buy.
| Tire Model | Load & Size | Weight / Max Load |
|---|---|---|
| BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 | LT285/55R20 117/114T | 56 lb / 2,835 lb |
| BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 | LT285/55R20 117/114S | 58 lb / 2,833 lb |
| Nitto Recon Grappler A/T | 285/55R20 116T XL | 47 lb / 2,756 lb |
| Toyo Open Country A/T II | LT285/55R20 122/119S | 59 lb / 3,305 lb |
| Toyo Open Country A/T III | LT285/55R20 122/119T | 54 lb / 3,305 lb |
| Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus | LT285/55R20 122/119T | 58 lb / 3,305 lb |
LT Or P-Metric: What Decides The Outcome
Pay attention here: LT (light truck) tires carry far more load than P-metric versions, but they also ride firmer, weigh more, and cost more. The gathered listings show LT models at roughly 54 to 59 pounds versus 45 to 47 pounds for P/XL examples — a real difference you feel every time you hit a pothole.
The typical LT 285/55R20 all-terrain ratings land at 117/114T or 122/119S/T, with Load Range D or E depending on model. P-metric versions like the Nitto Recon Grappler’s 116T XL sit lower on both load capacity and max pressure. If you tow, haul, or load the bed regularly, LT is the safer call. If your truck is primarily a commuter, P-metric gives you a smoother ride at a lighter weight.
The full 285/55R20 size specifications from TireSize.com lay out every number side by side if you want to verify before committing.
Once you know your construction and load target, narrowing the field to real models is faster than starting from scratch. The tested roundup of the best 285 55R20 tires compares these exact models on specs, weight, and value.
Clearance, Ratings, And The Fine Print
Measure once, and measure cold — tires sit differently after a drive.
- Placard first: the load index and speed rating on your door jamb is a floor, not a suggestion. Meet or exceed it.
- Speed ratings differ: S, T, and XL-rated variants exist in this size. Match what your vehicle requires.
- Sidewall beats size: tire listings vary by exact SKU even within the same size, so the marking on the sidewall and the load index matter more than the size alone.
FAQs
Is a 285/55R20 tire the same as a 33-inch tire?
Close but not exact. Some retailers round it up to 33, which can cause confusion when comparing against actual 33-inch tires that measure taller on the tape.
Can I run P-metric instead of LT on a truck that tows?
Only if the P-metric tire still meets your vehicle’s placard load requirement. If you tow heavy, LT is the honest answer.
Why does tire weight matter so much in this size?
Heavier tires cost fuel, slow acceleration, and stress suspension components. Over five tires including the spare, that gap adds up to 50-plus pounds of unsprung rotating mass you’ll feel every day.
References & Sources
- TireSize.com. “285/55R20 Tires” Confirms overall diameter, width, and wheel-width fitment ranges for the size.
- TireSize.com. “BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 285/55R20” Source for KO2 load rating, weight, tread depth, and max load figures.
- TireSize.com. “BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 285/55R20” Source for KO3 specifications and weight comparison against the KO2.