Tires: Smaller Wheel, fj cruiser, inflation pressure

Question
Good evening, I bought a 2010 FJ Cruiser 4x4, without the off-road package, and have P265/70r17 currently on it. I pull a trailer with dirtbikes and want to do some off-roading. My friend gave me his stock toyota 16" wheels and I want to put some LT265/75r16. Will this effect my vehicle performance?

Thank you

Answer
Scott,

Of course it will.

First, in order to carry the same load a P265/70R17 does at the placard inflation pressure - 32 psi - an LT265/75R16 needs to use 43 psi.  Needless to say this affects the ride quality and the way the suspension reacts to irregularities in the road.

But there is going to be major differences between tires that are not accounted for in tire size.  Such properties as wear, traction, etc.  Are more tied to the make and model of tire than the size.