305/70R17 In Inches: Tire Size, Dimensions and Conversions

The 305/70R17 tire size measures 33.9 inches (860 mm) in overall diameter, 12 inches (305 mm) in width, and fits a 17-inch (431.8 mm) wheel. With a sidewall height of 8.4 inches (214 mm) and a circumference of 106.4 inches (2700 mm), it completes about 595 revolutions per mile (370 per km). 

Known for its wide tread and taller profile, this size is a favorite among off-road trucks and SUVs, offering excellent traction, shock absorption, and stability across rugged terrains.

For a deeper understanding of tire sizes, check out our comprehensive guide on the topic.

What is 305/70R17 in Inches and Metric?

The 305/70R17 tire is a robust option favored for off-road driving, offering an excellent balance of traction, durability, and performance. Below is a table of the important specifications for this tire size:

These specs make the tire highly suitable for vehicles that require a taller profile and broader tread for better traction on rough terrain. With a large sidewall height and wider tread, it provides excellent shock absorption, ideal for off-roading.

Breaking Down the Meaning of 305/70R17

The 305/70R17 tire size is made up of four key components, each providing important information about the tire’s characteristics.

• 305: The tire’s width, measured in millimeters. In this case, the tire is 305 mm wide, or approximately 12 inches.
  
• 70: The aspect ratio, indicating that the sidewall height is 70% of the tire’s width. This means the sidewall height is about 8.4 inches.
  
• R: Stands for radial construction, the most common tire construction type today, providing flexibility and strength.
  
• 17: The diameter of the wheel the tire is designed to fit on, which is 17 inches.
  

This breakdown ensures that the tire is optimized for vehicles that need durability, performance, and higher ground clearance, such as trucks and off-road SUVs.

How to Convert 305/70R17 to Inches and Millimeters?

Understanding the exact size of the tire is crucial when it comes to fitting it onto your vehicle or replacing old tires. The 305/70R17 tire size can be easily converted to inches and millimeters:

1. Width: The tire width (305 mm) converts to approximately 12 inches.
   
2. Sidewall Height: The aspect ratio of 70% means the sidewall is 8.4 inches (214 mm).
   
3. Diameter: The overall tire diameter is about 33.9 inches (860 mm).
   

These dimensions are important for ensuring that the tire fits correctly on your vehicle and performs optimally.

Tire Longevity and Durability

One of the standout features of 305/70R17 tires is their ability to offer long-lasting durability, especially for vehicles used in rugged environments. Tires in this size are designed to handle heavy loads and rough terrains, making them a great investment for those who drive off-road or carry heavy cargo.

• Quality of Materials: Tires made from high-quality rubber compounds can resist wear and tear better, even in challenging weather conditions, leading to longer tire life.
  
• Tread Design: The tread pattern plays a huge role in durability. Tires designed with deeper, more aggressive treads (like mud-terrain tires) can withstand harsher conditions and last longer, especially when used primarily for off-roading.

Fuel Efficiency Considerations

Larger tires, such as the 305/70R17, tend to impact fuel efficiency due to their increased rolling resistance. However, the degree of impact can vary based on tire construction, tread pattern, and vehicle type.

• All-Terrain vs. Mud-Terrain: All-terrain tires in this size may provide better fuel efficiency than mud-terrain tires due to their less aggressive tread patterns and lighter weight.
  
• Tire Pressure: Maintaining the correct tire pressure ensures that fuel efficiency is optimized. Under-inflation increases rolling resistance, leading to reduced miles per gallon (MPG).

Common Vehicles That Use 305/70R17 Tires

The 305/70R17 tire size is typically found on larger vehicles like SUVs, light trucks, and off-road vehicles. These tires are ideal for models that require a balance between off-road capabilities and on-road comfort. Common vehicles that use or are compatible with this tire size include:

• Ford F-150
  
• Ram 1500
  
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  
• Toyota Land Cruiser
  
• Nissan Titan
  

This tire size is also favored by owners of off-road-focused vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler, where performance in off-road conditions is a top priority.

305/70R17 Tire vs. Other Tire Sizes

When selecting the right tire size for your vehicle, it’s important to compare the 305/70R17 with other common tire sizes to understand the differences in performance, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency. The following table highlights key differences between the 305/70R17 and several alternative tire sizes:

305/70R17 vs. 285/70R17

Key Takeaways:

• 305/70R17 offers a wider tread and a taller sidewall, providing better off-road performance and comfort but at the expense of slightly reduced fuel efficiency.
  
• 285/70R17 offers a narrower width, making it more fuel-efficient, but sacrifices some off-road grip and ride comfort.
  

305/70R17 vs. 315/70R17

Key Takeaways:

• 315/70R17 is slightly wider and has a larger overall diameter, improving off-road capability and providing more cushion for rough terrain.
  
• 305/70R17 is slightly smaller, offering better fuel efficiency while maintaining strong off-road performance.
  

285/75R16 vs. 305/70R16

Key Takeaways:

• 305/70R16 has a larger diameter and wider tread, offering improved off-road capabilities and comfort.
  
• 285/75R16 is more fuel-efficient with a slightly firmer ride but provides less overall off-road traction.
  

305/70R17 vs. 285/75R17

Key Takeaways:

• 305/70R17 is a bit wider, offering slightly better traction and a more comfortable ride compared to the 285/75R17.
  
• 285/75R17 is marginally larger in diameter and offers a balanced off-road performance, though it may reduce fuel efficiency slightly more than the 305/70R17.

If you need tire-related services, feel free to visit our tire repair page for expert assistance.

FAQs

Q. How Tall is a 305/70R17 Tire?

A 305/70R17 tire has a height (overall diameter) of approximately 33.9 inches or 860 mm. This size offers substantial ground clearance, making it ideal for off-roading.

Q. How Wide is a 305/70R17 Tire?

The tread width of the 305/70R17 tire is about 12 inches (305 mm). This width provides greater surface contact, improving traction and stability in off-road conditions.

Q. Can I Use 305/70R17 Tires on My Vehicle?

If your vehicle is designed for off-road or light truck use, the 305/70R17 tire is a great choice. It provides added ground clearance and improved traction. However, always ensure the tire fits your vehicle’s specifications and doesn’t exceed size limits.