does size matter?

[bassnailer]

So, I pulled the trigger on some new tires today. (Territories)
I held off buying tires for some time because the big picture plan was to lift the van a bit and toss on some bigger tires, like 31's. But the longer I waited the more I doubted the need for a lift. What would the point be? Do I need a lift? No. I do go off-road, but not for off-road sake. It's usually to get to where I want to hunt, or get to a trail head, etc. But I wanted a lift! And I wanted one purely for looks. I'll be honest, it's a bit vain. But I like the look of the L300 sitting a little higher on some bigger rubber. But I'm responsible now. I'm a dad. I'm in my late 30's. I'm almost an adult now! So I stayed with the 235's.

The Territories looked good, too. A guy at work has them, one guy had them a few years ago, and they both raved about them. But when I picked the tires up and saw them in "my size", I was left feeling a little...well...flaccid.

Does size really matter? What are some of the pros of a lift and bigger tires? What are the pros of the smaller tires? What are the cons?

I do think that I made the right choice. It's just a tire size hang up that I have at the moment. But I had to get this off my chest and see what y'all had to say about it.

[nxski]

I'd go with a 6" lift and 33's if it was for looks and I had some extra money. The 2" lift with 31's is more practical and greatly improves the approach angle. I'm positive I wouldn't have done the whipsaw without help if I'd kept mine stock.

[rezdiver]

have you ever put yourself in a situation that had you totally stuck and the only thing that may have helped would be a lift and bigger tires? if not then you dont need it. its over rated, a waste of money, and most who have a lift and bigger tires just do it for looks.
people have done the whipsaw in a car.

you picked a good set of tires and they will help you in most situations. having proper tread is way more important than a lift and bigger tires, as that not only changes your gear ratio and reduces your crawl but also makes you less fuel efficient.

[bassnailer]

Tires are on and they look good! I feel much relief now. And for what it's worth; Canadian Tire did a good job and they were pleasant to deal with.

[jessef]

size does not matter. as Reza said, a suspension lift and larger tires are not a necessity for most people.

there are instances when a suspension lift + larger tires are a good option:

1. your shocks/suspension and tires are shot and you need to replace them all coupled with the fact that you are offroading and get stuck with the stock setup. The cost of upgrading to larger tires and suspension lift are offset by need to replace the originals regardless.

2. you find yourself offroad often and can benefit from the added clearance. This can be debated however a 2" lifted L300 with 31's is more capable in certain terrain than a stock height L300 with 29" tires.

3. you need that 'look'

If you don't fit in the above, then a 2+" lift and larger tires doesn't make sense unless you have a money tree hidden somewhere.