What’s the Best Tire Size for the Tank 300
Upgrading the tires is one of the most popular modifications for Tank 300 owners. Choosing the right size can significantly enhance off-road capabilities, improve handling, and upgrade the vehicle's appearance. But just how big can you go with the Tank 300? Here’s a comprehensive guide on the best tire sizes, installation tips, and wheel offset recommendations for the Tank 300.
1. Stock Tire Size for the Tank 300
The Tank 300 comes with stock tire sizes of either 265/65R17 or 265/60R18, with a diameter of around 30.5 inches. This size provides a good balance of comfort and off-road performance for everyday driving. However, for those looking to improve off-road capability, increasing the tire size can add ground clearance, better traction, and enhanced handling.
（Image: Stock Tank300）
With the stock suspension setup, the maximum tire size compatible with the Tank 300 is 265/70R17 (around 31.6 inches). This size offers a slight increase in clearance and can raise your effective speed by around 4% over the stock tire, making it an ideal choice for those looking to push a bit further without lifting the vehicle.
（Image: Tank300 Petrol Ultra with 265/70/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3）
2. Recommended Upgrade Size: 33-Inch Tires
Based on extensive testing, we recommend upgrading to 33-inch tires (roughly 285/70R17) for the best balance of aesthetics and off-road performance. This size is a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts and offers several advantages:
- Improved Ground Clearance: Larger tires provide increased clearance, helping you tackle rocky, muddy, or rugged terrain with ease.
- Enhanced Appearance: The increased height and width of 33-inch tires give the Tank 300 a more aggressive and capable look.
- Better Off-Road Performance: The wider tread improves grip, making your Tank 300 more stable and confident across sand, mud, and uneven surfaces.
It’s important to note that upgrading to 33-inch tires usually requires a lift of around 1.5 to 2 inches to prevent tire rubbing within the wheel wells during extreme compression.
（Image: 33inch tires, 1.5 inch lift kit）
（Image: 33inch tires, 1.5 inch lift kit）
（Image: 33inch tires, 1.5 inch lift kit）
3. Tire Upgrade Considerations
Before deciding on a larger tire size, there are several essential factors to keep in mind:
- Compliance: Make sure the upgraded tire size meets the regulations for each Australian state, ensuring your vehicle is road-legal after modification.
- Suspension Compatibility: Larger tires may require adjustments to the suspension system to prevent rubbing against the wheel wells during full compression.
- Speedometer Calibration: Bigger tires can affect the accuracy of your speedometer, so consider recalibrating to maintain accurate readings.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: Larger tires create more rolling resistance, which may slightly increase fuel consumption, especially noticeable during long-distance driving.
- Impact on Steering and Handling: Bigger tires can increase the vehicle’s turning radius, which may impact handling in everyday driving. Select a size that aligns with your driving style and needs.
- Extra Wear on Components: Larger tires place additional load on the drivetrain and suspension components, so regular maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent premature wear.
（Image: Tank300 with 35 inch tires, 1.5 inch lift kit）
4. Recommended Wheel Offset
When selecting a larger tire size, it’s also crucial to consider the wheel offset. The Tank 300’s stock wheel offset is +36, which helps maintain stability and ensure compatibility with the suspension system. For aftermarket wheels, we recommend not going below an offset of +10 to avoid excessive outward protrusion, which can lead to rubbing against the body and increased wear on suspension components. Choosing the right offset allows you to enhance the vehicle’s look without compromising functionality.
Summary: The Best Choice
In summary, the maximum recommended tire size for the stock Tank 300 suspension is 265/70R17 (approximately 31.6 inches). This upgrade provides a modest increase in speed and clearance, making it ideal for light off-roading. For those seeking greater off-road capability and visual appeal, 33-inch tires (285/70R17 or equivalent) offer the best balance of performance and aesthetics. If considering a 35-inch tire (315/70R17), we strongly recommend a minimum 2.5-inch lift kit and caution about potential wear, increased turning radius, and handling changes.
（Left:35 inch tires with 2.5 inch lift; Middle & Right:33 inch tires with 1.5 inch lift）
Regardless of your chosen tire size, always prioritise safety and compliance. We hope this guide helps you find the best fit for your Tank 300, so you can tackle Australia’s diverse landscapes with confidence.