You could have actually went 255-50-19. I ran Michelin Defenders for well over 40,000 miles and never had any issues. I ran 36 PSI and had even wear. I wish I would have taken more pictures but I traded her in on a 19 GTR, (which will need tires soon).
Having a spare vehicle is nice. My 93 Ranger I had was totaled two months ago due to an idiot illegally turning left in front of me. I miss having three vehicles. I would get one again but waiting for everything to return to some sort of normal.