Need Advice....20" Wheels And Towing?

temmert1 · February 11, 2011

I have a 2010 Sierra crew with the 6.2 and 3:73's. I tow a 31 ft Camper with a loaded weight estimate of around 8k. My question is my truck came with 17 inch wheels and I was thinking of changing to 20"s as I like the look of them. My #1 concern is saftey for wife and kids so is there any stability issues with going to 20"s or anything else I should be concerned with?

Stevens03 · February 11, 2011

I've towed for years with 20's. Just make sure you get a tire that's rated for the load. I've been running E-rated Cooper Zeon LTZ's without issue.

temmert1 · February 11, 2011

So what load rating do I need to look for? And will my speedometer be off if I switch?

Stevens03 · February 11, 2011

No as long as you get 275/55r20's your speedo will be fine. That is the stock tire size and your speedo is based on overall diameter of the tire. Load D or E rating tire would be good.

temmert1 · February 11, 2011

Thanks Stevens

r7lc · March 16, 2011

I know this is a little late, but in case you haven't changed your wheels yet this might give you more reassurance:

I have a 2011 Sierra with 5.3 and 3.08's. It came with the factory 20" wheels also. I tow a 20' Toyhauler that weighs over 7k with a full load. Surprisingly, I have no problems driving the hills of SoCal at the speed limit. With your 6.2 and 3.73's, you will be fine. Also, the 20's won't impact your stability - like the other guy said, it's the overall tire diameter that changes geometry. Invest in quality tires - that's where it is!

Happy towing.

-Ron

mc7719 · March 16, 2011

Since most (if not all) 275/55/R20 tires are "P" tires (Passenger) and not "LT".. they do not have the load ratings printed on the sidewall. Are they still ok to tow with since they are run about 30psi LOWER than a D- or E-rated "LT" tire?

I have 275/55R20 Goodyear Fortera's and they are listed at a load rating of "111" which is a 2403lbs load rating