What Size?

bmp5484 · June 21, 2011

I'm gonna be needing a new set of tires soon and am currently running 275 55 20 Zeon ltz's and I am completely satisfied with the tires looks, wear, and performance and would like to get another set, and I want to go alittle taller and wider to help fill out the wheel wells. The next size to go alittle taller and wider in the Zeon is a 305 55 20. (I know they have a 305 50 20 also but would like to go alittle taller than .1 inches) Don't know if this is too big and too wide, or can be done with alittle trimming but I'm really trying to stick with the Zeons, I love the way they look and I don't do alot of off roading so their aggressive look and long life is a plus. I am currently running 20x9.5 wheels with a +15 offset and 5.8" backspace. Was wondering if anyone had any pics of this setup or anything close just to get an idea what it's look like. Also, if there are any rubbing issues with this setup? Truck is a 2006 silverado Z71 with a set of Rough Country keys. Any help is greatly appreciated!

blackout07 · June 21, 2011

They are going to rub a lot. I ran that size on my 03 HD and they rubbed after some fender massaging with a hammer and a 2" crank.

Stevens03 · June 21, 2011

Yeah, they're going to rub alot. You really need to stick with the 305/50r20's or the if you want more tire.

bmp5484 · June 22, 2011

Thanks for the input guys. Are those 305 50's on your truck stevens? Also, what is the offset and backspace on the wheels? Looks nice and clean. I am also tossing around the idea of a 285 55, or even a 285 60, although the 285 60 is still a pretty tall tire. I'm trying to stay away from that look of where a tire is way too wide for the height. Just want something proportionate. What would be the biggest clearance problem issue, height or width? Or both? Thanks alot guys

Stevens03 · June 22, 2011

I have a 2" RC leveling kit, 305/50r20's on 20x8.5" wide wheel with 5.5" of backspacing. The tire certainly doesn't look to wide for the wheel and I have no rubbing issues. Height would be what you need to be concerned with for the most part.

With a leveling kit, people claim 33" tires will work without much issue if any but I think they are REALLY tight on the GMT-900's.

bmp5484 · June 22, 2011

If my wheels have 5.8" backspace vs. your 5.5", does that mean they will stick out further or be tucked in more? I keep tossing around the idea of a 285 55 terra grappler since it seems like a decent compromise on both the width and the height but would that be proportionate looking? If anyone has any pics of that setup (285 55 20) or any of the sizes mentioned, please post. Thanks guys

Stevens03 · June 22, 2011

Your wheel will tucked in .3" more than mine.

Justin Lane · June 22, 2011

20x9 with 0 offset. 295/55/20

They are on order now. Only have a rough country level.

I'll be the one to show how much you have to cut/trim

stlavsa · June 22, 2011

305/50/20 is the only way to go.. 55 series is way too big.. its also heavier..

You will find that the 305/50/20 will fill it out quite nicely.

bmp5484 · June 22, 2011

I'll be waiting to see what your look like justin. I have looked at 295 55 but the only tire I come up with is the trail grappler, which is an awesome tire and would be great to have, except that I don't do much off roading so it might be kind of a waste for me. Any thoughts on maybe a 285 55? That kinda seems like a middle of the road, but I'm still exploring all options. I wish they made a wider variety of tires in 295 55 20.

stlavsa · June 22, 2011

I'll be waiting to see what your look like justin. I have looked at 295 55 but the only tire I come up with is the trail grappler, which is an awesome tire and would be great to have, except that I don't do much off roading so it might be kind of a waste for me. Any thoughts on maybe a 285 55? That kinda seems like a middle of the road, but I'm still exploring all options. I wish they made a wider variety of tires in 295 55 20.

285/55 is gonna look a bunch smaller than the 305/50/20. I know you are thinking that you want to get some more diameter, but in all honestly, tire diameter is a lot harder to notice than the width... a 32" tire that is 12" wide will look more aggressive than a 33" tall tire that is only 10.5" wide.

Just for example have you ever seen a 305/55/20 next to a 35x12.5x20?? If the 305s have a lot of tread and the 35s are worn, they are practically the same size, you really cant tell the difference.. BUT if you ever seen a 285 series 33 next to a 305 33 yo u will notice a HUGE difference. dont go for the pizza cutters.

bmp5484 · June 22, 2011

Thanks for the advice, I think I might take it and run with it because I can get the 305 50 in the Cooper. I can see exactly what you're saying and thats what I'm going for is just alittle more agressive look. But now another question, which tread pattern looks better spaced farther with the extra width you think? Terra Grappler or Zeon Ltz?

bmp5484 · June 23, 2011

bump

mhenshaw · June 23, 2011

Thanks for the advice, I think I might take it and run with it because I can get the 305 50 in the Cooper. I can see exactly what you're saying and thats what I'm going for is just alittle more agressive look. But now another question, which tread pattern looks better spaced farther with the extra width you think? Terra Grappler or Zeon Ltz?

Zeon looks more aggressive to me.

stlavsa · June 23, 2011

I cant speak on the zeons, but I know that the terra grapplers look like street tires, especially once they start to wear. Even a little wear and their aggressiveness is gone. I am a big fan of the trail graps, but not the terras..