Tire size stock truck

nh09z71 · June 8, 2012

I have 63k on my OE Bridgestone's, so it's time to start looking at new tires. I've just about narrowed my search down to Cooper A/T3. The stock tires are 265/65R18. My truck, an '09 1500 Z71 is totally stock. Can a larger tire be put on with no adverse problems or rubbing? I understand the speedo will be off a bit, but I'm already a bit slower than my speedo reads now.

Thanks.

SierraJoe1110 · June 8, 2012

I am almost positive you can run a 275-65-18 w/o a leveling kit

Blue2500CC · June 9, 2012

I am almost positive you can run a 275-65-18 w/o a leveling kit

I don't have any issues with 275/65/18 A/T3's that I just got about 2 weeks ago! No pics.... truck is STILL dirty! Lol Just haven't had time to wash the beast!

Chris

nh09z71 · June 9, 2012

Thanks guys.....will probably get the A/T3's within a few weeks.

Big Whiskey · June 10, 2012

Yes, 275/65/18's will fit without a leveling kit.

nh09z71 · June 13, 2012

Called a few tire place today for prices....The place I am probably going to buy from tells me that the 265/65's are pretty much a P rated tire, while the 275/65's are a 10 ply tire. The price difference isn't all that much, but I'm wondering how much difference there will be in handleing and MPG?

I do drive on gravel roads quite a bit, and my truck is on construction sites every day, so the 10 ply should be more durable. I am also thinking of getting a travel trailer for when I am working on the road.

Big Whiskey · June 13, 2012

Going from a P-rated tire to a LT, 10 ply, E-rated tire is going to effect your handling and MPG. It will ride more stiff and your MPG will drop. However, those new tires will be much stronger than the stockers. There are plenty or companies that make a 275/65/18 tire in P-rated as well. Also, Cooper, Mastercraft, and Goodyear make 275/65/18 tires in a LT, but they're 6-ply, Load range C....which would be my choice, because they're stronger than the stock tires (6 ply vs 4 ply) but not as heavy as a 10 ply.

nh09z71 · June 13, 2012

Thanks for your help. I called the tire shop back today, and he can get the A/T3's in the 275/65 18 in a C load range. They are only $5 cheaper than the E range tires, and he'll give me the E range tires for the same price. I told him my concerns over ride quality, and he says as long as I don't put too much air in them, the ride will be fine. And I'll have the ability to put more air in them if I need to for towing.

I cant seem to find a weight difference for the two tires online.

AzDragonLord · June 14, 2012

MikeNH · June 14, 2012

Buy the Cs. If you run E range tires at too low a pressure they can overheat and fail.

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nh09z71 · June 14, 2012

I am going with the C's .....getting them installed tomorrow.

nh09z71 · June 16, 2012

Got the new tires installed yesterday. I have about 250 miles on them so far.....and, while it's not a fair comparison of new tires with 16/32" to old tires with 3-4/32", so far the new ones are great. Pretty smooth at highway speeds, and not too loud either.

Going up one size to a 275/65R18 is no problem on the stock truck, and they look pretty nice.

Thanks for the help.

Big Whiskey · June 18, 2012

Glad you like them! Pics would be great! Also, has your MPG changed any?

nh09z71 · June 21, 2012

Pics might come later, traveling this weekend so i don't have tons of time.

As for MPG....hard to tell. It's been pretty warm here....been running the AC quite a bit. MPG has gone down some, but it's probably a combination of the new rubber and the AC being on so much.