A question about tires

frankycjr · September 2, 2013

I have a 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 crew cab with 22 inch tires from the factory. I believe they are 275, 50 r 22.

My question is if I was to swap the tires and rims to say 255, 75 r 17 would I get better gas mileage ?

I'm pretty sure I would get much better traction in the rain and snow ?

Would my ride improve with having more tire ?

Any other pros or cons for doing this ??

Thanks

Frank

Chris · September 2, 2013

22's from the factory have a 285/45R22. The type of tire plays into the mileage as does weight. For a 17 you would go to a 265/70R17. I doubt it will gain you much. You are dealing with a 5500 pound truck with a V8. Biggest factor is how you drive.

kstruckcountry · September 2, 2013

Whether or not it does better in weather depends on what type of tires you get.

Stex · September 2, 2013

Better ride? yes, most of the time more sidewall means better ride. Depends on brand and type, i.e.. P vs. LT. I run Michelins P 271 65 18 LTX M/S on my 09 Sierra. Nice ride and balance out well. Also have some LTs in the same brand on my sub and ride good with a little less roll on turns.

SILVERADOSC540 · September 2, 2013

A larger sidewall usually results in a better ride, a shorter sidewall usually offers better handling. Rain traction depends mostly on the tire and not the size. Snow traction is usually better with a narrow tire as in tends to "dig in" and a wider tire will not "bite" as much as it will tend to ride on top of the snow. It is possible to find a happy medium with both sizes of rims. Choose the rims that you like the most, no matter the size, and find the tire that best fits your truck, your driving style and your conditions.

Bob D · September 2, 2013

...Snow traction is usually better with a narrow tire...

Ha Ha. Do you know how many knuckleheads that vehemently argue insisting that wide monster mudders are preferable? I try to explain to them that it ain't a snowmobile...

SILVERADOSC540 · September 2, 2013

I kinda figured that I might get a hard time over that statement, but being born and raised in Iowa I've figured out what works and what doesn't. At least not as well.

frankycjr · September 3, 2013

I've had 2 trucks before this one, an 84 GMC that was used to haul wood and plow it had 235's on it and a 1999 Silverado extended cab it came with 265's but I changed them to 255's once they wore out. The 84 had great traction in the now, the 99 was pretty good as well, and got better when I put on the smaller tires.

The 275's on this truck get very little traction in the snow, I'd really love to put on some 17" rims and throw on some good 245's on it. I'm not a fan of huge tires on a truck. I want tires that are functional and usable in all types of weather.

I'm very much interested in any differences in gas mileage between tires ? I would think the skinnier tire would be better for the MPG, less rolling resistance and being lighter, should help.

I'm now averaging around 15.5 MPG right now, but I've also read and seen advertised for sale the same trucks getting around 18MPG. And while I understand it's a truck, if I can squeeze some extra MPG out of it, I'd like to do that while also improving my snow traction.