Minus sizing for winter usage

[szalkerous]

Has anyone done minus sizing on their pickup trucks' tires/wheels for winter usage?

I'm trying to determine the ultimate options for snow and ice traction on my 2015 1500 Crew Cab/Std Bed Z71. We had a really stupid winter in the Northeast and I don't want to repeat that nonsense without the best tires.

O.E. Tires/wheels are 265/65/18. Unfortunately, there's not many tire choices in this size.

So I'm thinking of buying a tire/steel wheel package. I can get some great options on a 245/70/R17 set. Fully studded Firestone Winterforce UV winter tires on black steel wheels with TPMS sensors, mounted and balanced, shipped @ $1100 from Tire Rack.

My concern is... is doing a 1x diameter/2x contact width minus-sizing normal? Obviously maximum punch into the snow is great. Has anyone done this, and did it clear the stock brakes?

I'm thinking of buying them now to take advantage of any closeouts during the summer months.

[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

Yes the 17s will clear because the base trucks come with 17s as standard also the spare tire under the bed is a 17" rim.

[szalkerous]

Yes the 17s will clear because the base trucks come with 17s as standard also the spare tire under the bed is a 17" rim.

Didn't even think of that. You make a valid point.

 

Now I just need to find out if putting 245's on this truck is safe. I know load carrying capabilities fluctuate based on contact patch distribution. If that's the case I may opt for the LT version of those tires, even though it will cost me $120 more.

[Dropsix]

I use 17's in the winter. 265/70/17 I think.