2500 HD 20" Winter Tires

Skeld · May 20, 2016

I'm looking around a little for some winter tires that I will need in the fall. Just picked up this truck a month ago, my first 2500. First issue I see is there aren't any 265/60 R20 winter tires. There are some that are close, but they are not E rated tires. Now this might not be too much of a problem, but I'll be doing most of towing in the winter (snowmobile trailer, not that heavy, maybe 3500 to 5000 pounds) as well as carrying a plow.

What have people been using for these trucks? The 18" probably would have been better for this problem.

aeblank · May 20, 2016

X2. Subscribed. I plan to get another set of wheels though (ouch $$$ wise).

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FogDucker · May 21, 2016

X2. Subscribed. I plan to get another set of wheels though (ouch $$$ wise).

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I bought a set of K02s which are available in D and E in 20s, among other sizes. I mounted them on a set of AT wheels. The KO2s are about 15lbs heavier per tire which resulted in a ~1mpg hit and a slightly different feel on the road. They are excellent in the snow!

If you're anywhere near the Buffalo border, the fellow I bought them from has a barn full of them and the Canadian dollar is still in your favour.

Big Whiskey · May 21, 2016

If you've got an HD, then look into the 275/65/20 size. There's a lot of options in that size, and the narrow 275 width will give you better traction in the snow/ice than something like a 305/55/20.

Chevor · May 21, 2016

Buy a set of 17" or 18" steel wheels for winter.

Skeld · May 21, 2016

Eh, not really a fan of only using my nice OEM wheels half the time. Also prefer an actual winter tire rather than an all terrain, possibly studded. Used to run studded all the time but it's getting harder to find them.

As you say, probably will have to go 275/65 R20 but not sure the truck will clear those stock.

dab5577 · May 21, 2016

I have Duratrac 275/65/20s on a stock 2015 2500 Duramax and the fit right up no rubbing. Did have to trim a small inside corner of the front mud flap...nothing drastic. Love them.

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Chevor · May 22, 2016

Eh, not really a fan of only using my nice OEM wheels half the time. Also prefer an actual winter tire rather than an all terrain, possibly studded. Used to run studded all the time but it's getting harder to find them.

As you say, probably will have to go 275/65 R20 but not sure the truck will clear those stock.

I think you'll regret that in a couple years when the chrome starts to peel for the wheel. Winter road treatment is awful on Mag wheels.

becker87 · May 22, 2016

Try the cooper at3 in the 275/65/ r20. I have them on my half ton and have really enjoyed them, great winter traction as well.

JDBeretta · May 22, 2016

I think you'll regret that in a couple years when the chrome starts to peel for the wheel. Winter road treatment is awful on Mag wheels.

Aren't they polished aluminum? Still run into issues of pitting, if you don't keep the brake dust and snow off of them, but WAY better than chrome.

FogDucker · May 22, 2016

Aren't they polished aluminum? Still run into issues of pitting, if you don't keep the brake dust and snow off of them, but WAY better than chrome.

"machined aluminum" is what mine are. No chrome. Ditto for my stock 20" Denali wheels.

I use steel wheels for my snows on my other vehicle, but dislike how they rust no matter how much care I take.

I agree with the comment that dedicated snows are better than snow rated ATs. I wanted something I could drive in heat as well as I drive from Ontario to Florida [via Appalachians] each March and can experience all sorts of conditions on the way down. With the KO2s, I'm ready for anything!

JDBeretta · May 22, 2016

I will NEVER own a set of chrome aluminum wheels again.

And I meant "salt" not snow... I'm living in Alberta right now, and I just drove through 4" of snow and slush. Typical AB May-long!!

I'm also going to look into those K02 tires.

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Skeld · May 22, 2016

I think you'll regret that in a couple years when the chrome starts to peel for the wheel. Winter road treatment is awful on Mag wheels.

Well this is my 6th GM truck and I live in Maine so I'm relatively familiar with what happens. In 5 or 6 years, as long as I will keep it, there won't be much of a problem other than around the wheel weights maybe where those get moved around. They are definitely not chromed steel. That would be something that would be on a WT, not an LT.

Jparker2012 · May 22, 2016

I think you'll regret that in a couple years when the chrome starts to peel for the wheel. Winter road treatment is awful on Mag wheels.

The HD 20" wheels are usually forged and polished not chrome plated.

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Jparker2012 · May 22, 2016

Also I'd recommend a set of 275 65 R20 Wrangler Duratracs since they can be studed. That's all we run on our work trucks out in the oilfield and they are great in the snow, mud, and ice.

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