Tire size on factory 20's with leveling kit

[Matt_UKTX]

Guys,

I've literally read a thousand posts on tire sizes, and I am more confused now than when I started

I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 6.2L 4x2 Denali on order. When the truck comes in, the dealer is going to install a leveling kit (I don't know which one, but I do know it will be one that works perfectly with the MRC on the Denali).

I am planning to keep the 20" factory rims and replace the tires with something more aggressive to fill the wheel wells out more.

My question is this: What is the maximum tire size I can go with to avoid any rubbing with zero modifications (other than my level kit)?

To be clear, I don't want to do any cutting, trimming, zip tying, etc. or have to add spacers.

From what I read there are so many opinions on this.

I know with 100% certainty that 275/60/R20's will fit, but these aren't much different than factory tires. However, what about the following sizes:

275/65/R20

285/60/R20

295/60/R20

295/55/R20

305/55/R20

Some say all these will fit with no rub, and others say some do and some don't. Can someone who has tried and tested this please give me some advice. Thanks!

PS: If it makes a difference I'm looking at BFG All-Terrain A/T KO2's, Toyo Open Country AT2's or Nitto Terra Grappler G2's... I also know that not all these tires are not available in all the sizes above.

[sisupower]

 

07 Yukon with level kit on front. I run 275/55/r20 without any issues. Hope this helps. But the newer trucks wheel wells are maybe bigger? Or smaller? Idk

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[15_silverado]

I think the reason for different opinions on what size will fit; with some saying a certain size fits and others say the say size will rub is, that every truck will sit slightly different, that's just how it is.

 

Therefore in my opinion the best thing to do is install the leveling kit of your choice the take measurements of all kinds, especially at full lock and see how much room you have left, leaving yourself at least a 1/2 inch of play all around.

 

Know what the exact inch measurements are of the tire currently on the truck and the tire you wish to buy. ( You con look up these inch measurements from each manufacturers website. Every tire is different between the manufacturers. Don't go by the metric size stamped on the tire.) Then do the math to see what will fit.

 

It's a little more time and effort, but better than going off what someone else says works, only to find out it rubs and at that point your stuck with those tires because you already bought them and can't return after installing them.

[amxguy1970]

So you ask one of the most common questions and don't even know what size leveling kit? Try finding that out first, then search what sizes fit with that size level. 20's are the most comon tire size now it seems, you will find your answer (or close) but each persons truck is a little different as are tires and scenarios. One person might get no rub backing out another might get a touch on a steep grade. Just read what everyone says and make your own judgement, what you receive (or not receive as people who know might not asnwer as they get sick of answering the same questions they have already answered) will be no different in this thread than what you have already read...

 

Good luck.

 

Tyler

[amxguy1970]

Does this really need two of the same posts (one of which is a new thread) after asking the same question a few minuts before?

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/153363-2014-leveling-kits/?p=1895736

 

Tyler

[Matt_UKTX]

Does this really need two of the same posts (one of which is a new thread) after asking the same question a few minuts before?

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/153363-2014-leveling-kits/?p=1895736

 

Tyler

Sorry, I posted my thread and then found the other one. If you check the date it was a pretty old post.

 

I did do a search. It didn't get any consistent responses other than saying that 275/60/20 will fit with 100% certainly. I'd really like to know how likely I'll have issues with 285/60/20, 295/60/20 and 275/65/20.

[crushNchowda]

Sorry, I posted my thread and then found the other one. If you check the date it was a pretty old post.

 

I did do a search. It didn't get any consistent responses other than saying that 275/60/20 will fit with 100% certainly. I'd really like to know how likely I'll have issues with 285/60/20, 295/60/20 and 275/65/20.

Consensus is 275/65R20 will fit w/ a level, people are running 275/60R20 on STOCK suspension setups, if you can run a 1" taller tire @ stock height stands to reason you should be able to run a 2" taller tire once you raise the front end by 2-2.5" no? If there is any rub w/ the 275/65 it is most likely just on the bottom portion of the wheel well liner which is no big deal & probably only @ certain angles.

When you start asking about wider tires than 275mm while also adding incremental height I think is where you will see confusion....& run the risk of rubbing more than the liner like control arms or tie rods.

 

People say 305/55R20 Nitto Terra Grappler's fit too - this is a lighter "XL" tire in between a P and an LT, weighs 49 lbs, good choice, will rub the liner but not bad & they won't cause speedo to be off, are like .75" taller & give a nice wide stance

 

The 275/60 and 275/65 BFG's weigh in @ 54.5 & 58 lbs respectively, heavier for sure, but they fit & arguably are the best looking/performing "AT" Tire out there for our trucks.

 

I am personally upgrading to 275/60R20 BFGs on my truck which has bilstein 5100's max height front on all 4 corners + 2.25" rear blocks, was on the fence for the 275/65's but prefer to save a few lbs & not have my speedo off too much. FWIW the 60's are 8 ply and the 65's are 10 ply so the 60's may ride a little smoother too.

 

 

That is all I can say for certain.

[Matt_UKTX]

Consensus is 275/65R20 will fit w/ a level, people are running 275/60R20 on STOCK suspension setups, if you can run a 1" taller tire @ stock height stands to reason you should be able to run a 2" taller tire once you raise the front end by 2-2.5" no? If there is any rub w/ the 275/65 it is most likely just on the bottom portion of the wheel well liner which is no big deal & probably only @ certain angles.

When you start asking about wider tires than 275mm while also adding incremental height I think is where you will see confusion....& run the risk of rubbing more than the liner like control arms or tie rods.

 

People say 305/55R20 Nitto Terra Grappler's fit too - this is a lighter "XL" tire in between a P and an LT, weighs 49 lbs, good choice, will rub the liner but not bad & they won't cause speedo to be off, are like .75" taller & give a nice wide stance

 

The 275/60 and 275/65 BFG's weigh in @ 54.5 & 58 lbs respectively, heavier for sure, but they fit & arguably are the best looking/performing "AT" Tire out there for our trucks.

 

I am personally upgrading to 275/60R20 BFGs on my truck which has bilstein 5100's max height front on all 4 corners + 2.25" rear blocks, was on the fence for the 275/65's but prefer to save a few lbs & not have my speedo off too much. FWIW the 60's are 8 ply and the 65's are 10 ply so the 60's may ride a little smoother too.

 

 

That is all I can say for certain.

 

This is really great info. Thanks so much for posting...

 

What are your thoughts on going with XL rated tires vs. E rated? I've seen conflicting reports on this. Some say the E tires are recommended for trucks, whereas others say the extra 15-20lbs of unsprung weight negatively affects ride, handling and fuel economy.

It is very doubtful that I will ever be towing or carrying heavy loads. My top priority (after aggressive looks) are ride, noise and handling on regular roads.

I want a nice looking tire, but ideally do not want to impair the great handling and ride and noise levels of the truck as it comes from the factory...

I was even considering the Continental TerrainContact for this reason, but it has limited reviews... However, it does have the advantage of coming in a 285/60/20 size, which is probably just about perfect.

[L86 All Terrain]

I run a 33x12.5 R20 (295/55R20) on 2-3/4" RC kit slight rub on swaybar, a slighlty more negative offset, or .25" spacer would cure it. My bud runs a 305/55 R20 with no rub. Many 295/55's are actually rebadged 33x12.5's. Be aware of that. My tires are physically wider than my friends 305, even being branded a 295. Both E load tires. Pro Comp and Toyo often do this. If your not going to tow, D load or XL is the way to go. Just remember with a 20"wheel a bit of sidewall stiffness will help ride quality. Night and day between factory P's and an E load. E loads are the most common for a 20 as sidewall rigidy is necessary. My tires are 37lbs heavier inflated than factory SRAs so yes mileage took a noticable hit, 2-3mpg.

[Matt_UKTX]

I run a 33x12.5 R20 (295/55R20) on 2-3/4" RC kit slight rub on swaybar, a slighlty more negative offset, or .25" spacer would cure it. My bud runs a 305/55 R20 with no rub. Many 295/55's are actually rebadged 33x12.5's. Be aware of that. My tires are physically wider than my friends 305, even being branded a 295. Both E load tires. Pro Comp and Toyo often do this. If your not going to tow, D load or XL is the way to go. Just remember with a 20"wheel a bit of sidewall stiffness will help ride quality. Night and day between factory P's and an E load. E loads are the most common for a 20 as sidewall rigidy is necessary. My tires are 37lbs heavier inflated than factory SRAs so yes mileage took a noticable hit, 2-3mpg.

 

L86 - thanks for the great info. Just to confirm, are you saying that the heavier tires ride better than the P rates ones, or vice versa? Forgetting all other factors which load tire will ride best and be quietest? Is the noise and ride quality noticeably worse on a E load tire than an XL or D rated?

 

Is your buddy running the Nitto G2's in 305/55/R20? Just wanted to confirm which brand. If so, I know that comes as an XL rated tire.

[L86 All Terrain]

An XL rated tire is still a P rated tire, but can handle "Xtra Load". It comes down to preference. I find the E loads take the sharp bumps like a pot hole or crack in road a lot softer as the tire transfers less of the impact into the suspension of the truck. Some people prefer to have a soft sidewall because you dont feel small bumps as much as you would with a 10 ply sidewall. If i didnt tow nearly to max capacity of my truck, i would choose a D rated tire for day to day drivability. You still have a very capable tire and will still get good mileage. I wouldnt put a regular or light load P rated tire on a minivan, i was shocked to see GM put them on 4x4 trucks. I guess the fact that they weigh about 6lbs a tire helps achieve such economy from the factory. An XL P rating is a capable light tire that will do most average tasks and still get great economy. As far as noise goes you wouldnt notice a difference between a D to a 10ply E load if the tread was the same. I run a Pro comp tire my friend has the new redesigned BFG AT. An XL rated tire is still part of the passenger tire family. If you do towing or offroading i would recomend going to a LT family (light truck) tire. The prefixes work like this P305/55R20 XL vs a LT305/55R20 D. The P signifying passenger vehicles, XL saying they are a heavier duty passenger tire vs a lighter duty D range Light Truck tire. I personally would look for a LT family C or D load rating for a good quality ride and safe tire. Stay away from P family tires unless its a city vehicle.

[Matt_UKTX]

An XL rated tire is still a P rated tire, but can handle "Xtra Load". It comes down to preference. I find the E loads take the sharp bumps like a pot hole or crack in road a lot softer as the tire transfers less of the impact into the suspension of the truck. Some people prefer to have a soft sidewall because you dont feel small bumps as much as you would with a 10 ply sidewall. If i didnt tow nearly to max capacity of my truck, i would choose a D rated tire for day to day drivability. You still have a very capable tire and will still get good mileage. I wouldnt put a regular or light load P rated tire on a minivan, i was shocked to see GM put them on 4x4 trucks. I guess the fact that they weigh about 6lbs a tire helps achieve such economy from the factory. An XL P rating is a capable light tire that will do most average tasks and still get great economy. As far as noise goes you wouldnt notice a difference between a D to a 10ply E load if the tread was the same. I run a Pro comp tire my friend has the new redesigned BFG AT. An XL rated tire is still part of the passenger tire family. If you do towing or offroading i would recomend going to a LT family (light truck) tire. The prefixes work like this P305/55R20 XL vs a LT305/55R20 D. The P signifying passenger vehicles, XL saying they are a heavier duty passenger tire vs a lighter duty D range Light Truck tire. I personally would look for a LT family C or D load rating for a good quality ride and safe tire. Stay away from P family tires unless its a city vehicle.

 

This is really helpful. Thanks!

 

In terms of noise, you said that there is little difference between a D and E rated tire. What about between an XL/P and a D rated.

 

Also, I have really not found many C or D rated tires in my size. Any tips? Most everything out there seems to me XL or E.

[Boardmember]

Tyler - unfortunately we're all not nearly as smart as you. Especially the newer posters. Hate it. Sorry.

[Matt_UKTX]

Tyler - unfortunately we're all not nearly as smart as you. Especially the newer posters. Hate it. Sorry.

 

Hate what?

[Boardmember]

Hate that you - and I - aren't as smart as Tyler and that we occasionally ask stupid questions that we should be sensitive enough about his knowledge and impatience enough not to ask.