2016 3500 GMC Sierra Tire Question

rkassl · January 15, 2019

The standard OEM for my 2016 Sierra 3500 Crew Cab SRW is a LT265/70R18. I tow a trailer and would like more tire on the road and wanted to move up to a LT275/70R18. The tire dealer was not sure if they would rub in front because of the torsion bar?? I am not a mechanic is what he telling me correct. Probably no problem on the rear, but the front? Does this make sense to you experts?

Any help would be appreciated.

carkhz316 · January 15, 2019

You would be increasing the tire width by less than 1/2 inch, and the height by about 3/4 inch. I'd be surprised if it rubbed, if at all, if except at full lock. I'm sure others have more experience with various tire sizes than I do, but it really doesn't seem like you'd be in that much trouble jumping up to that size.

i82much · January 15, 2019

I think you'll be fine, but very few things are more overrated than oversize tires. Until you actually get stuck and confirm that you wouldn't have gotten stuck with bigger tires, you really don't need them.

I find being able to run traction cables with plenty of clearance and not worrying about my brake lines is way more useful than adding a half an inch of ground clearance.

aseibel · January 15, 2019

I can't believe 1 cm wider would cause any problems with clearance.

But I'm curious to know why you think that extra 1 cm will help when towing?

1SLOW1500 · January 16, 2019

It will fit but if not run a 1/4" spacer. I didn't run the numbers but if tire is taller that will help towing,wider is good for traction but hurts a hait on mpg. But that said I believe the taller tire will more than make up.for it. Do it.

carkhz316 · January 17, 2019

Any increase in tire height without regearing is going to diminish towing capability, at least by a small amount. You're effectively increasing the final drive ratio, which puts a bigger load on the truck.