Why are stock tires 245's?

[crj22]

I know the HD have the 245's because they are E load rated tires, but it seems like the first thing everyone does is at least put 285's. Why doesn't GM put 265's or 285's on them stock, or a least have an option for bigger tires?

[THE BIGPUNN]

i agree, at least 265's. i know there is an issue with 285's and the rimm manufacturer.

[COSilver]

I know the HD have the 245's because they are E load rated tires, but it seems like the first thing everyone does is at least put 285's.  Why doesn't GM put 265's or 285's on them stock, or a least have an option for bigger tires?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

265's also come in E load ratings (I just bought some), so that is not the main reason they go with the smaller tires. I think the reason truck manufacturers use these smaller tires as stock equipment is because this gives the maximum towing capacity, you'll notice they all list the towing capacities followed by "if properly equipped" or something to that nature. Properly equipped means the smaller tires as well as other equipment.

 

It's not only GM, but Ford and Dodge also sell trucks with small tires - yes, they sell them that way too. Once you put larger tires, the tow rating drops, not by a lot if you just go up one tire size, but it still drops. All 3 big guys sell trucks with larger tires as well, you'll see them at the dealer, but I guess they have to also sell them with the smaller tires to keep their tow ratings true.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[Shaners]

I believe there are 2 main reasons for the smaller 245's.

 

The first is expense. The 245's are less expensive...

 

The second reason is similar to COSilvers. The smaller tires allow for more torque to be transmitted to the ground. People who have gone +2 in tire size notice a reasonable amount of power loss.

 

Also, (as was noted before), the narrow stock rims aren't rated for a tire any bigger than a 265/75/16.

[Rookie]

Just a nother .02. With the smaller tires. there is less mass and less rolling resistance. this will help with MPG. The fricking tree huggers are trying to mandate minimum standards that the big three must stay above.

[whitesnake01]

Smaller tires also help keep the center of gravity lower, which in turn helps against rollover.

[builderpaul]

I agree these trucks look better with bigger tires. However a truck was designed to also be functional. Take it from someone that needs to load and climb into the back of my truck everyday many times a day the lower to the ground the better. Every inch counts. I could never work out of a lifted truck.

You also get more torque to the ground (better acceleration and towing) with the smaller tires.