Tire Size

watkins · November 8, 2006

I know this has been talked about a bunch but I had question that really had not been covered while talking about tire sizes. The pizza cutter stockers that came on the truck look like crap, but that really doesnt matter to me. What does matter is the ability to tow my Toyhauler through low traction terrain (ie. Sand). I have a 2500HD Duramax 4x4, and i am just worried about these 245/75R16 street tires it has on it.

I havent gotten stuck yet, and I think airing down I could do ok... but I do alot of towing in low traction areas (not many miles, but tow in the sand almost every weekend during the winter.. .desert season).... would 265/75R16 tires on stock rims give me any benefit? I know they are taller and wider tires, but not that big of a difference over stock.

What I am trying to avoid is messing up my tranny and/or engine by adding larger than normal tires since this truck was purchased for the specific goal of towing heavy loads.

Any thoughts?

vxaxv17 · November 8, 2006

I know this has been talked about a bunch but I had question that really had not been covered while talking about tire sizes. The pizza cutter stockers that came on the truck look like crap, but that really doesnt matter to me. What does matter is the ability to tow my Toyhauler through low traction terrain (ie. Sand). I have a 2500HD Duramax 4x4, and i am just worried about these 245/75R16 street tires it has on it.

I havent gotten stuck yet, and I think airing down I could do ok... but I do alot of towing in low traction areas (not many miles, but tow in the sand almost every weekend during the winter.. .desert season).... would 265/75R16 tires on stock rims give me any benefit? I know they are taller and wider tires, but not that big of a difference over stock.

What I am trying to avoid is messing up my tranny and/or engine by adding larger than normal tires since this truck was purchased for the specific goal of towing heavy loads.

Any thoughts?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I wouldnt think you would have any problems with the 265/75. They arent THAT much different in diameter than the stock tires and the added width will really help in the sand. You will most likely have to air down for any real traction though - especially with towing.

I ran BFG A/T 265/75/R16s on the stock rims for years with no problems. It wasnt until i went to a 33" tire that i started to notice any difference in the acceleration/torque.

Shaners · November 8, 2006

I run 265/75/16's on my crewcab Dmax. I haven't noticed any drivabillity issues with that setup. Probably the heaviest load I've towed with these tires was just shy of 10K lbs.

Technically the stock wheel is 1/2" too narrow (according to tire manufacturers) to mount 265/'s on them. However i haven't noticed any abnormal wear or handling issues. I run 55 psi in the frt and 50 psi in the rear for everyday driving.

My 265's are load range "E", but for most people a load range of "D" in that size would be fine. Weight capacities of a 245 "E" and a 265 "D" are about the same.