Tire size for 2006 2500 HD

washpktim · January 15, 2007

I just purchased a Chevy 2006 2500 HD crew with the 6.0 L and standard steel wheels with 245/R75 tires. I'd like to upgrade to a larger tire but I am concerned about fuel mileage. I only get 12 mpg right now so I'm not wanting to decrease this if possible. I'm only looking to go to the 265/R70 or R75 or so. Any suggestions? I currently don't tow anything but hope in the future to get a topper or travel trailer

Billdog350 · January 23, 2007

I have Michelin 265's on there now and I'm getting 12mpg too. I'm considering going to 285's if they'll fit to increase mileage (taller tire=lower revs per mile) since the 4.10's can handle almost any tire I throw on there.

yeehaw87 · January 23, 2007

Generally the taller the tire, the worse fuel effeciency. Its still more mass further away from the center of the axel, which means you need a far amount more energy to spin. Plus, 285 denotes a wider tire, and the R70 or 75 is the aspect ratio, which is a percentage of the width of a tire. This means the bigger the R number, the taller the tire, with respect to the width of a tire. And when your truck begins to sit higher, it hits more wind resistance also. Just some things to think about.

KB06YUKONXL · January 28, 2007

If you want to increase fuel economy than I would do 4 things:

1. get a bed cover if you don't have one as the tailgate is an aerdynamic brake.

2. inflate your tires 2-3 lbs over spec.

3. switch to synthetic oil in the engine

4. switch to synthetic ATF in the transfer case.

I put 17" Z71 wheels & bigger tires on my 02 Suburban plus did #2,3,4 and mileage went to 16.2 city 20.8 hwy with a 5.3L

Same thing with my 06Yukon AWD 6.0L and mileage is 15.2 city and 19.8 hwy.

Good luck.

KB06YUKONXL · January 28, 2007

I almost forgot...if you do change the tire size you need to reprogram the Speedometer ECM. Call a knowledgeable dealer first before you buy the tires to make sure the size selection that you are considering is included in your vehicles ECM firmware. Then the dealer can do this change on their computer in about 15 minutes. Not doing this can effect all the drivetrain calibrations. Most dealers charge about $75 to do this.

Billdog350 · January 29, 2007

I have EFI Live and I'll be changing my calibration for the new 285's....we'll see how they are in the next few days!

yeehaw87 · January 29, 2007

If you want to increase fuel economy than I would do 4 things:

1. get a bed cover if you don't have one as the tailgate is an aerdynamic brake.

2. inflate your tires 2-3 lbs over spec.

3. switch to synthetic oil in the engine

4. switch to synthetic ATF in the transfer case.

I put 17" Z71 wheels & bigger tires on my 02 Suburban plus did #2,3,4 and mileage went to 16.2 city 20.8 hwy with a 5.3L

Same thing with my 06Yukon AWD 6.0L and mileage is 15.2 city and 19.8 hwy.

Good luck.

Actually its been proven numerous times that if you drive with your tailgate down, or off, that you will lose gas milege. The only thing better for fuel milege is an air gate. The air in your box begins to roll when you get up to speed, and it will actually make the airflow over the box much smoother than if the tailgate was off.

redvett · January 30, 2007

If you want to increase fuel economy than I would do 4 things:

1. get a bed cover if you don't have one as the tailgate is an aerdynamic brake.

2. inflate your tires 2-3 lbs over spec.

3. switch to synthetic oil in the engine

4. switch to synthetic ATF in the transfer case.

I put 17" Z71 wheels & bigger tires on my 02 Suburban plus did #2,3,4 and mileage went to 16.2 city 20.8 hwy with a 5.3L

Same thing with my 06Yukon AWD 6.0L and mileage is 15.2 city and 19.8 hwy.

Good luck.

Actually its been proven numerous times that if you drive with your tailgate down, or off, that you will lose gas milege. The only thing better for fuel milege is an air gate. The air in your box begins to roll when you get up to speed, and it will actually make the airflow over the box much smoother than if the tailgate was off.

Yes but a tailgate off is illegal in most states since a mising body panel is illegal.

snorydermb · January 30, 2007

I brought my truck in a month ago for service and asked about having the tire size recalibrated but he said they couldnt because unless the truck came with 265`s they didnt have a program to do it.

Billdog350 · January 31, 2007

The truck has 33's and the speedo is all recalibrated now...looks like the fuel economy is the same or possibly a little better (.5 to 1mpg) according to my DIC. A little slower on the take off...but rpms are much lower on the highway now...very cool.

tcas1355 · February 1, 2007

I drive 90+ miles one way to work. I originally thought that a bed cover would save me mileage, so i bought one. I always measure my mpg's since even a small fluctuation will cost me money. I did not notice any change in mileage with my cover on, and also did not notice a change with my cover off again. I seem to continually get 17.8 mpg with mostly highway driving.

94silverado4x4 · February 3, 2007

If you want to increase fuel economy than I would do 4 things:

1. get a bed cover if you don't have one as the tailgate is an aerdynamic brake.

2. inflate your tires 2-3 lbs over spec.

3. switch to synthetic oil in the engine

4. switch to synthetic ATF in the transfer case.

I put 17" Z71 wheels & bigger tires on my 02 Suburban plus did #2,3,4 and mileage went to 16.2 city 20.8 hwy with a 5.3L

Same thing with my 06Yukon AWD 6.0L and mileage is 15.2 city and 19.8 hwy.

Good luck.

Actually its been proven numerous times that if you drive with your tailgate down, or off, that you will lose gas milege. The only thing better for fuel milege is an air gate. The air in your box begins to roll when you get up to speed, and it will actually make the airflow over the box much smoother than if the tailgate was off.

Yes but a tailgate off is illegal in most states since a mising body panel is illegal.

Yeah thats why he said get an air gate. those mesh things. they have been proven to help mpg