19.5's?

[Ricky D]

i read an article in diesel power magazine about putting 19.5 's on a trailer and a 3500 Duramax. Any thoughts on this, pros or cons. I have a 30 new Horizons.

[Ray,IN]

I have read some about this conversion and have seen show trucks running 19.5 truck tires. There are some clearance issues to be worked out, and spacing on the duals must be addressed as well. Clearance is the main issue for the 5er,as well as spacing between tires, which must be an absolute minimum of 1.5" of open space.
I decided against this because of the expense.
If you desire heavier, stronger tires for your 5er, consider Load Range G 16" tires and rims. (that website has 5 brands of LR "G" tires. Another approach is 17.5 tires and rims. They are very near the same outside diameter as 16" tires, and you may purchase them in Load Range J if you desire or need that heavy of a tire.

[Loren B.]

Ricky,

I think that Ray is giving you excellent advice. That said, if you insist on 19.5" wheels, here's one source:
Rickson Wheel Manufacturing

I had their steel wheels on my old Dodge. I found that they looked better, but were expensive to buy, and the tires didn't wear any longer than the factory 16" tires that the truck came with.

Rickson does sell aluminum wheels too, but I don't know anything about them so I won't comment.

Rickson seems to have worked out the details regarding getting the dually spacing set up correctly.

One issue with the Rickson steel wheels that I had on my Dodge was the offset. Their wheels don't sit inside the fenders as well as the factory wheels so they splashed water and mud onto the side of the truck. This may not be a problem with the Chevy.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd take Ray's advice.

Good luck,
-- Loren