Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > TRAVEL TRAILER, 5th WHEEL & TRUCK CAMPER FORUMS > Truck Camper Discussion
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-03-2025, 04:03 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2024
Posts: 13
Load range H on your pickup?

Curious on feedback from those who have run commercial grade tires on their pickup when hauling your slide in camper. I have been discussing some on the truck forums, but thought I may get a little more feedback here.

I have a newer GM 3500 SRW hauling an AF990. If fully loaded, I am over the suggested payload for the ~3600lb rated tires. Rear axles and frame are the same on SRW and DRW on the GM, so is really the single tire and wheel as the weak point. Based on what is available in the market (aside from custom made), looks like the best option is a 19.5" wheel and 245/70 tires, which are nearly identical diameter as my oem tires.

My fear of course is spending over $3k and ending up with a setup that is miserable to drive- from the feedback I have had so far, I am probably overly concerned for nothing...

For those that have done this, what has worked, and what should be avoided?
LeeKLM is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 01-03-2025, 04:32 PM   #2
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by LeeKLM View Post
Curious on feedback from those who have run commercial grade tires on their pickup when hauling your slide in camper. I have been discussing some on the truck forums, but thought I may get a little more feedback here.

I have a newer GM 3500 SRW hauling an AF990. If fully loaded, I am over the suggested payload for the ~3600lb rated tires. Rear axles and frame are the same on SRW and DRW on the GM, so is really the single tire and wheel as the weak point. Based on what is available in the market (aside from custom made), looks like the best option is a 19.5" wheel and 245/70 tires, which are nearly identical diameter as my oem tires.

My fear of course is spending over $3k and ending up with a setup that is miserable to drive- from the feedback I have had so far, I am probably overly concerned for nothing...

For those that have done this, what has worked, and what should be avoided?
I don't know about 19.5, but 20" wheels and tires will have a much higher carrying capacity than 18 or 17". Look on craigslist or crap book and you will find sets of new take off wheels and tires.
UHairball is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2025, 05:26 PM   #3
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2024
Posts: 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by UHairball View Post
I don't know about 19.5, but 20" wheels and tires will have a much higher carrying capacity than 18 or 17". Look on craigslist or crap book and you will find sets of new take off wheels and tires.
From the research I have done, the only way to get above 4k load per tire is in a 295/70/18, which is rated 4,080 per tire. A new GM HD with an oem 265/70/18 has a load weight of 3,525lbs, while the oem 20" option (same overall diameter as the 18) in the oem 275/65/20 has a max load of 3,750lbs. In addition, the factory rims are typically rated under 4,000 pounds as are the vast majority of aftermarket rims. The tire load ratings are heavily reliant on size, and are pretty consistent among all major mfgs.

The only real option to get 4300lbs or better per wheel is the commercial tire route. I am certainly open to other options if they are out there (besides going to a dually, which is something I have decided not to do for various reasons)
LeeKLM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2025, 07:54 AM   #4
Member
 
wpg_f250's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2024
Posts: 43
Quote:
Originally Posted by LeeKLM View Post
From the research I have done, the only way to get above 4k load per tire is in a 295/70/18, which is rated 4,080 per tire. A new GM HD with an oem 265/70/18 has a load weight of 3,525lbs, while the oem 20" option (same overall diameter as the 18) in the oem 275/65/20 has a max load of 3,750lbs. In addition, the factory rims are typically rated under 4,000 pounds as are the vast majority of aftermarket rims. The tire load ratings are heavily reliant on size, and are pretty consistent among all major mfgs.

The only real option to get 4300lbs or better per wheel is the commercial tire route. I am certainly open to other options if they are out there (besides going to a dually, which is something I have decided not to do for various reasons)



My 285/75r18 load E/10ply Duratrac's are rated for 4080# @80psi FWIW.
__________________
GREAT WHITE NORTH
wpg_f250 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2025, 07:54 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2024
Posts: 190
I don't think I've ever read of another case where someone was within sticker payload and camper weight limits but over the tire limit. Keep us updated!
Gravelette is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2025, 08:54 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
MORSNO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 104
You are correct in your research, you'll need to go to 19.5 wheels to get over the 4080 lb limit on standard 18" or 20" tires. While shopping for G/H 19'5 tires you'll have to decide on using Steer tires, Drive tires, or just putting drive tires all the way around. Everyone says they'll wonder quite a bit at first but soon straighten out after wearing in a little.
__________________
2012 GMC Sierra 2014 Wolf Creek 850SB
MORSNO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2025, 09:00 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
MORSNO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 104
Quote:
Originally Posted by UHairball View Post
I don't know about 19.5, but 20" wheels and tires will have a much higher carrying capacity than 18 or 17". Look on craigslist or crap book and you will find sets of new take off wheels and tires.
Not true at all! Most 17" tires are rated at 3195 lbs, and 18" and 20" tires limit out at 4080 lbs.

19.5" wheels are true truck size wheels and tires that will fit on a standard light duty truck (2500-3500 SRW & DRW). They are used on 4500-5500 class trucks from the factory and box trucks used for delivery vehicles.
__________________
2012 GMC Sierra 2014 Wolf Creek 850SB
MORSNO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2025, 11:46 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Nevada
Posts: 272
As long as you stay on smooth pavement you should be fine. I'd sure hate to drive this road on 19.5 tires pumped up to 120 psi!
Click image for larger version

Name:	P1006915ertjfrm9-2-24.jpg
Views:	7
Size:	474.2 KB
ID:	433356
deserteagle5 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2025, 11:53 AM   #9
Junior Member
 
ICamel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2023
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by LeeKLM View Post
Curious on feedback from those who have run commercial grade tires on their pickup when hauling your slide in camper. I have been discussing some on the truck forums, but thought I may get a little more feedback here.

For those that have done this, what has worked, and what should be avoided?

I have been running 245-70R/19.5 LR-G Hercules tires on my 2005 F350 SRW for 7 years. I went with a "Highway" tread so road noise is reduced. Only negative so far is when on wet dirt and the camper not on the traction was a problem.
__________________
2017 Arctic Fox 992 Truck Camper, 2005 Ford F350 Lariat Crew Cab w/manual transmission. River Wild Drift Boat, Stillwater Fly Fisher.
ICamel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2025, 12:46 PM   #10
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2024
Posts: 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by deserteagle5 View Post
As long as you stay on smooth pavement you should be fine. I'd sure hate to drive this road on 19.5 tires pumped up to 120 psi!
Attachment 433356
Lol. I have put plenty of miles on so far with standard E tires with no issues. Just thinking how I would hate to blow a tire pulling the trailer, etc through Chicago's "smooth" roads.

I do have a dedicated set of 18" rims with E snow/ice tires so would not use the HD tires in winter.
LeeKLM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2025, 12:17 AM   #11
Junior Member
 
ICamel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2023
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by deserteagle5 View Post
As long as you stay on smooth pavement you should be fine. I'd sure hate to drive this road on 19.5 tires pumped up to 120 psi!
For what it is worth, the following are DOT specifications for weight rating on my G load 19.5 tires.
3640# @ 80psi, 3740# @ 85psi, 3890# @ 90psi, 4080# @ 95psi, 4190# @ 100psi, 4335# @ 105psi, 4540# @ 110psi
I like to run 110psi on the rear axle and 95psi on the front tires based on actual loads carrying my camper.
__________________
2017 Arctic Fox 992 Truck Camper, 2005 Ford F350 Lariat Crew Cab w/manual transmission. River Wild Drift Boat, Stillwater Fly Fisher.
ICamel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2025, 08:12 AM   #12
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 12
Maybe I am missing something here, but empty weight of your camper should be about 3010 pounds. What are you carrying in it that you need that heavy of a tire? Don't forget some of the camper weight is carried by the front axle as well.
UHairball is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2025, 08:31 AM   #13
Senior Member


 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Location: Bohemia NY
Posts: 2,020
I would find it surprising that the SRW and DRW use the same axle, brakes, and springs. I'm sure DRW gets more than another set of tires. You need a smaller slide on camper or larger truck. Without a professional engineering certification nothing gets you above the placarded payload capacity. What size tires and wheels are in there now?
__________________
Dennis
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
d23haynes57 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-05-2025, 09:53 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2024
Posts: 190
^^^ I gather OP feels OK about running over weight but doesn't want the tires to be what fails first.
Gravelette is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tow Dolly and rear wheel drive pickup, load facing forward or back? DGBPokes Toads and Motorhome Related Towing 18 12-29-2020 05:22 PM
Any reason I can't run 3 load range C tires & 1 load range D? daveRG Travel Trailer Discussion 7 08-24-2018 08:31 PM
4r100 filter, short pickup vs long pickup EricV Ford Motorhome Chassis Forum 9 09-26-2017 08:30 PM
Load range F vs. Load range G Txcirclem Class A Motorhome Discussions 18 06-17-2013 05:03 AM
Load Range D vs Load Range E royjeri 5th Wheel Discussion 29 07-29-2011 05:30 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:12 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.