Community Forums

FTAP · 01-23-2017, 12:02 PM

I'm driving a 2009 Chevy 2500 4wd diesel crew cab. Pulling a 31' Sabre fifth wheel.
I have 16" tires and I'd like to upgrade to a larger wheel and tire. Not worried about cosmetics but I want to know what size would be best.
Any suggestions would be welcome.

memtb · 01-23-2017, 03:19 PM

FTAP, Consider 17.5 commercial! They're tough as nails, very high load ratings, can get same bolt patern wheel (easy swap), many styles to shoose from, same outside diameter. Whzt's not to like..... except the price! But, it's something to consider. memtb

D Lindy · 01-23-2017, 04:57 PM

Before going to a larger diameter tire you need to do some measuring to unsure that you can still drop the nose of the 5th wheel enough to keep it level and still maintain about 6" clearance over your bed rails so you don't have issues with the 5th wheel contacting/bending your bed rails. Might consider just going to an "H" rated tire of the same size. Just because a tire is bigger doesn't mean it's better.

Roger G · 01-23-2017, 06:26 PM

The size of the tire doesn't matter, it's the load rating that matters. I put 20's on my Duramax and regret it. They rub on tight turns in parking lots. They sling mud and road grime up the side of the truck. When they wear out, I will put the 16's back on it.

memtb · 01-23-2017, 08:42 PM

All these are the reasons that I suggested the 17.5's. Virtually identical to a 235-85-16 in size, except a "much" higher load rating!! memtb

Clomok · 01-24-2017, 08:54 PM

265/75/16 is about as big as you can go without rubbing, 285/75/16 would be a good choice if you don't mind rubbing the font inner fender. it also depends on how aggressive. that being said, you have 8x6.5 wheels (very cheap and common) id concider going to a 17" wheel, more tire options, still a E load range and a much better ride then a 17.5

marknpeg · 01-25-2017, 07:28 AM

Bigger does not equal better. Overall tire diameter, weight and gearing will determine the best setup for towing. Check with the truck manufacturer to get the optimal setup. Given your truck came with 16's (and it's not a light-duty truck), I'll bet it's near optimal already for that model. Your best bet would be to switch to a lighter wheel and keep the overall wheel/tire diameter the same.

(yes I've got a MH but I have pulled a lot of trailers)

memtb · 01-25-2017, 09:18 AM

I guess that I misinterpreted your intentions! I thought that you wanted a higher rated, safer tire/rim for your towing needs! Sorry, I went the wrong direction for you. memtb

Ray,IN · 01-29-2017, 02:15 PM

Have you thought about the negatives? Larger rims and tires will not only change gear ratios, it will alter the level condition of truck and 5er, which affects towing stability and axle/tire loading.