Lets talk tires, its a topic I have a lot of experience in since i grew up around the industry!
I'll start by offering all the OE specs that I have available so you know what your starting with.
After that lets talk about proper maintenance of your tires. Lets face it, at today's prices tires are an investment and with a little attention you can help protect that investment!
And last but not least a Q&A!
2001-2007 GM 2500HD GMT800 SRW Trucks
LT245/75R16 = 30.7x9.80R16 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3042LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel w/ +25 Off Set / 4.667 Back Spacing
Alternative Tire Size:
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
LT265/75R16 = 31.9x10.5R16
LT285/75R16 = 33.0x11.3R16, will require turning up the torsion bars, also recommended to mount onto a 7"-8" wide wheel
LT245/70R17 = 30.6x9.80R17
LT275/65R17 = 31.2x11.0R17
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17
LT285/70R17 = 32.8x11.5R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT305/65R17 = 32.8x12.2R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/65R18 = 31.7x10.7R18
LT275/65R18 = 32.1x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/70R18 = 32.6x10.7R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/65R18 = 32.7x11.5R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT275/70R18 = 33.2x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/60R20 = 32.5x10.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/55R20 = 32.5x11.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
2001-2007 GM 3500HD GMT800 SRW Trucks
LT265-75R16 = 31.9x10.5R16 Load Range E/10Ply, load Rated @ 3415LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel w/ +25 Off Set / 4.667 Back Spacing
Alternative Tire Size:
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
LT285/75R16 = 33.0x11.3R16, will require turning up the torsion bars, also recommended to mount onto a 7"-8" wide wheel
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17
LT285/70R17 = 32.8x11.5R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT305/65R17 = 32.8x12.2R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/65R18 = 31.7x10.7R18
LT275/65R18 = 32.1x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/70R18 = 32.6x10.7R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/65R18 = 32.7x11.5R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT275/70R18 = 33.2x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/60R20 = 32.5x10.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/55R20 = 32.5x11.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
2001-02 GM 3500HD GMT800 DRW Trucks(Classic Style)
LT225/75R16 = 29.5x8.80R16 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 2680LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel
Alternative Sizes:
LT215/85R16 = 30.6x8.50R16
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
2003-07 GM 3500HD GMT800 DRW Trucks(Classic Style)
LT215/85R16 = 30.6x8.50R16 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 2680LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel
Alternative Sizes:
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
2007.5-10 GM 2500/3500HD GMT900 SRW Trucks
LT245/75R16 = 30.7x9.80R16 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3042LBS
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3000LBS
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3195LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel w/ +28 Off Set / 4.785 Back Spacing
17x7.5" Wheel w/ +28 Off Set / 5.531 Back Spacing
Alternative Tire Size:
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
LT265/75R16 = 31.9x10.5R16
LT285/75R16 = 33.0x11.3R16, will require turning up the torsion bars, also recommended to mount onto a 7"-8" wide wheel
LT245/70R17 = 30.6x9.80R17
LT275/65R17 = 31.2x11.0R17
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17
LT285/70R17 = 32.8x11.5R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT305/65R17 = 32.8x12.2R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/65R18 = 31.7x10.7R18
LT275/65R18 = 32.1x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/70R18 = 32.6x10.7R18
LT285/65R18 = 32.7x11.5R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT275/70R18 = 33.2x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/60R20 = 32.5x10.7R20
LT285/55R20 = 32.5x11.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
2007.5-10 GM 3500HD GMT900 DRW Trucks
LT225/75R17 = 30.6x8.80R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 2755LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
17x6.5" Wheel
Alternative Sizes:
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
2011-13 GM 2500/3500HD GMT900HD SRW Trucks
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3000LBS
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3195LBS
LT265/70R18 = 32.6x10.7R18 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3525LBS
LT265/60R20 = 32.5x10.7R20 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3195LBS
8x180mm Bolt pattern
17x7.5 Wheel w/ +44 Off Set / 5.981 Back Spacing
18x8.0 Wheel w/ +44Off Set / 6.264" Back Spacing
20x8.5 Wheel w/ +44Off Set / 6.548" Back Spacing
Alternative Tire Size:
LT275/65R17 = 31.2x11.0R17
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17
LT285/70R17 = 32.8x11.5R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT305/65R17 = 32.8x12.2R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/65R18 = 31.7x10.7R18
LT275/65R18 = 32.1x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/65R18 = 32.7x11.5R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT275/70R18 = 33.2x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/55R20 = 32.5x11.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
2011-13 GM 3500HD GMT900HD DRW Trucks
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3085LBS
8x210mm Bolt Pattern
17x6.5 Wheel w/ +137 Off Set / 9.076 Back Spacing
Proper Air Pressure, I can not stress this enough! Proper PSI is one of the most important factors in tires lasting a long time but also in tires performing as they are intended to!
The MAX PSI on the side of your tire is only there to tell you what the PSI should be at if you have that amount of weight on the tire.
If your tires are wearing more in the center of the tread lower the air PSI by 5PSI and inspect tire wear again, repeat if necessary.
If your tires are wearing more on BOTH shoulders add 5PSI and inspect tire wear again, repeat if necessary.
If your tires are wearing more on ONE shoulder, inspect suspension parts for wore or damage parts then have the vehicle aligned.
If your tires form a irregular wear pattern or "cupped out" have them rotated and rebalanced. Tires out of balance can cause irregular wear patterns.
If your truck is experiencing a vibration that above 40MPH and seemly changes with speed, you need to have them rebalanced.
If your truck is experiencing a vibration at low speeds and also at higher speeds, have the tires inspected for slipping / shifting belts.
Proper Rotations:
I would recommend to have your tires rotated every 5,000miles or 6Months, why, it gives you a chance to inspect tire wear and also check your brakes.
Q&A
Q: What is the largest tire that will fit my truck?
A: Not a fair question! I get this question a lot so I would like to shed some light on this! There really isn't an accurate answer for this question without first knowing a lot of other factors such as wheel size, offset and suspension changes made to the truck!
Q: Do I need to stay with a Load Range E/10Ply tire?
A: No, there is no law requiring a X ply tire on Light Duty trucks! However DOT and manufacturers strongly recommend that you maintain or exceed the load rating of your OE tire.
Q: Will larger tires affect my speedometer?
A: Yes, however with today's technology you can either purchase a device that can recalibrate your speedometer or have someone use software such as EFILive.
Q: Will larger tires affect my MPG?
A: Yes & No, larger tires as in heavier will affect your economy negatively since they will require more energy to roll, also keep in mind that a more aggressive tread will also increase rolling resistance and will affect MPGs negatively. A taller tire that offers less rolling resistance then your current tires can help increase your MPGs, rolling resistance will also directly affect MPGs!
Q: What type of tire rotation is proper for my tires?
A: Typically tires are moved straight from the front to the rear! If you have tires that have not been properly rotated in the past you can help correct irregular wear patterns by Xing the tires from corner to corner! On duallys I typically move the front to the outside rear, outside rear to the inside rear, and the inside rear to the front.
Q: How do I know when I need new tires?
A: DOT requires that tires are changed when they have 2/32nds of tread left on them, however it is strongly recommend that the tires be replaced when they have 4/32nds of tread left.
I'll start by offering all the OE specs that I have available so you know what your starting with.
After that lets talk about proper maintenance of your tires. Lets face it, at today's prices tires are an investment and with a little attention you can help protect that investment!
And last but not least a Q&A!
2001-2007 GM 2500HD GMT800 SRW Trucks
LT245/75R16 = 30.7x9.80R16 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3042LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel w/ +25 Off Set / 4.667 Back Spacing
Alternative Tire Size:
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
LT265/75R16 = 31.9x10.5R16
LT285/75R16 = 33.0x11.3R16, will require turning up the torsion bars, also recommended to mount onto a 7"-8" wide wheel
LT245/70R17 = 30.6x9.80R17
LT275/65R17 = 31.2x11.0R17
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17
LT285/70R17 = 32.8x11.5R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT305/65R17 = 32.8x12.2R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/65R18 = 31.7x10.7R18
LT275/65R18 = 32.1x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/70R18 = 32.6x10.7R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/65R18 = 32.7x11.5R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT275/70R18 = 33.2x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/60R20 = 32.5x10.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/55R20 = 32.5x11.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
2001-2007 GM 3500HD GMT800 SRW Trucks
LT265-75R16 = 31.9x10.5R16 Load Range E/10Ply, load Rated @ 3415LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel w/ +25 Off Set / 4.667 Back Spacing
Alternative Tire Size:
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
LT285/75R16 = 33.0x11.3R16, will require turning up the torsion bars, also recommended to mount onto a 7"-8" wide wheel
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17
LT285/70R17 = 32.8x11.5R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT305/65R17 = 32.8x12.2R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/65R18 = 31.7x10.7R18
LT275/65R18 = 32.1x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/70R18 = 32.6x10.7R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/65R18 = 32.7x11.5R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT275/70R18 = 33.2x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/60R20 = 32.5x10.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/55R20 = 32.5x11.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
2001-02 GM 3500HD GMT800 DRW Trucks(Classic Style)
LT225/75R16 = 29.5x8.80R16 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 2680LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel
Alternative Sizes:
LT215/85R16 = 30.6x8.50R16
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
2003-07 GM 3500HD GMT800 DRW Trucks(Classic Style)
LT215/85R16 = 30.6x8.50R16 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 2680LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel
Alternative Sizes:
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
2007.5-10 GM 2500/3500HD GMT900 SRW Trucks
LT245/75R16 = 30.7x9.80R16 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3042LBS
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3000LBS
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3195LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
16x6.5" Wheel w/ +28 Off Set / 4.785 Back Spacing
17x7.5" Wheel w/ +28 Off Set / 5.531 Back Spacing
Alternative Tire Size:
LT235/85R16 = 31.7x9.40R16
LT265/75R16 = 31.9x10.5R16
LT285/75R16 = 33.0x11.3R16, will require turning up the torsion bars, also recommended to mount onto a 7"-8" wide wheel
LT245/70R17 = 30.6x9.80R17
LT275/65R17 = 31.2x11.0R17
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17
LT285/70R17 = 32.8x11.5R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT305/65R17 = 32.8x12.2R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/65R18 = 31.7x10.7R18
LT275/65R18 = 32.1x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/70R18 = 32.6x10.7R18
LT285/65R18 = 32.7x11.5R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT275/70R18 = 33.2x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/60R20 = 32.5x10.7R20
LT285/55R20 = 32.5x11.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
2007.5-10 GM 3500HD GMT900 DRW Trucks
LT225/75R17 = 30.6x8.80R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 2755LBS
8x6.5"/165.1 Bolt Pattern
17x6.5" Wheel
Alternative Sizes:
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
2011-13 GM 2500/3500HD GMT900HD SRW Trucks
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3000LBS
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3195LBS
LT265/70R18 = 32.6x10.7R18 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3525LBS
LT265/60R20 = 32.5x10.7R20 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3195LBS
8x180mm Bolt pattern
17x7.5 Wheel w/ +44 Off Set / 5.981 Back Spacing
18x8.0 Wheel w/ +44Off Set / 6.264" Back Spacing
20x8.5 Wheel w/ +44Off Set / 6.548" Back Spacing
Alternative Tire Size:
LT275/65R17 = 31.2x11.0R17
LT245/75R17 = 31.5x9.80R17
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17
LT265/70R17 = 31.9x10.7R17
LT285/70R17 = 32.8x11.5R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT305/65R17 = 32.8x12.2R17, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT265/65R18 = 31.7x10.7R18
LT275/65R18 = 32.1x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/65R18 = 32.7x11.5R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT275/70R18 = 33.2x11.0R18, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
LT285/55R20 = 32.5x11.7R20, will require turning up the torsion bars, depending on wheel offset some trimming also
2011-13 GM 3500HD GMT900HD DRW Trucks
LT235/80R17 = 31.8x9.30R17 Load Range E/10Ply, Load Rated @ 3085LBS
8x210mm Bolt Pattern
17x6.5 Wheel w/ +137 Off Set / 9.076 Back Spacing
Proper Air Pressure, I can not stress this enough! Proper PSI is one of the most important factors in tires lasting a long time but also in tires performing as they are intended to!
The MAX PSI on the side of your tire is only there to tell you what the PSI should be at if you have that amount of weight on the tire.
If your tires are wearing more in the center of the tread lower the air PSI by 5PSI and inspect tire wear again, repeat if necessary.
If your tires are wearing more on BOTH shoulders add 5PSI and inspect tire wear again, repeat if necessary.
If your tires are wearing more on ONE shoulder, inspect suspension parts for wore or damage parts then have the vehicle aligned.
If your tires form a irregular wear pattern or "cupped out" have them rotated and rebalanced. Tires out of balance can cause irregular wear patterns.
If your truck is experiencing a vibration that above 40MPH and seemly changes with speed, you need to have them rebalanced.
If your truck is experiencing a vibration at low speeds and also at higher speeds, have the tires inspected for slipping / shifting belts.
Proper Rotations:
I would recommend to have your tires rotated every 5,000miles or 6Months, why, it gives you a chance to inspect tire wear and also check your brakes.
Q&A
Q: What is the largest tire that will fit my truck?
A: Not a fair question! I get this question a lot so I would like to shed some light on this! There really isn't an accurate answer for this question without first knowing a lot of other factors such as wheel size, offset and suspension changes made to the truck!
Q: Do I need to stay with a Load Range E/10Ply tire?
A: No, there is no law requiring a X ply tire on Light Duty trucks! However DOT and manufacturers strongly recommend that you maintain or exceed the load rating of your OE tire.
Q: Will larger tires affect my speedometer?
A: Yes, however with today's technology you can either purchase a device that can recalibrate your speedometer or have someone use software such as EFILive.
Q: Will larger tires affect my MPG?
A: Yes & No, larger tires as in heavier will affect your economy negatively since they will require more energy to roll, also keep in mind that a more aggressive tread will also increase rolling resistance and will affect MPGs negatively. A taller tire that offers less rolling resistance then your current tires can help increase your MPGs, rolling resistance will also directly affect MPGs!
Q: What type of tire rotation is proper for my tires?
A: Typically tires are moved straight from the front to the rear! If you have tires that have not been properly rotated in the past you can help correct irregular wear patterns by Xing the tires from corner to corner! On duallys I typically move the front to the outside rear, outside rear to the inside rear, and the inside rear to the front.
Q: How do I know when I need new tires?
A: DOT requires that tires are changed when they have 2/32nds of tread left on them, however it is strongly recommend that the tires be replaced when they have 4/32nds of tread left.