275/60R20 for towing

[chadster1]

Originally Posted by boubou

how's the ride compared the to hp?

I put the same Wranglers on my Dodge. No noticable change in the ride.

[kandl]

The stock 20-inch HP weighs about 40 lbs. The E-rated 20-inch AT being mentioned here weighs 60 lbs. That's gotta hurt at the pump...

[chadster1]

Originally Posted by kandl

The stock 20-inch HP weighs about 40 lbs. The E-rated 20-inch AT being mentioned here weighs 60 lbs. That's gotta hurt at the pump...

My mileage has dropped some. Its hard to get an accurate read on it because the taller tire has thrown the speedomer/odometer off some. The tire size calculater says that the tire is 34.1", when I changed the tire size option in the PCM with my flashpaq tuner, the options were either 34" or 34.25". I know the speedo is still off by probably about 5-7% based on comparing the speedo to the speed shown on a handheld GPS.

It may be costing me more at the pump, but its still cheaper than buying a new truck. If these tires wear out before the truck does, I will look at buying 17" wheels and tires. Right now, I am going to stick with what I got.

[kandl]

Originally Posted by chadster1

It may be costing me more at the pump, but its still cheaper than buying a new truck.

Acknowledge that but do the E-rated tires appreciably improve the trailer towing handing characteristics of your Dodge? We're somewhat in the same boat in that we're pushing the limits of the 1500 but are reluctant to move up to a 2500 (3/4 Ton) because the 1500 does a respectable job lugging the Rockwood and is otherwise my plush daily driver for the remainder of the year. Gonna be replacing the OEM skins (HPs) this fall and looking at the GY Silent Armour or Bridgestone Revo. We've put a lot of miles on the HPs with TT in tow and have been quite impressed with how they handled the load given the negative press this tire has rec'd over the past few years. Not convinced that a jump to a D or E-rated tire would improve the truck's handling with the TT latched to her.

Cheers

[chadster1]

Originally Posted by kandl

Acknowledge that but do the E-rated tires appreciably improve the trailer towing handing characteristics of your Dodge? We're somewhat in the same boat in that we're pushing the limits of the 1500 but are reluctant to move up to a 2500 (3/4 Ton) because the 1500 does a respectable job lugging the Rockwood and is otherwise my plush daily driver for the remainder of the year. Gonna be replacing the OEM skins (HPs) this fall and looking at the GY Silent Armour or Bridgestone Revo. We've put a lot of miles on the HPs with TT in tow and have been quite impressed with how they handled the load given the negative press this tire has rec'd over the past few years. Not convinced that a jump to a D or E-rated tire would improve the truck's handling with the TT latched to her.

Cheers

I did notice less sway when I put the new tires on.

I bought the tires when I was 1300 miles away from home. I had made a trip from Dallas to Utah pulling a flat bed trailer with 3 atvs (approx 5000lbs). When I got to my destination the stock rear tires were showing the wear indicators. I did not want to make the trip back home on those tires. I did some research online and talked to some of the others in the campground about tires and thats when I decided to get the LT275/65/R20. I use Goodyear exclusively because I get a National Account pricing. I probably would of chose the Goodyear anyway. On the trip home, there was a definite improvement in the way the truck and trailer handled. I got 9.5mpg on the trip up and 8.5mpg on the trip home but I dont know how accurate the trip computer is anymore since the speedo and odometer is off.

If I would of had more time, I would of researched the cost of buying 17" wheels and tires vs. the cost of buying 20" tires. But as you can see, I was in somewhat of a bind.

Another note about improved handling with better tires. I recently upgraded the tires on my toyhauler to a D rated tire. I made my first trip a couple of weeks ago and I noticed an improvement in the way the trailer handled with the better tires as well. Not that the trailer handled badly to begin with but it seemed like there was less bouncing on rough roads and the wind effect of semis was less noticable.

Based on my experience, I am sold on buying better tires for my trailers and tow vehicles in the future. The better ride and peace of mind are worth the difference in cost.

[acadianbob]

One of the problems with the bigger wheel sizes is that it becomes much harder to get the exact tire you want; there is less selection. Typically the bigger wheels are more about appearance than function so the heavier tires are generally less available.

[NJAg78]

I have Goodyear Wrangler SR-A 265-60R20 Load Range E tires on the 2011 Chevy 2500HD. Came that way from the factory.

Difference between the 265 and 275 is 0.4" in width and 0.24" in height (diameter).

[boubou]

Well, thanks to all for the replies. i'll reseach it all and let you know what I get in the spring