18" Snow tires for Denali with 275/50/22?

Brick · September 9, 2020

Hi all! I am the new owner of a 2020 Denali with the OEM 275/50/22 wheels and tires. I would like to replace this setup for the winter and am looking for opinions for regarding tire size. I want to go down to an 18" wheel and have the following sizes in mind:

265/65/18 diameter difference: +3.8% Revs/Mile -24
275/65/18 diameter difference: +2.2% Revs/Mile -14
265/70/18 diameter difference: +0.6% Revs/Mile -4

From my research it seems that 265/65/18 and 275/65/18 are more popular. I have not found anyone using the 265/70/18 size even though it has the closest specs to the OEM tire. Is there an issue with using a 70 series tire?

I am leaning towards the 265/70/18. Your thoughts?

19 Denali ultimate · September 9, 2020

I personally go with a size that is as close to OEM height as possible. This way your odometer and speedometer won't be off too bad and trans shifting will be within proper range as well. Before buying any new wheels though, make sure that they will fit, I just went through this getting my new Fuel wheels. The issue is the new larger brake calipers and needing the proper offset to clear them.

Jay P · September 10, 2020

I went with 255/70-18 because they were less expensive and easy to get.

Specification  Sidewall  Radius  Diameter  Circumference    Revs/km  Difference
275/50-22         138mm   417mm     834mm         2619mm        382        0.0%
255/70-18         178mm   407mm     814mm         2558mm        391       -2.4%

Edited September 10, 2020 by Jay P

Termyt · September 13, 2020

I have a second set of 18" from my 2017. Might try running them first with 265/65/18 that are already on the rims. I'm leaning towards the 265/70/18 next. They are abit narrower which is better in snow any ways.

madconcept · October 5, 2020

I recently had my 2019 Sierra Elevation in for service and I asked about a winter tire/wheel setup.

Has 20” wheels on it and stock size is 275/60R20. Although I bought it as a demo model with BFG 275/65R20 which are 1” bigger in diameter.

Told them I’d want to downsize to an 18” wheel to save some dough!

I eventually got a call and was told that these trucks are really “sensitive” to wheel diameter changes and my only option was to stick to a 20” wheel and tire setup.

What are the issues with changing overall diameter besides having the speedo out? I don’t really care about that too much. My speedo may be out as it is with the 1” larger than stock tires I have now.

Having said all this my BFG’s are winter rated and performed exceptionally well last winter!

Brick · October 5, 2020

I ended up going with 275/60/20 for my snow tires on a 8.5" wheel.
Diameter difference: +0.6% Revs/Mile -3

I originally wanted an 18 inch wheel as I thought it would provide a better ride. Having driven my truck for over 7000 kms, I have no issues with the ride at all on the 22 inch rims. I also had difficulty finding my deisred tire for the 18" rim size.

The 20" package resulted in an additional $400 CDN over the 18" package.

Fast FC04X 20"x8.5" +15 offset

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 - P275/60R20 115R BSW