Heavy Duty Tires for 2500HD

Sheakev · May 11, 2002

I'm planning on ordering a 2500HD shortly and I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask here before I discuss them with the salesman (who doesn't know a truck from a hole in the ground. ???

Can I order the truck with heavier tires. They don't have to be bigger (or maybe they do) but I will be towing a fairly heavy GN horse trailer 10-12K lbs. and would like to get a higher load rating than what comes with the truck.

If I can't, what size should I be shooting for? I would like to keep the same rims if at all possible.

Thanks!

JEBar · May 11, 2002

I have an '02 3500HD...my dealer has this thing about tires larger than whatever stock is...I am sure I could easily run into warranty issues if I upgraded...Literature availabe on your truck should tell you your options...I'd get the best they have to offer, try them out and if unhappy upgrade with the brand of your choice when you replace them :0

bluenote · May 11, 2002

The 2500HD's come with load range E tires. My 5er weighs 10K and the tires don't even get very warm towing it, as long as you inflate them to the 75-80 psi range. I don't think you'll need heavier tires with the size trailer you're talking about. However, if you do, GM doesn't want you to put taller tires on these trucks because of the Allison tranny. You can get them reprogrammed at some dealers, but may have to go back to stock if a warranty issue pops up. If you're getting the ZF-6 manual tranny, I don't think there would be any problems. One other thing to remember, the taller tires will take away from your HP and torque.

Shaners · May 11, 2002

Like was said by the other guys, the stock "E" rated or 10-ply tires are more than capable of carrying the load.

I'm going to eventually replace my "smallish" 245's with some 265's in the future...

walkerkd · May 15, 2002

i have the stockers on my truck they are and eye sore because they are to DaMN little but other than that they handle the load with ease.. i was cruzing alone last week with well of 29k pounds total weight and no tire failure.

JimWilson · May 15, 2002

I'm planning on ordering a 2500HD shortly and I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask here before I discuss them with the salesman (who doesn't know a truck from a hole in the ground. ???

Can I order the truck with heavier tires. They don't have to be bigger (or maybe they do) but I will be towing a fairly heavy GN horse trailer 10-12K lbs. and would like to get a higher load rating than what comes with the truck.

If I can't, what size should I be shooting for? I would like to keep the same rims if at all possible.

Thanks!

You're within the limits of both the truck and the stock tires. If you properly inflate them you shouldn't have any difficulties.

I'm going to swap those embarrassing 245's with 265's on my truck. Although you can squeeze 285's on the stock rims I wouldn’t recommend it (but it sure does look good with really big tires).

Ranger354 · May 19, 2002

285's fit and do not rub. I did run my old 245's til the warranty was up. thinking about putting 255/85/16's on the next truck. taller and not as wide. then have the computer reprogrammed for the taller tires.

SilveradoWV · May 19, 2002

The Load Range E (10 ply) is about as tuff as you can get isnt it????? I mean as tuff as you can get without spending a lot of $$$$$$$$

Shaners · May 19, 2002

Actually the old school would call a load range "E" a 10 ply tire, but with todays technology, they are able to give you the higher rating with less ply's and therefore a better ride...

The stockers are smallish, but can handle any load you want (within reason).