8R19.5's anybody running them?

[AKDrifter]

Just wondering how you like your 8R19. 5's. I've been kicking around the 19. 5 thing for a couple of months now and I am ready to order the alluminum rims from Rickson. I know they are spendy but this is a one shot deal, my 16's are shot and I want something stable and safe, along with lower RPM's for summer cruising.



Does anybody find the 8R to be too skinny? Mainly this will be a 6 month a year tire but sometimes it will see snow. The other size I'm considering is the 245's. Bridgestone makes a M729 that looks like it will do anything well, but they are heavy.



Paul

 

[Loren]

Paul,



I have the Rickson steel wheels and like them. I was looking for higher gearing, but only got about 4% above stock.



I have the Toyo tires. I think the size is 245, but I'm not home so I can't go check. They do look a bit skinny, but you can't tell that unless you view them from the front or rear. They aren't skinny enough that you would notice it.



The tires have worn like iron. That is the only way I think that I could justify the cost. If I keep the truck as long as I expect to, I'll save enough in tire replacement costs to pay for the Ricksons.



In spite of the long wear, they seem to grab well on pavement. The tread isn't radical enough for mud, but on the other hand, they're quiet.



The safety of those tires is also a factor. I pull trailers on occasion, and it's nice knowing that my tires are nowhere near their load limit.



I think you'll like them if you get them. The guys at Rickson are absolutely great for products and service. If you keep the truck for 250,000 miles or so, you might even save money.



Loren