Dually Tire Size

[BHiggins]

OK, I know this topic has been covered in past threads, but I get different answers depending on who I ask. On my '92 W350 Dually, what's the largest tire I can fit before dually spacing becomes a problem? I currently have 215/85 R16's on it but want a taller more aggressive tire. Height is not a concern because the truck is lifted. So far I've gotten four different answers from five different vendors in my area. Even my good friend who does truck tires for a living isn't sure. I don't want to buy Ford rims or use a spacer, so if anyone has experimented with tires on a dually and has a definate answer, I would REALLY appreciate it. Thanks!

 

["Mad Max"]

The most common dually size is a 235-85/16. I am also looking to get the 'next size bigger' for mine, so I'm looking forward to other responses. I know the buldge at the bottom will dictate how big as the tires cennot touch - that's just not good, but there should be a bigger and slightly wider tire that'll fit a 6" rim that will be a bit 'meatier' looking.

- Sam

 

[BHiggins]

Depending on the responses I get here, I'm looking to go with the 235/85 R16 BF Goodrich All Terrain Radials. I don't weigh down the back of the truck, most of the weight goes in the trailer. Once in a while I put a couple of dirt bikes or a quad in the back, that shouldn't "bulge" the tires enough to make them rub as long as I keep the tire pressure up.

 

["Mad Max"]

Yeah the 235's are a great fit for a dually, and plenty big. Personally I'd go with the AT's, but I'm also doing light trail hopping and camping with the rig... okay I'm also doing an Eaton locker in the front 60 in case it gets real soupy... but that's another story.

- S

 

[Philip]

I have a set of 235/85/16's on my W350. There is about 1/2" between the duals unloaded. With 6k in the bed the side walls do not touch. Anything bigger on my setup would require spacers. I do have a set of American Racing alumn rims on the truck.



My truck had 205's on it when I got it. They looked like a set of donuts on it. LOL

 

[dodgenstein]

I am running 235/85/16's, too. I am also running alloy outer wheels and that dictated a change to 2nd gen inner wheels. I ran 235's on the stock rims before the alloys tho. I also have a friend running 245/75/16's on the stock rims. He tows heavy (gooseneck) and hasn't had any problems, but the sidewalls are too close for my comfort.

 

[KWeber]

235-85/16's (on stock steel wheels) fit very nicely on my W350.



It was loaded with a heavy steel welding deck, welder, oxy-act equip, tools, etc; the sidewalls did not touch.

 

[KeithTaylor]

I run 235/85R16 BFG Mud Terrain T/A's on my W350 and tow heavy without any problems. I would like to put a taller tire on mine to gear it up just a bit, but without stepping up for 19. 5's, I haven't found anything in a radial load range E. I found some 255/85R16's, but they are load range D and would require spacers. Don't want no spacers!!

Keith

 

[BHiggins]

BF G's

I went on the BF Goodrich website and they make TWO 235/85 R16 All Terrain Radials, both load range "E". Now I'm more confused. The only difference I see in the tire specs are one of them has an overall height of 31. 8 inches and the other is 31. 7 inches. Both are for a 6 to 7 inch rim, the taller of the two has a section width of 9. 3 inches on a 6. 5 rim, the other is 9. 4 inches on a 6. 5 rim.

In other words the one tire is a tenth of an inch taller and a tenth of an inch narrower. Aren't these differences too small to warrant making two different tires. Obviously I would go with the taller narrower tire for the dually application, but something doesn't seem right with the posted sizes. I'm going to try to contact BF Goodrich and see what gives.

Hey Dan, are the Michellin's you mentioned good for a steering axle (front)? It's always been my assumption that if a tire is marked for "traction" it should only be used on a drive axle.

 

[BHiggins]

OK, I just got of the phone with BF Goodrich. The only difference is the speed rating, I'm all set to order my new tires... finally! Thanks for all the input.

 

[KeithTaylor]

Thanks for the info, Dan. I know that the Michelins are going to be a lot more money, but the BFG's don't last very well! Maybe the Michelins will pay for themselves in tread life . . .



Keith

 

[RSchwarzli]

What about the 2nd gen rims. Can anything bigger be put on them than the 235/85 R16? Or is the rim and spacing the same as a 1st gen?