2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fit 255/85's on a dually?

[MAX A/C]

I will be getting a 2001 4x4 dually. I would like to go to the 255/85 size for the added height. In searching the forum, I see some have run this size, but the tire companies recommend at least a 6. 5" wide wheel. Does the 255/85 work OK on a 6" wide wheel?



Who makes a 16x6. 5" wheel? I've checked Alcoa & American Eagle... they don't (not to fit Dodge, anyway). Even a 6. 5" steel would be OK, doesn't have to be aluminum.



Thanks for your help!

Scott

 

[CATCRACKER]

yea they will fit go to sams and buy some i found a set of bridgstone's 255/85 for $91 a tire (muds)

 

[vssman]

If your concerned about "buldge" width, look at Coopers. I believe they run a bit narrower and have seen a set of 255/85's on a Powerstroke Dually.

 

[TrqMonster]

255/85's

I have 255's on my truck. I have two spacers in between the rear tires. You should be ok unless you are going to tow anything. When I bought the truck it had 285's with 3 spacers and they were way to close together. Mine are stock wheels but I dont know if yours with be different being that it is newer.

 

[cwcox]

For the record, I run 255 Kelly's on my 95 dually- on the stock rims. I run this truck like a stolen mule, and I tow with it too. There are very marginal rub marks on the inner sidewalls, nothing to be concerned about. I check tire temps when towing heavy- never more than warm to the touch.

 

[y-knot]

Hey welcome to the club. I also run the 255-85-16's they seem to work well on the truck and serve well in closing the huge hole left in the wheel wells by the stock tires.

I have two sets of 255's, one is my winter set, I have BFG MT's mounted to the stock wheels, they are 16x6. There is no problem with them, they mount fine and wear even, no strip down the middle. I am very pleased with the tire wear from the BFG's they are in their 4th year now and still have 70%+ tread wear. They are a hard rubber tire, with stiff side walls.

My second set is the summer tires, they are 255-85-16's as well but are from Trxus, the M/T's. These are made of a slightly softer rubber, and it transfers to the ride, makeing them ride slightly smoother over the rough stuff. I have them mounted to Alcoa Hot Shot aluminum rims. Wear is also excellent, this has been the first summer for these tires, and I still have the small tits on some, not bad after a long summer. I have towed with both, and they are about the same, each ran great and never got hot (I have a 16,000lb trailer with 3,500lbs tongue weight). I also keep the front at their max pressure while the backs run around 50 psi.

I would recommend both two anyone wanting an aggressive tire that wear very well. The Trxus tires are slightly cheaper then the BFG's if that matters, but the BFG's will last longer. Also, the BFG's were easier to balance, some of the Trxus tires were way off.

You will need to run spacers know matter which brand tires you run. I use a 1 1/4" thick aluminum spacer I got at Performance Wheel, They are made of billet aluminum and have been great, I have been running them for over 5 years. I have seen several places that now sell spacers, while their may be a few places that sell them cheaper, I do not think this is an area where cheaper is better, buy the best quality you can find. I have not had any troubles with this setup, and I hope you find it as pleasing as I, Good luck with your larger tires.



Trxus tires on Hot Shot wheels by Alcoa

#ad




Bfg tires on stock wheels

#ad

 

[woodsrat]

Max A/c

You dont need any spacers on a 2001. The offset is a little different than the guys that said they are running them on the 96-97 trucks. I have been running 255-85/16 cooper discovery S/Ts on my 01 for two years now and have had no trouble, even with my 40ft gooseneck on.

 

[MAX A/C]

Thanks for the info, guys. As always, this is a great site. Y-knot: nice truck, and thanks for the pics and the detailed info on wear. Do you find the BFG's noisy?



Woodsrat, thanks for the info on the 01 offset, I knew it was a little more but wanted to hear from someone running that size on an 01 or 02.



Bridgestones for $91 sounds great.



Thanks all

Scott

 

[mrander]

y-knot,

Are those tires load range D or E?



If D, do you notice any flexing at all with your heavy trailer?

 

[TrqMonster]

My BFG M/T's are kind of load but I dont notice due to engine/stack noise. They are just mix in for one sweet sound.

 

[y-knot]

I do not find them to be very loud, both sets are pretty quiet for a mud tire.



Also, both sets are D rated, and no they have no problems towing the heavy loads. The BFG tires do have a stiffer side wall, then the Trxus ones. I also have a Ford that wears the BFG M/T's and they are wearing very even and I expect to get over 45,000 miles out of them, also.

The newer trucks do have more offset built into the rims, which will give more room between the two rear tires. If I remember right they have 3/16" more off-set. There is no way I could run this size tire and not use a spacer, they would rub without a load. The spacers have proven to be a very good choice, they are durable and strong, giving me the extra room I did, while not reducing my weight carrying capacity.

 

[Partyat33]

I run 265/75's on mine. Spacing is OK. They don't touch even loaded down.



Dennis

 

[vssman]

Going from memory, I believe all 255/85's are D rated.