looking for new tires

[DEickhoff]

I have a 3500 4wd drw. It currently has 235 80R17 Load rated E (stock). I am looking to replace these with a different set. I want to upgrade to 265 or 285 tires. I will be hauling gravel/dirt and towing a 21' TT is summer. This is my first time owning a DRW so here go my questions.



1. Can I go with a 70R17 and not change the rim? (I think I can as long as the tire stays 17")



2. Will the 285's require spacers on the rear being the truck is a dually?



3. Will the 285's fit in my wheel well without rubbing?



4. I am looking at BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO or the Nitto Terran Grappler. Are these tires good for what my plans are (hauling /towing)?



Thanks



Dawna

 

[Southbound]

DEickhoff

Your probably going to get a lot of opinions on this topic so take my suggestion as simply an option only. ;-)

1. Yes you can go with a 70R17 as I am on my third set on my dually. Note: I am running 265's... and have gotten around 40k on each set.

2. You might be able to squeeze by with 285's (without spacers) however when you tow heavy loads you will most likely get a rub between the duals which aint good! I an addition I have heard opinions both ways on running spacers. If you plan on towing some serious weight I would not go with spacers ... ... . heard its hard on the hub? Also with spacers you will have issues getting through the "drive-through" at banks etc. Note: I love the way a Dually looks with 285's and spacers but they dont work for me based upon what i use my truck for.

3. As stated above ... . the 285's will probably rub with very little weight on the back. Spacers is your only option with the 285's. Note: My opinion... .

4. I am a big fan of the KO's however a ton of my friends have had very poor tire life with these. My guess is that BFG has changed the rubber compound for this particular tread pattern. I am actually running the BFG Rugged Trail which is not near as aggressive as the KO however they wear extremely well ... when rotating them regularly. Again I have gotten an average of 40k miles with each set I have run.

When researching tires / tread patterns you will see a big difference on the side-walls which means that some 265's will not have as much space between the duals as the others. So do you homework and inspect the sidewalls before buying. Funny because I have been told by a local Tire Shop that they would not honor a warranty on 265's because they didnt fit... ... ... . after arguing with them I made them mount 265s on the back and after they saw the space between the duals they were ok with the warranty coverage. Note: If you decide to run a bigger tire than the stock 235 make sure and run a higher pressure in the backs so you dont have as much tire flex between the duals. I am running 55 in the rears and 65 in the fronts.

Hope this helps.

Remember ... . MY . 02

Southbound

 

[steved]

4. Consider looking at the Bridgestone Revo II. I've been very pleased with them to date... they have a good ride, and they handle weight without issue. I have well over 30k on mine, and probably 50% usable tread left. I routinely haul loads of firewood, equipment, and trailers... never had an complaint.

 

[CKarnes]

Bridgestone Revos

I also have used the Bridgestone Revo on my DRW 04. I got almost 64K out of them towing various trailers, mostly a 3 horse GN, also hauled up to 3K through city and country roads. They were 265's and had no problem, not too good on show, but fine in the rain.

When replacing I went with Michelin AT2, cost a few $ more, but far superior.

Don't know how they would be hauling on a gravel road, but in northern Colorado I go most anywhere.

 

[steved]

The Revo II has a slightly tighter tread pattern, and does pretty well in snow... I use them for a winter tire.