????s for 19.5 wheel and tire owners.

Barry · Feb 20, 2003

1) Do you like the set up and would you do it again?

2) Do they really wear as long as they say?

3) If you go for the 32" tire how much does it drop the RPM?

4) What is the cost for say steel wheels and a set of tires for a dually and does Michelin make tires in that size?

5) I have been told that Rickson wants about $3 Grand for the set. Any other options?

GiesJ · Feb 20, 2003

There is some interesting discussion within this thread:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=66682

towards the end of page two is the start of the 19. 5 stuff.

What is your goal for moving to 19. 5s? Tire wear? weight increase? Looks?

Good luck,

j

Barry · Feb 20, 2003

I have several goals:

1) I do run lots of miles. I would like to lower my RPM about 6 to 8 percent

2) I generally get around 60,000 miles out of a set of tires. So If I am going to spend 2 to 3 thousand bucks to "upgrade" then there should atleast be some mileage advantage to the larger tires.

Thanx for the heads up on the thread... ... ... .....

RADdodge · Feb 20, 2003

Would I do it again? Yes, if I had the money. When I bought the truck, I added the $6k it was going to cost me to the total of the truck. I didn't want to do it on the cheep, 6 Alcoa wheels polished both sides, 7. 5” wide and Michelin XZA 285 tires (load rating H). The Rickson for $3k is a fair (i. e. honest) price. Mine use wheel adapters and I didn't suspect the tires protruding out past the fenders (which cost me more to fix!) Am I happy with the results? Absolutely! But I couldn't recommend it because of the cost. As far as wear is concerned, the tires will probably rot first. Dual Designs, the folks from whom I bought the set-up, advertised about a truck that had over 300K miles on a single set of 245 Michelins. But I still doubt that you can really justify the initial expense for the hope of saving long term. But they do look good. And the handling is much improved also. However it takes more pedal pressure to stop. I will be looking at upgrading the brakes. It never seems to stop, does it?

P. s. The 19. 5's changed my effective gear ratio to 3. 69, which is about perfect. If you would like to compare the results of changing tire sizes with what you have, I have a spreadsheet that will let you compare the differences. If you want to see what it looks like, a picture of it is on my Reader's Rig page. If you would like a copy of it (requires Microsoft Excel), PM me and I'll send you a copy.

VietDoc · Feb 20, 2003

RADdoge,

You stated the handling is better, but what about the ride. Harder, about the same or smother??

The wife & I are getting an '03 SRW so I only need 4 wheels & tires. I don't want to get the adapters and will likely wait for Alcoa or Rickson the produce 19. 5's in Aluminum... Don't want steel.

We have a heavy 5er and I am looking for load range F, G or H. Problem with '03 is limited tires for 17 inch wheels.

I would probably go with 225's or 245 tires to keep the higher ratio for pulling.

What do you think??

doc

RADdodge · Feb 21, 2003

Mildly harder, but not very noticeable. I changed from the stock shocks to the Rancho 9000's at the same time so that may have lessened the effect. Tire pressures make a difference and are much higher than LT tires. I run between 55 to 70 psi.

EarthRoamer · Mar 3, 2003

Alcoa 19.5, Michelin XD2 and adapters for 2500 Ram

<title>Alcoa 19. 5 Wheels w/Michelin XD2 Tires</title>

</head>

<body bgcolor="#efefef" ><font face="Arial" >

<h1>Alcoa 19. 5 Wheels, Michelin XD2 Tires, Arrowcraft Wheel Adapters</h1>

<h3>Here's a way to run big rig Alcoa 19. 5 inch forged aluminum wheels and Michelin 19. 5 inch big rig tires on your Dodge Ram 2500. This is the complete package of Tires, Wheels and Adapters you need for the conversion. </h3>

#ad

<table border ="3" bordercolor=black >

<tr>

<td><h3>Wheels/Adapters</h3></td>

<td><h3>Tires</h3></td>

<td><h3>Tire Diameter</h3></td>

<td><h3>Tire Width</h3></td>

<td><h3>Load Rating</h3></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>Alcoa 19. 5 x 7. 5 forged aluminum 10-bolt dually wheels with adapters</td>

<td>Michelin XD2 285/70 R19. 5</td>

<td>35. 6</td>

<td>10. 9</td>

<td>H 16-ply, 6175@115psi</td>

</tr>

</table>

This conversion requires two adapters on each wheel to use the Alcoa dually 19. 5 10 bolt truck wheels. To get the backspacing right, a spacer that extends out about 6 inches is used, then to get the 10 lug big truck wheels to bolt up, an 8 to 10 bolt adapter is used.

This combination will definitely make you Ram stand out in a crowd, and will give you tires that are long wearing, and wheels that look awesome.

The complete kit includes:

<ul type="disc">

<li>4 Arrowcraft Wheel Products steel spacers</li>

<li>4 Arrowcraft Wheel 8 lug to 10 lug steel adapters</li>

<li>5 Alcoa 19. 5 x 7. 5 forged aluminum 10-bolt dually wheels (mounted as Single Rear Wheels)</li>

<li>5 Michelin XD2 285/70 R19. 5 (4 have about 12,000 miles on them, the spare is new with zero miles)</li>

<li>32 lug-nuts for the adpters </li>

<li>50 lug nuts for the Alcoa Wheels</li>

</ul>

The auction link is here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33748&item=2405930549&rd=1

Click on any photo to see a larger version

<a href="http://www.earthroamer.com/ebay/HTML/crw_4782.htm">

#ad
</a>

<a href="http://www.earthroamer.com/ebay/HTML/crw_4796.htm">

#ad
</a>

<a href="http://www.earthroamer.com/ebay/HTML/crw_4815.htm">

#ad
</a>

<a href="http://www.earthroamer.com/ebay/HTML/crw_4837.htm">

#ad
</a>

<a href="http://www.earthroamer.com/ebay/HTML/crw_4887.htm">

#ad
</a>

<hr>

RustyJC · Mar 3, 2003

Ummmm, Bill, isn't this the combination that you said is NOT RECOMMENDED in the last issue of the TurboDiesel Register?

Rusty

EarthRoamer · Mar 3, 2003

Rusty,

Yes, I clearly stated in the last TDR that I do not recommend this combination. My primary reason is for liability reasons. Alcoa does NOT recommend the use of adapters with their wheels, and does not want to promote their use.

Alcoa is coming out with a direct bolt on 19. 5 inch wheel, that in my opinion will be the way to go if you want to run 19. 5s on a 2500 Ram, but they are not yet available.

I put about 12,000 miles on this tire/wheel and adapter combination, and on the long road hauls they work well. On rough roads, the 19. 5s are too stiff.

This combination also provides a unique look that is very cool. The big rig wheels on the Ram gets lots of attention.

These wheels with the 8 to 10 bolt adapters and two more steel wheels and tires could also be used as duallys on a 3500.

This combination isn't for everyone, but someone may want the look.

-Bill-

Barry · Mar 3, 2003

Bill, thanx for the post but that is not what I am looking for. I am in the Rv Biz. and run lots of miles... ..... on the highway.

VietDoc · Mar 3, 2003

Originally posted by EarthRoamer

. . . . Alcoa is coming out with a direct bolt on 19. 5 inch wheel, . . . . . . . . on the long road hauls they work well. On rough roads, the 19. 5s are too stiff. . . . . -Bill-

Bill,

My major interest in the 19. 5 is load range "F, G & H" tires to increase the safety margin when pulling a heavy 5er (dry pin wt is 2,400#). My secondary reason would be mileage for when we make trips back east or to Alaska. But we also go 4-wheeling and a stiff tire is not fun, plus high inflation give poor traction.

Will the direct bolt Alcoa work on the 2003 3500 SRW? I guess I am asking if the bolt pattern is the same for 1999 through 2003 for 2500 and 3500?

Has Alcoa updated when their 19. 5 will be out? I have heard not before mid year, second quarter and sometime in 2003??

Do you switch tires or wheels if you know you are going to be on rough roads?

Is it realistic to have a 19. 5 highway set and a 17 inch for rough roads?

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and research.

doc

Whitmore · Mar 3, 2003

I have always wanted a 19. 5 or even a 22. 5 but I have a question or two.

Will the 19. 5 clear the fender wells if you dont have a lift kit or a body lift?

If the 19. 5 will fit without a lift installed than what is the height to the top of the bed rails.

The reason I am concerened is because I already have height issues with my 5er.

cheers, Kevin

EarthRoamer · Mar 3, 2003

Originally posted by VietDoc

Will the direct bolt Alcoa work on the 2003 3500 SRW? I guess I am asking if the bolt pattern is the same for 1999 through 2003 for 2500 and 3500?

Don't know the answer to this one.

Has Alcoa updated when their 19. 5 will be out? I have heard not before mid year, second quarter and sometime in 2003??

At SEMA they were telling me at the end of first quarter 2003 and I haven't heard an update since then.

Do you switch tires or wheels if you know you are going to be on rough roads?

Is it realistic to have a 19. 5 highway set and a 17 inch for rough roads?

I struggled with this for a long time since I do a lot of highway driving and rough road driving. For long hauls on pavement, the 19. 5s are great. With their long wear and high load rating, they are the perfect over the road tire.

For mixed highway/rough road driving, I'm sold on the Goodyear MTRs. I'm currently running 37x12. 5 MTRs on 17x9 Alcoa rims and can't imagine switching. It's simply not practical for me to switch between 17s and 19. 5s during or between trips. Hope this helps.

EarthRoamer · Mar 3, 2003

Goodyear G124, 265/70R19.5 Load Range G Tires

I have a set of 5 new Goodyear G124, 265/70R19. 5 Load Range G Tires tires for sale. check out my website for details.

Bill Swails

EarthRoamer.com

Loren · Mar 3, 2003

Barry,

I have Rickson 19. 5" steel wheels and am very happy with them. If I had it to do over again, I would get the aluminum wheels if they were available.

The only way you can justify the expense is due to the increased tire wear, and that's a question I can't answer. I only have 55,000 miles on the truck, and the first 25,000 or so were with the stock wheels. I do expect, though, that my 19. 5" Toyos will last a really long time. The $3000 price sounds in the ball park. I doubt that you can do significantly better.

Since the tires do last a long time, choose wisely. I wanted something that would be good in snow and mud, but quiet on the highway. The Toyos lean more towards highway driving and they are quiet, but they aren't as good on snow as I was hoping for. The truck is 4WD, though, and I haven't gotten stuck on the road yet. Mud is a different story.

My stock tires were Michelin LTX A/S 265/75R16 - Load Range E.

The Rickson wheels were installed with Toyo M-608Z 245/70R19. 5 - Load Range G tires.

The speedometer correction was about 4%. My calculated RPM's were about 50 RPM lower at cruise speeds with the Toyos.

The 245/70R19. 5 size is about as big as you can fit into a stock wheel well. When the front tires are turned, they almost rub. I'm surprised I don't see rub marks from when the suspension is compressed with the tires turned, but so far I don't.

Michelin does make tires to fit the Rickson 19. 5" wheels. Rickson will sell them already mounted.

I liked dealing with Rickson. You will not find better quality nor customer service anywhere. They have a top-of-the-line Hunter tire balancer that is worth its weight in gold.

Yes, I would do it again, but with aluminum wheels instead. They are very expensive, but I intend to wear these tires out, so I expect I'll eventually recover the cost.

Loren

NVR FNSH · Mar 3, 2003

Originally posted by Whitmore

I have always wanted a 19. 5 or even a 22. 5 but I have a question or two.

Will the 19. 5 clear the fender wells if you dont have a lift kit or a body lift?

If the 19. 5 will fit without a lift installed than what is the height to the top of the bed rails.

The reason I am concerened is because I already have height issues with my 5er.

cheers, Kevin

Kevin,

I run 315/75R16 on the stock '00 alum wheels - tires calculate out at 35" tall - with stock suspension (NO LIFT) and tow a 5th wheel. Only downside is that my 5th wheel is spring over axle to clear the bed. My trailer is just shy of 13ft tall.

A 285/70R19. 5 specs out at ~35" tall, 245/40R19. 5 specs out at ~33. 3" tall - so you shouldn't have any more or any less problems running 19. 5s.

Brian

2ndgen2500 · Jul 4, 2003

Re: Goodyear G124, 265/70R19.5 Load Range G Tires

Originally posted by EarthRoamer

I have a set of 5 new Goodyear G124, 265/70R19. 5 Load Range G Tires tires for sale. check out my website for details.

Bill Swails

EarthRoamer.com

still for sale?

jponder · Jul 5, 2003

availability of tires

When I ordered from Rckson a number of the tires were not available. In the 285/19. 5 tires there were no Michellins or Goodyear available. Alot of the tires they list on the Web are not available in that size. I went with the Yokahama, I guess I should say I ordered the Yokahamas becuase it seems like such a long time ago. It has been at least 6 weeks maybe 7 I have lost track

Jeff Clark · Jul 5, 2003

Originally posted by Barry

1) Do you like the set up and would you do it again?

2) Do they really wear as long as they say?

3) If you go for the 32" tire how much does it drop the RPM?

4) What is the cost for say steel wheels and a set of tires for a dually and does Michelin make tires in that size?

5) I have been told that Rickson wants about $3 Grand for the set. Any other options?

1. I liked the set up when I had it on my 98 and I'm going with something similar when I order my 04.

2. I never got more than 70,000 miles on any set of Michelin XZT's on the rear and XZE's on the front. Only 30,000 out of a set of XZT's on the front.

3. Don't know

4. I paid nearly $5000 for mine when I bought them 4 years ago.

5. Check www.chromewheel.com

????s for 19.5 wheel and tire owners.

Cooper Discovery STT tiresI

Need help finding source for large wrenches

Barry

GiesJ

Barry

RADdodge

VietDoc

RADdodge

EarthRoamer

RustyJC

EarthRoamer

Barry

VietDoc

Whitmore

EarthRoamer

EarthRoamer

Loren

NVR FNSH

2ndgen2500

jponder

Jeff Clark

Turbo Diesel Register