Should I change to nineteens?

[SkipLieder]

This spring I will be taking a 22k mile camping trip to Alaska and need opinions and recommendations on whether or not to change from 16s to 19s. Either way I will be buying new tires for the trip, but, the the total cost of the 19s will be twice as much --- will it be worth it? Will they really hold up that much better? The thought of having to buy 7 rims and tires causes my wallet to yell YOWZA, but I will have to buy 6 new tires anyway.

So, if I get replacement 16s, what brand/type do I get for 90% highway and 10% off road; And what 19s should I get if I change? Will the spare fit in the holder under the bed? Should I get the taller ones to increase my mileage or stick with the same overall size? I have a 2000 Ram 3500, diesel, 6spd, 4X4,410 rear end, with Banks Big Hoss, exhaust brake, and 4" Monster exhaust, towing a Montana 32' 5er. I understand that the roads in BC and Alaska are pretty hard on tires and don't want to spend my time changing (or buying) new tires. The last question is - If I get the 19s for the trip, when I get back can I simply take those wheels and tires off and replace them with the original 16s to run around town without 5er attached (got rubber left and would like to use it up). All help will be most appreciated.

Thanking you all in advance;

Fred Lieder

 

[Dkevdog]

If you know of a place to get 19. 5's for double the cost of 16 rubber, please pass it along!! I have priced out multiple configurations of 19. 5's and have yet to see one for under about $2200. Most are well into the $3 to $4k range. You have to deceide if its worth it to you. The tires are better and will last longer, but you don't sound like you are overwieght, so the added tire capacity is a non issue. I have decieded to just buy me a set of good 16's and go for it. I can buy an awful lot of tires for $3k... ... ... They do look great though, and ride real nice.



Kev

 

[AKDrifter]

Hey Fred, the roads from the South are not as bad as they used to be. There are a couple of areas in between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake that are rough, but the rest is in good shape.



BUT, if you blow a tire in the middle of nowhere and need help, it might take a while. Plus, the roads are have a heavy crown on them, get out of control and you could go a loooong way down.



I'm thinking about those 19. 5's too, mostly from a safety standpoint and to get my gear ratio down a bit.



So, can I throw a set of alluminum 19. 5's in your trailer when you come ( just 4 ), take you out fishin' when you get here!

 

[Larry Willard]

I too have thought about upgrading to 19. 5's, but the cost is not really reasonable. When the ones I am running now(Michelin X) wear out I am seriously thinking about upgrading to the Michelin ones with the steel cord sidewalls. I don't think the rating is higher, just a heavier tire to take more abuse, and will only cost slightly more than the regular ones. Available in highway or mud and snow, no all season. I talked to a contractor with these on his trucks and says lasting close to 100,000 miles.

Larry

 

[RADdodge]

I would agree that the cost to upgrade is not reasonable. Some try to justify the cost by the amount of miles they expect to get out of a set of 19. 5 tires. The load rating is much higher (mine are H). There are a lot of variables that may warrant going to 19. 5" wheels, but cost savings isn't one of them - at least not from what I've seen. However, they sure look good!

 

[cscott]

I have decided to go with the 19. 5's.



The fact that they last longer and have a higher load rating is a bonus.



IMHO if you want them get them that's all the justification that's really needed. If you try to balance the advantages/disadvantages you will just make your self nuts.



Like RADDodge said they sure look good.



Craig

 

[jmac]

Why don't you stick with the 16's and go to the E series of tires. We tow a heavy fifth wheel race car trailer and we were blowing tires every trip out until we switched to the E series, and have not had a problem in 2 years. The E series definitely made the difference.

 

[SkipLieder]

Truck came with Goodyear 235/85R16E M/S AP. They have 41K on them, have plenty of rubber left, and never had a flat. My Alaska trip is why I am changing (want max rubber between me and gravel). So am buying 8 Michelin LTX 235/85R16E M/S Commercial to replace them (see next thread).

Thanks for input.

Skip