Taller and skinnier tires for better MPG?

[rstl9999]

I am just about to buy a new set of tires for my 96 2500 auto 4x4 with 4. 10 gearing. I carry a reasonable-size slide-in camper (older Alaskan, which comes down for driving to lessen wind drag etc. ).

- One of my considerations is improving MPG for long road trips.

- Another is having a tough tire that will handle some long stretches of gravel roads on Northern trips. The rest of the driving will be on pavement. - Looking at Toyo M55 or Open Country AT, in 10 ply E range.

- My stock tire size is 245-75-R16 (16" 6. 5" wheels).

- Some have suggested going 265-75 for slightly taller tire, and wider for better floatation with the camper.

- Others have suggested 235-85 for slighty taller and narrower tire.

- I would think the 235-85 may offer MPG benefits, but am not sure if it's a good idea with the slide-in camper to go with narrower tire.

- Opinions, suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[BigPapa]

Welcome Trial Memeber.



No need to post the same thing in multiple areas. Just clutters things up.



That said, I have found that until you get into the really big and wide tires, size really doesn't make a lot of difference on MPG.

 

[rstl9999]

Thanks Scott. Sorry about the dual posting, I wasn't sure where to best post my question...



In theory anyway, the 235-85 tire, according to Toyo site, makes 649 revolutions per mile (as opposed to 675 for the stock 245-75), so that's 4% less revs per mile. Probably doesn't translate into meaningful MPG gains, especially since I also read that a taller tire induces more wind turbulence under the truck which reduces MPG.



Sounds like I may be best to just stay with the stock tire size on my truck.

 

[Dl5treez]

For what it's worth, I hauled an Alaskan camper (8 footer) for years with 235/85R16 Toyo M55s. No sway issues. It was a regular cab 3/4 ton.



I've found the M-55 to have very stiff sidewalls that don't give much, so you'd probably be fine, but every driver's perception is different.

 

[tuffs93]

I bought a set of Rickson Wheels and had them mount a 8R19. 5 AT tire on them. There load range F. As far as handling a load, there as stable as my duelly. There 8" wide and are about 34" tall. I've got almost 5K on them since I bought them and have seen a increase of about 1/2 mile per gallon. Not much of a increase, but that is'nt why I bought them.

 

[EricBu12]

X2 on 19. 5" tires. .

the 225/70R-19. 5" tire is the same diameter as a stock 16" rim but is narrower. mine is the toyo tire where it is "G" rated. . 110 psi and rolls good. i tow a heavy 5th wheel and this helps for longevity and rolling resistance.

 

[Grizzly]

I had the same question with my 95 Dodge 3500 dually when it came time to replacing the original set of tires. I wanted taller tires because I thought that the stock tires were too small. I called a Chrysler Rep and asked the question. He told me that the truck suspension, steering, braking and more were designed with the stock size tires in mind. To alter the stock size tires, I would effect the rideing and handling characteristics of the truck. He advised me to stay with the OEM size tires, which I did.