tire sizes and towing w a 48RE

[sarj]

First, I’d like to thank everyone here at TDR for all the info you’ve put out there. I was looking for a truck for about 3 months, and hit every ford & Dodge dealer in the county with test drives ( I’ll even confess at looking at 1 chevy dealer, and he offered to let me take it home overnight, but I told him I didn’t want to waste his time ). I ordered my 2500 about 3 weeks ago, and I’m still amazed with the info on this website. My woman says I have the fever.



I’ve pieced together bits of answers using the searches, but I guess I have a straight forward question y’all might help me with:



I ordered a 2500 4x4 w/ a 48RE and a 3. 73 rear end, and I figure it ought be in late June. I’m figurin to T-Rex the front end ( rear end too, probably, I’m waiting for a gatherin’ at Foothill Dodge where Kent will be to decide on that), and I’m getting to tires.



The truck isn’t a commuter, and is mainly for local and trips. It will see time in the desert and baja as well as the typical highway use. I have a 21’ trailer that is 3950 lb dry, so I’m thinkin’ 5000 wet. Not a heavy tow. I won't be upsizing the trailer for 10-15 years.



I’d rather have the dealer change out the tires before I take delivery, and I’m about ready to make that call, so the question is tire size and towing and how much of a factor it will be.



Stock 265/70-17’s are 31. 8” diameter

285 /70’s are 32. 8” diameter

315’s are 34. 5



I’ve even looked at going to Kent’s 18” wheels which would be a 285/65-18 @ 32. 8” diameter ( a nice looking wheel, and I figured a new set of OEM tires and wheels would offset the rim cost ).



I need to know how much these tire diameters will affect towing performance and if BFG’s are my best bet all around. ... originally I was planning on just going with the 315's. Any suggestions would be appreciated.



sarj

 

[Bertram65]

Hate to say it but, you would probably be better off with the 4. 10s if you are going to put on bigger tires and towing with the 48RE. I have 315s with the 4. 10s, 48RE and it seems like a pretty good combo all the way around from off the line acceleration to highway cruising.

 

[lawdog]

I am running an 03 HO with the 48RE and 3. 73 and 315 BFG's. I pull a 5000 lb trailer and it does not even slow down on hills, with the Edge on "3". The only possible issue is to watch is sidewall flex causing sway.