2008 Super Crew 4x2 with 4.6L, 3.55LS and the 18" Factory Rims. Current BFG Radial LongTrail T/A's are due for replacement at 57K. I'd like to increase my Max Load capacity from the 2271 on the stock wheels without going to an LT tire. I tow a 3500 lb boat throughout the summer, and will be taking a 2 week vacation out to Yellowstone pulling a 27' travel trailer at about 4500 lbs. I drive 99% highway miles, and alot of them. My question is if it makes sense and isn't counter productive to consider going from the OEM 265/60R 18 to a 265/70R 18. The taller tire would fill out the wheel well a little better, but the Rev's per mile go up 7%. Any thoughts or suggestions. I'm looking at a direct BFG replacement of the OEM, or something in the Long Trail Touring Family. The stock 109T is 2271 Max Load, but I've found the 70's in a 114T 2601 Max Load which would give me an extra 660 per axle in Max Load for safety. Apperciate any help or thoughts. I've read many posts on similar questions, and really want to know what issue I might encounter going to the 70 aspect ratio. Also if there are good options in the 65 aspect ratio selection. Thanks

 

remember one thing tho.... you are only increasing your safety in the tire capacity aspect, not in the axle capacity aspect. i definitely would still remain below your max gross axle weight if it is less than what the total weight of the tires can handle.

 

Increasing tire size changes your "overall" gear ratio. With a 4.6 and 3.55's I would not increase your tire size too much since you are doing a fair amount of towing. Also your statement about rev's per mile is backwards. The larger tire you have the less rev's per mile it makes, so it may be a 7% decrease (I have not done the math). As for weight your axles will be good for the increased load capacity.

 

Agreed Papajohn, I am not trying to haul more, just increase the "safety factor" on what I am hauling. I'd rather be at 80% of capacity than 95%.

Adhawkin is also correct that with the larger tire the revs will decrease by 7%. My question is what effect will this have? Less power, higher fuel mileage? Again of the 40K I drive a year towing accounts for 1 to 2K typically. Our trip out west will increase that to 4 to 5K this year, but the rest are highways miles.

Should I look for a 65 aspect ratio? Ultimatley I want an All Season Highway with a little higher Max Load Capacity. What is the best way to get there and still maintain the higher UTQG treadwear number?

 

I don't understand why you are against an LT tire...

 

GTRider, It is my belief that ride quality will suffer. As I mentioned towing only accounts for about 5% of my miles. I don't see the need to buy a typically more expensive LT, that will reduce my ride quality for 95% of my miles. Am I incorrect about the cost and ride?

 

You will not have a problem with ride quality going with an LT tire (especially since your already in a truck) just stick to the lower load ranges like a C rated tire.

 

Screw it, don't want LT's just a little better Max Laod. Going with a 275 60 18 General Grabber HTS. Highly rated on Tire Rack, and top pick for Consumer Reports. Just slightly taller and I pick up almost 550 lbs load per axle for "safety factor". They should improve the ride and performance over the stock BFG's, and I can be out the door for about $750. Also don't have to worry about speedo/odo being way off, or buying a fifth tire for a spare. Do most of you who go way up in size worry about these things or is it just me?