19.5 tire question

Rich&Yvonne wrote:
Also, I heard that the Vision wheels don't fit the GM 2008 or 2009 bodystyles, the offset makes them rub in the front wheelwells.

The offset is actually greater than OEM allowing for fatter tires and a wider stance. Some will argue that it puts more strain on the axle and bearings, but I have not found a documented instance where this has caused a failure.

The GM trucks use smaller wheel openings than Ford and Chrysler limiting them to 225/70R19.5 tires unless they do modifications to the front suspension or wheel apron to fit the larger 245/70R19.5 which is just over 1" taller.

wintersun wrote:
The 19.5" tread patterns are all highway designs and not A/T. Good for high mileage. If you really need 4800 lbs. at each wheel the expensive may be worthwhile. I looked at the cost and opted to use my factory forged aluminum rims with Nitto 285/70R/17 tires rated at 3750 lbs. instead. The upgrade cost me less than $500 out of pocket and the purchase included free rotation and balancing for the life of the tires.

There are traction tread patterns available in 19.5's but they are not as aggressive as some mud tires. They do have very deep lugs (over 5/8") and work well in mud and snow but their limitation is in sand due the stiff sidewall and square footprint that does not flatten.



The 225/70R19.5's give you little weight advantage over many of the high end Nitto's, but they do give you a more solid ride due to their sidewall construction. If I could not fit the higher rated 245's or did more soft sand trips, I would have seriously considered the Nitto's.

I forgot to mention but I find that most tire pressure stations do not provide the 85 PSI air pressure I want for my current tires so that after they cool down they are close to 80 PSI. Going to a higher G or H load range tire would make that even more difficult to get 110-120 PSI unless I carry around my own compressor.

Very difficult to find 19.5" rims in the new GM bolt pattern of 8x180. I only found two, a Vision 81A and a Rickman steel wheel. The steel Rickmans sell at a ridiculously high price. The Vision rims are a better wheel at a better price.

The 19.5" tread patterns are all highway designs and not A/T. Good for high mileage. If you really need 4800 lbs. at each wheel the expensive may be worthwhile. I looked at the cost and opted to use my factory forged aluminum rims with Nitto 285/70R/17 tires rated at 3750 lbs. instead. The upgrade cost me less than $500 out of pocket and the purchase included free rotation and balancing for the life of the tires.

I have a 2011 Chevy 3500 and the 245's will rub on the front wheel wells. I went with the 225's. With the 225's you can also use the spare tire that came with your truck.

Paul

S Davis wrote:
Did you guys have to do anything to your TPMS system to account for running the higher tire pressure? Also how much noise/rougher ride compared to stock, my truck is a daily drive that the wife drives.

Thanks for the info.

Stacey

I purchased the wheels, tires and TPMS all as a set, installed and ballanced, from Rickson Tires. You need a different TPMS sensor for the higher PSI. I've got the Continental HSR / HDR set up, the tires are more noisy than standard on some surfaces and the ride is stiffer due to the sidewll plys. I've also got an extra leaf spring set on the rear so I feel EVERYTHING. Mine's a daily driver also. But, when the truck is loaded it feels real nice going down the road. After a few thousand miles the tires seem to have broken in nicley, either that or I'm just getting used to the ride. :)
Also, I heard that the Vision wheels don't fit the GM 2008 or 2009 bodystyles, the offset makes them rub in the front wheelwells.

The only issue with upgrading from OE configs as regard to going to 19.5s is the unsprung weight issue and slinging those higher wieghts in regard to accelaration and breaking...they all take their long term toll. Trade offs.

Did you guys have to do anything to your TPMS system to account for running the higher tire pressure? Also how much noise/rougher ride compared to stock, my truck is a daily drive that the wife drives.

Thanks for the info.

Stacey

I have a 2008 GMC, the 245 would rub on the front wheel wells. I went with the 225. I have about an inch of clearance when making hard turns.

flyguidemike wrote:
I just bought those exact tires but 225 instead of 245. Mine is a 06 and no mods needed. I will tell you they are a little more squirly than the continental hdr's that I was running before but I am super happy with the tire. I am running 19.5 steel rickson's.

I thought about going with that tire but with the cost of changing the wheels and the tires the extra 570lb capacity of the 245 would be nice insurance if it will fit.

I just bought those exact tires but 225 instead of 245. Mine is a 06 and no mods needed. I will tell you they are a little more squirly than the continental hdr's that I was running before but I am super happy with the tire. I am running 19.5 steel rickson's.