Got a quote today. Tire guy informed me the same info I keep reading....I'm going to hate the unloaded ride. He showed me his most aggressive tires too. Not super impressed, but I get it, these tires are for carrying a heavy load. Tire guy sales to a lot of local companies like the boom trucks and others who venture a little offroad.So my question is....is the ride going to be that horrible? He was telling me to run two sets of wheels and tires and swap them out. I commute 14miles one way and next year, will be more like 30 miles when move out on the property. I hate giving up my ability to air down and venture offroad a little...but I need the carrying capacity. We use our TC enough that swapping tires just really isn't feasible. My only other option is to move to a dually. Although I don't see airing that beast down won't happen either. Found a 2012 that will work in my price range too....and I can move my tuner, and torklift junk over to the "new" truck.Am I going to regret this? $3400 OTD is not a light decision.

Just got back from driving my 03 F350 SRW with 19.5s unloaded. I had the tires at 80 psi and the Rancho shocks at 1. It rode like a truck not a car no biggie. I really don't like the cowboy cadillac feel, give me a stiff work truck feel anytime.

I question any response to be right on target for what I understand is your objective. Actually, most of your considerations are subject to personal experience."is the ride going to be that horrible?"This is very subjective. Personally, I prefer a stiff/solid ride. In my opinion, the 19.5s will ride like an auto that has high performance suspension. Not only do you get the added weight capacity, but also much less sidewall flex which greatly reduces tire squirm (TC sway). With the stiffer sidewall, you loose the advantages of airing down."I hate giving up my ability to air down and venture offroad a little." I am not aware of a tire that has it all. The effect of not being able to air down is pretty much out the door with the 19.5's. That doesn't mean you cannot go offroad. It simply means you cannot air down. Another consideration can be made that your sidewalls are less prone to damage. Personally, I am willing to argue just how much advantage there is to airing down. My experience and beliefs are that airing down is greatly exaggerated, of benefit yes, but a "you gotta do" no. Many considerations on this subject, in my opinion."Am I going to regret this? $3400 OTD is not a light decision. " In my experience, over all for hauling you TC, I think you will be exceptionally pleased. As a daily driver, I really think you will adjust to the stiffer ride."only other option is to move to a dually"I had a dually for over 25-years. I bought a 2500 SRW (1996) in 2004, and shortly upgraded to 19.5's. I have over 100,000 miles and about eight years on the 19.5s. I have absolutely no complaints on the truck or the 19.5's. I still have this truck with no issues, but it is getting long in the tooth. Circumstances were such that within the post month I purchased a Duelly. Load wise, the stock tires will be just fine. My concern is the tire sidewall flex. I will b e very disappointed if I have to \go with 19.5s. As it pertains to off road use, I have been dune buggying and/or 4 wheeling since 1972. I currently have a Suzuki Samurai for my wheeling. My 2WD has got me where I can launch my Zuke. I have to admit, I really do not need a 4x4 truck, do not need a dually, do not need a Quad Cab, but **** I really like my new to me truck. Wayne

Buzzcut1 wrote:Just got back from driving my 03 F350 SRW with 19.5s unloaded. I had the tires at 80 psi and the Rancho shocks at 1. It rode like a truck not a car no biggie. I really don't like the cowboy cadillac feel, give me a stiff work truck feel anytime.This I can deal with. I run my tires at 80psi and don't mind it when I leave the stableloads engaged either. So if it is similar, no worries. Don't really want to flesh out another used truck either, so making what I have work is best. I plan on a new truck in '18 after we move out to the property...so now is not the time for a new rig. Thanks Buzz.

Vinsil wrote:Buzzcut1 wrote:Just got back from driving my 03 F350 SRW with 19.5s unloaded. I had the tires at 80 psi and the Rancho shocks at 1. It rode like a truck not a car no biggie. I really don't like the cowboy cadillac feel, give me a stiff work truck feel anytime.This I can deal with. I run my tires at 80psi and don't mind it when I leave the stableloads engaged either. So if it is similar, no worries. Don't really want to flesh out another used truck either, so making what I have work is best. I plan on a new truck in '18 after we move out to the property...so now is not the time for a new rig. Thanks Buzz.The 80 psi ride is very different on 19.5's than other tires. As I recall, 70 psi is the minimum on 19.5's. Two things to consider on the 19.5's, load capacity and sidewall flex. Load capacity is greater and Sidewall flex is less.

Reddog1 wrote:I question any response to be right on target for what I understand is your objective. Actually, most of your considerations are subject to personal experience."is the ride going to be that horrible?"This is very subjective. Personally, I prefer a stiff/solid ride. In my opinion, the 19.5s will ride like an auto that has high performance suspension. Not only do you get the added weight capacity, but also much less sidewall flex which greatly reduces tire squirm (TC sway). With the stiffer sidewall, you loose the advantages of airing down."I hate giving up my ability to air down and venture offroad a little." I am not aware of a tire that has it all. The effect of not being able to air down is pretty much out the door with the 19.5's. That doesn't mean you cannot go offroad. It simply means you cannot air down. Another consideration can be made that your sidewalls are less prone to damage. Personally, I am willing to argue just how much advantage there is to airing down. My experience and beliefs are that airing down is greatly exaggerated, of benefit yes, but a "you gotta do" no. Many considerations on this subject, in my opinion."Am I going to regret this? $3400 OTD is not a light decision. " In my experience, over all for hauling you TC, I think you will be exceptionally pleased. As a daily driver, I really think you will adjust to the stiffer ride."only other option is to move to a dually"I had a dually for over 25-years. I bought a 2500 SRW (1996) in 2004, and shortly upgraded to 19.5's. I have over 100,000 miles and about eight years on the 19.5s. I have absolutely no complaints on the truck or the 19.5's. I still have this truck with no issues, but it is getting long in the tooth. Circumstances were such that within the post month I purchased a Duelly. Load wise, the stock tires will be just fine. My concern is the tire sidewall flex. I will b e very disappointed if I have to \go with 19.5s. As it pertains to off road use, I have been dune buggying and/or 4 wheeling since 1972. I currently have a Suzuki Samurai for my wheeling. My 2WD has got me where I can launch my Zuke. I have to admit, I really do not need a 4x4 truck, do not need a dually, do not need a Quad Cab, but **** I really like my new to me truck. WayneWanye, thanks. All valid points. Honestly, I've done some pretty extensive offroading in purpose built rigs and now use a RZR for those needs and fun. I truly have never aired this trucks tires down but when we go to the snow, its nice to have the option. Then again...valid points for the use of this truck.I do not care much for the mushy ride I have now...good to know the tires will cure some of that. I enjoyed my Ford and the leaf springs up front driving wise better than the mushy Dodge......

19.5 users | Good Sam Community

38 Replies

Reddog1
Explorer II
Sep 27, 2015
Vinsil wrote:
Gothca. He told me the 16 ply's won't flex much...looking at the Michelin XDS2's...
I have the Michelin XDS2's on my 1996 2500. To say they will not flex much may be an understatement, I feel no flex. Do not misunderstand, I am exceptionally pleased with them, and after seven years of use, I had decided they would be my replacement tire.

Do not misunderstand, I did lots of research and spent a fair amount of money to upgrade my 1996 Dodge DSL 2WD 2500 to get it at my comfort level. I bought the 2004.5 Dodge DSL 3500 DRW cause it was a great truck. Paid cash. I will be disappointed if I have to do much in upgrades, but little stuff it has will make it worth while.
Vinsil
Explorer
Sep 27, 2015
Ok....anyone running 285's? About a true 35" tall, mine are 34" now and I really don't want the shorter tire due to gearing...my truck is spot on now and has the power to go a little taller......

but I would need to level up the front some, which is a no no with hauling a lot of weight.
Vinsil
Explorer
Sep 27, 2015
Reddog1 wrote:
Vinsil wrote:
Buzzcut1 wrote:
Just got back from driving my 03 F350 SRW with 19.5s unloaded. I had the tires at 80 psi and the Rancho shocks at 1. It rode like a truck not a car no biggie. I really don't like the cowboy cadillac feel, give me a stiff work truck feel anytime.

This I can deal with. I run my tires at 80psi and don't mind it when I leave the stableloads engaged either. So if it is similar, no worries.

Don't really want to flesh out another used truck either, so making what I have work is best. I plan on a new truck in '18 after we move out to the property...so now is not the time for a new rig. Thanks Buzz.

The 80 psi ride is very different on 19.5's than other tires. As I recall, 70 psi is the minimum on 19.5's.

Two things to consider on the 19.5's, load capacity and sidewall flex. Load capacity is greater and Sidewall flex is less.

Gothca. He told me the 16 ply's won't flex much...looking at the Michelin XDS2's...
Vinsil
Explorer
Sep 27, 2015
Reddog1 wrote:
I question any response to be right on target for what I understand is your objective. Actually, most of your considerations are subject to personal experience.

"is the ride going to be that horrible?"

This is very subjective. Personally, I prefer a stiff/solid ride. In my opinion, the 19.5s will ride like an auto that has high performance suspension. Not only do you get the added weight capacity, but also much less sidewall flex which greatly reduces tire squirm (TC sway). With the stiffer sidewall, you loose the advantages of airing down.

"I hate giving up my ability to air down and venture offroad a little." I am not aware of a tire that has it all. The effect of not being able to air down is pretty much out the door with the 19.5's. That doesn't mean you cannot go offroad. It simply means you cannot air down. Another consideration can be made that your sidewalls are less prone to damage. Personally, I am willing to argue just how much advantage there is to airing down. My experience and beliefs are that airing down is greatly exaggerated, of benefit yes, but a "you gotta do" no. Many considerations on this subject, in my opinion.

"Am I going to regret this? $3400 OTD is not a light decision. " In my experience, over all for hauling you TC, I think you will be exceptionally pleased. As a daily driver, I really think you will adjust to the stiffer ride.

"only other option is to move to a dually"I had a dually for over 25-years. I bought a 2500 SRW (1996) in 2004, and shortly upgraded to 19.5's. I have over 100,000 miles and about eight years on the 19.5s. I have absolutely no complaints on the truck or the 19.5's. I still have this truck with no issues, but it is getting long in the tooth. Circumstances were such that within the post month I purchased a Duelly. Load wise, the stock tires will be just fine. My concern is the tire sidewall flex. I will b e very disappointed if I have to \go with 19.5s.

As it pertains to off road use, I have been dune buggying and/or 4 wheeling since 1972. I currently have a Suzuki Samurai for my wheeling. My 2WD has got me where I can launch my Zuke. I have to admit, I really do not need a 4x4 truck, do not need a dually, do not need a Quad Cab, but **** I really like my new to me truck.

Wayne

Wanye, thanks. All valid points. Honestly, I've done some pretty extensive offroading in purpose built rigs and now use a RZR for those needs and fun. I truly have never aired this trucks tires down but when we go to the snow, its nice to have the option. Then again...valid points for the use of this truck.

I do not care much for the mushy ride I have now...good to know the tires will cure some of that. I enjoyed my Ford and the leaf springs up front driving wise better than the mushy Dodge......
Reddog1
Explorer II
Sep 27, 2015
Vinsil wrote:
Buzzcut1 wrote:
Just got back from driving my 03 F350 SRW with 19.5s unloaded. I had the tires at 80 psi and the Rancho shocks at 1. It rode like a truck not a car no biggie. I really don't like the cowboy cadillac feel, give me a stiff work truck feel anytime.

This I can deal with. I run my tires at 80psi and don't mind it when I leave the stableloads engaged either. So if it is similar, no worries.

Don't really want to flesh out another used truck either, so making what I have work is best. I plan on a new truck in '18 after we move out to the property...so now is not the time for a new rig. Thanks Buzz.

The 80 psi ride is very different on 19.5's than other tires. As I recall, 70 psi is the minimum on 19.5's.

Two things to consider on the 19.5's, load capacity and sidewall flex. Load capacity is greater and Sidewall flex is less.
Vinsil
Explorer
Sep 27, 2015
Buzzcut1 wrote:
Just got back from driving my 03 F350 SRW with 19.5s unloaded. I had the tires at 80 psi and the Rancho shocks at 1. It rode like a truck not a car no biggie. I really don't like the cowboy cadillac feel, give me a stiff work truck feel anytime.

This I can deal with. I run my tires at 80psi and don't mind it when I leave the stableloads engaged either. So if it is similar, no worries.

Don't really want to flesh out another used truck either, so making what I have work is best. I plan on a new truck in '18 after we move out to the property...so now is not the time for a new rig. Thanks Buzz.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Sep 27, 2015
I question any response to be right on target for what I understand is your objective. Actually, most of your considerations are subject to personal experience.

"is the ride going to be that horrible?"

This is very subjective. Personally, I prefer a stiff/solid ride. In my opinion, the 19.5s will ride like an auto that has high performance suspension. Not only do you get the added weight capacity, but also much less sidewall flex which greatly reduces tire squirm (TC sway). With the stiffer sidewall, you loose the advantages of airing down.

"I hate giving up my ability to air down and venture offroad a little." I am not aware of a tire that has it all. The effect of not being able to air down is pretty much out the door with the 19.5's. That doesn't mean you cannot go offroad. It simply means you cannot air down. Another consideration can be made that your sidewalls are less prone to damage. Personally, I am willing to argue just how much advantage there is to airing down. My experience and beliefs are that airing down is greatly exaggerated, of benefit yes, but a "you gotta do" no. Many considerations on this subject, in my opinion.

"Am I going to regret this? $3400 OTD is not a light decision. " In my experience, over all for hauling you TC, I think you will be exceptionally pleased. As a daily driver, I really think you will adjust to the stiffer ride.

"only other option is to move to a dually"I had a dually for over 25-years. I bought a 2500 SRW (1996) in 2004, and shortly upgraded to 19.5's. I have over 100,000 miles and about eight years on the 19.5s. I have absolutely no complaints on the truck or the 19.5's. I still have this truck with no issues, but it is getting long in the tooth. Circumstances were such that within the post month I purchased a Duelly. Load wise, the stock tires will be just fine. My concern is the tire sidewall flex. I will b e very disappointed if I have to \go with 19.5s.

As it pertains to off road use, I have been dune buggying and/or 4 wheeling since 1972. I currently have a Suzuki Samurai for my wheeling. My 2WD has got me where I can launch my Zuke. I have to admit, I really do not need a 4x4 truck, do not need a dually, do not need a Quad Cab, but **** I really like my new to me truck.

Wayne
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Sep 27, 2015
Just got back from driving my 03 F350 SRW with 19.5s unloaded. I had the tires at 80 psi and the Rancho shocks at 1. It rode like a truck not a car no biggie. I really don't like the cowboy cadillac feel, give me a stiff work truck feel anytime.

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