Best advice on buying 19.5 rims and tires

My work rigs have had duallies with 19.5's for over 20 years and I like my continentals I have on there now the best.
Les Schwabs around me have taken care of me, as you know, all over the place out here.
As far as Wheels for an SRW, Vision 81's work fine and are a dime a dozen.
As far as an SRW application, my personal experience in my old rough ridin 2002 Super Duty was negative. It rode rougher, unhappy Wife. Couldn't back up my driveway in the rain without 4X4. Tracked lane to lane first 1k miles (scary). Scared to go on the beach at the ocean since I couldn't air 'em down.
Ultimately got a DRW, WAY happier.

There are a lot of 19.5 threads if you search including archives. I ran 19.5s on my SRW for 8 1/2 years. They do ride stiffer. I had zero traction issues. Most 19.5s or any relatively low profile tire at high pressure will track. My Mustang tracks, too. The key is to have ther right front tire pressure. I found 80-85 correct for my front. I would still have the SRW if I needed it for a daily driver. A DRW Crew Cab would have been impossible to park where I worked. I ran Hankook DH-01s which are no longer made.

I bought a F450 to replace it and it also has 19.5s, but factory rims. Fwiw, the front recommended pressure for max load is 80 for front. Keep that in mind when you set your front tire pressure. I have Hankook DH-01s on rear and Bridgestone M729s on front. I find the Bridgestones better on front compared to the Hankooks that I was running.

I’ve only used Les Schwab and I’ve been happy with them. If a DRW will work for you otherwise, it will likely be better to trade in the long term.

I like Les Schwab, but I have never understood the desire to increase the wheel and tire size larger than stock. It just changes the rear axle ratio to a lower number and reduces power. I have an F-350 with 16 inch wheels. The truck runs like it is supposed to but I guess that makes me a geezer.

I'm thinking safety, currently I have Michelin LTX M/S2 17". Thinking camper fully loaded is @ 4000 LBS. Tire deals claims Michelin at 80 psi have capacity of 3415 lbs. would like to be safe in any situation.

Since you live in Washington, go to Les Schwab to find out more. They can provide Vision wheels which I have and most any brand or tread style of tires that you want. 19.5's will tend to follow tracks but only while they break in for the first thousand miles or so. I ran Hankooks for 90,000 miles and only replaced them due to age. I'm now running Toyo M920's and very happy with them. If you go for an aggressive tread, you will get better traction but they will "sing" at highway speed. I've gotten so I kinda like that. Just my experience,YMMV. -Mark.

I would also add I saved a lot of money buying online and having my 19.5's installed at Les Schwab, they're a little pricey I believe.

You might also look on craigslist for a used set.

Keep your old wheel and tires in case you sell the truck or don't like them.

Get good shocks if you don't already. It's a great mod if you don't get 19.5's and will also help with the stiffer ride if you do. I recommend Rancho adjustable 9k's or Bilstein 4600/5100's.

19.5's and Vision wheels are a great combination. I sent OP a PM...

I ran over 100,000 miles on 16's 3014lbs each and had a total loaded weight on the rear of 7,000-7,400, never had a problem but was always had that thought in my mind. 19.5's provide lot's of comfort hahahaaa!

Agree on the Bilsteins!

Jim

Hi Freeborn - look at Nitto Dura Grappler 17" rim size:

LT285/75R17 E 128R 205370 16.9 33.86 11.61 7.5-(8.0)-9.5 3970 @ 80 67.23

3970lbs single load rating.

I ran Rickson 19.5's on my 3500 Dodge. Excellent when the truck was fully loaded. 1st set were Goodyear RSD? tires. Then switched to Michelin XZE 5 rib with the molded teeth in the 2 grooves because they worked much better on snow and ice than the "grip" tires.

The 19.5's were really nice on gravel roads.

The tires and steel wheels are too much unsprung weight for the carefully tuned and engineered suspension of a light truck :). Bilsteins helped a lot.

ppine wrote:
I like Les Schwab, but I have never understood the desire to increase the wheel and tire size larger than stock. It just changes the rear axle ratio to a lower number and reduces power. I have an F-350 with 16 inch wheels. The truck runs like it is supposed to but I guess that makes me a geezer.

Overall tire diameter doesn't have to change. My 245/70R19.5 were the same height as my previous 275/70R18 tires but thinner.

I bought Rickson 19.5's used on craigslist and mounted Nitto M608Z in 245/70R-19.5 tires from Les Schwab. I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 4x4 crew cab, short bed and needed a 2" lift in the front for these tires to clear and not rub on lock-to-lock turns. They are about 34" tall.

I put 90 psi rear and 70psi front. They ride rough unloaded but nice loaded. No room for a spare that size under the truck with a sway bar installed. I don't bother with a spare, figuring if one of these massive tires fails, I'll have a lot of other problems to deal with.