Bigger tires on a 2011 Chevy 3500 srw?
My 2011 3500 SRW comes with 265/70/r18 tires stock. I am looking to possible change to a Terra Grapler 295/70/r18. The diameter change will be from 32.7 to 34.41 inches 1.71 inches larger. The tire...
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dave17352 wrote:Grit dog wrote:dave17352 wrote:trail-explorer wrote:
Affecting the final drive ratio would be a big negative for me because I am so used to, and LOVE, the power my truck has now.
As mentioned before, that big of a tire may not fit the front.
Aside from that, and making the Speedo inaccurate, everything else should be fine
That is interesting. So you folks think it would be a big noticeable difference in the power. I am a very conservative driver, seldom do I put my foot down hard. Will it really be that bad?
The difference in power noticed will be negligible on a big diesel. You will drop 1-2 mpg for the heavier bigger dia more aggressive tread compared to a stock street tire.
Personally I wouldn't worry about recalibrating the speedo. Ck with a GPS but you'll only be reading maybe 4 mph slow at freeway speeds.
GMs have tight fender wells. Probably need to level the front end and clip some plastic here and there as mentioned to keep from rubbing at full lock.
The only thing that concerns me is that you think you'll have over 8k on the rear axle. Seems like a lot. More than just a big camper is going to add. A lot of tongue weight on the boat trailer?
My stock tires give 7050 pds rating. My truck camper with 2*30 pound propane full and no water comes in at 6620 on the rear axle. Boat will put me right at my tires limits. Just looking for safety margin. All though I keep it between 55 and 60 when hauling the Truck camper and especially if hauling the boat. Just checking different possibilities. The actual rating of the axle itself is in the 11k range.
So yes, you will be close to 8k on the rears with water and tongue weight. (Glad I've never weighed mine, I might be more apprehensive, hahaha!)
You can get close to 8klbs in srw tire capacity with Toyos, maybe others. My Toyo MT's are rated at 3950#/ea, single wheel, and I had no issues with a long drive up the Alaska highway with a LOADED AF camper and a loaded 16' tandem axle trailer on a 8" hitch extension, but my rear truck tires were more than warm to the touch guessing around 100deg in cool weather.
