put my 19.5s on today

twodownzero wrote:
But if I had the choice between an E rated tire at 99% of its capacity and a 19.5, I would take the E rated tire. It will give better traction on most surfaces.

Everything is a tradeoff, but I do not agree with those who go to 19.5s for peace of mind only. If you need a 19.5, by all means, use it--the hard parts on our trucks can take the weight so eliminating a weak tire link is worth it. But 19.5" tires are harder and don't have the traction on soft surfaces that regular light truck tires have. Regular light truck tires are better "all around" than 19.5" medium duty tires. But for heavy loads and highway driving, a medium duty tire is unbeatable.

In a perfect world, I'd run medium duty tires on the highway and switch to regular light truck tires as soon as I left the pavement or hit the campground. But since I am not loaded as heavy as some and because I strongly desire the softer rubber and better offroad traction over the strength and reliability of medium duty tires, I have to compromise and stick with light truck tires even though I acknowledge that on the highway when the road is hot and the load is somewhat heavy, medium duty tires kick a@!.

I have no reason to disbelieve your statements or conclusions as stated as your opinion. I do wonder why someone would perpetuate the myth that heavy trucks and 19.5" tires should remain on paved roads, due to their loss of acceptable “Offroad Traction.” While I am not headed to Campgrounds, I do spend more than 75% of my mileage off pavement. In fact, 98% off Interstates.

For full disclosure, I have not driven my truck on wet, raining non paved roads or in mud, so maybe twodownzero and I agree here. But, I have driven my “heavy truck” in less than desirable steep grades, loose rock and unmaintained road surfaces and cross country when no road exists. All with a 19.5” tires installed. It is prudent to become familiar with the ability of your truck and yourself, as well as the capabilities of your tires, brakes and camper to negotiate this terrain. But to state that 19.5” tires are less suitable in less than ideal off-road traction scenarios, is not serving the readers here, accurately.

In my opinion is that 19.5”tires do (depending on tread design). But I would encourage those that have them, to test their limits and their own abilities before committing to any road surface you may encounter. But leave the truck on the side of the road, or at home, because you have 19.5” tires mounted and have been toldthey should only be used to drive to the place where the paved road ends, not a chance. Push the envelope, travel the road less traveled!

b