Forum Discussion

jeffreyduncan's avatar
Jan 06, 2016

Rickson Wheels Rear only?

Is it okay to install some 19.5" wheels/tires on the rear only?

I have a Silverado 3500 4x4 Duramax with SRW hauling an Arctic Fox 811S.

I'm planning a road trip west this summer which will put about 6-7K miles on the truck and I wanted some peace of mind knowing I am pretty heavy. Thought I might accomplish that with the 19.5 combination in the rear and save some cash since the weight is all in the rear.

Thoughts?

J
  • Wheelholder wrote:
    .... I ended up buying all 4 and keeping my 16.5 for a spare.


    16.5,,,?
    ...that wheel size has not been used for years for light trucks.
  • If you match the dia of the 19.5's to the same size as your OEM tires, you should be ok. Even a slight difference is acceptable. I spoke with the owner of Rickson, and he told me I could mix them. He did not recommend doing this for the stability of the truck. I ended up buying all 4 and keeping my 16.5 for a spare. have not had to use it yet. I will put it on the front and move one to the back to avoid any damage to the differential.
  • Hi,

    The outside diameter of the tires determines how many revolutions it will make in one mile. By installing say a 29.9" diameter 16" rim 238/85R16 on the same axle as a 19.5" tire, the one side will turn many more times per mile, and that will overheat the rear axle (if on the back). If 4 wheel drive where engaged - even accidentally, the center differential would be damaged if on anything less than super slick ground.

    So you must use all 4 tires with the same outside diameter. They even recommend replacing all 4 tires at the same time too. In my case, I have a all wheel drive Edge, and it requires 4 new at a time. I could not afford 4 when one got a sidewall jab from a steel support alongside the curb, so I had to buy a used tire, and still do that to this day.

    I would have a matched set all around, because you have 4X4, and keep them skinny, as the stock ones, so that in a hard right or left turn, the tire will not rub the frame or fenders.

    Good luck,

    Fred.
  • I don't think the diameter would matter on a 4x4 unless the 4x4 is engaged. Even then, I think you would survive with a slight diameter difference.

    It's fairly normal to put steer tires and drive tires on 4x4 bigger trucks. I don't personally like that, but many people do it nevertheless.
  • A member here (forget who it is) is running different F/R wheels on a 4WD, SRW... but I think those are super singles as opposed to Rickson.
  • When this topic came up before, and confirmed by Rickson, mixing tire sizes for use other than getting to town with a flat, is not recommended for trucks with 4X4. If you are running 4X2 this would not be an issue. But you have listed your 3500 as a 4X4. Hopefully someone will remember why this is an issue with 4X4 and can further explain.

    My Rickson Wheels and Tires were delivered a month earlier than I had requested and perfect right off the pallet (I ordered 7 tires and wheels). With continued use for more than 2 1/2 years they have been trouble free and never in need of an alignment. I have Continental HSR 245 steer tires on the front axle and drive HSR tires on the rear and spare.

    b
  • You're going to want a spare that can handle the weight, so plan on buying three. My 275/70R18 tires were the same height as my 245/70R19.5 tires and I originally was thinking along the same lines but decided to buy four 19.5's and use my 18's as spares. If I got a flat on the rear, I would move one of the 19.5's off the front and use an 18" there until I could get a repair or replacement. As others pointed out you need to keep the same diameter front and rear to preserve your 4wd and to allow ABS to work properly. Width does not make a difference.

    My F250 with 18" F350 wheels was fine carrying my AF811. Once I added the tongue weight of my 8000 lb enclosed trailer, I was too close to tire and rim capacity and needed the 19.5" upgrade.
  • Looked at that myself. with 285/70R16s on the front you would be close to the diameter 1-2mm of a 245/70R19.5. Rickison strung me along for so long I gave up and bought 4 19.5 Vision rims and never looked back
  • I don't think different size wheels on the front and rear axle of a 4x4 is a good idea.