Tires (the weakest link)

Bedlam wrote:

AH_AK wrote:

Bedlam wrote:
Method makes some higher rated rims in LT tire sizes. 245/70r19.5 will fit the GM, but you may need tie back the fender liner up front or use a leveling kit to prevent rub at full lock. My Vision rims worked well, but I did not have a GM. American Force also makes high weight rated 19.5" rims - they have many patterns but a price that rivals or exceeds Rickson.

I would be fine with modifying the fender, but I'd rather not mess with the suspension/steering geometry (if I can help it). I wonder how often rub at full lock will actually be an issue anyway. I suppose it'd just be annoying when I forget and try a K turn. I am only seeing wheels on Method's site not tires. I looked at American Force, but they only seem to have 19.5x7.5 and looks like they have the same offset as Visions, so they might rub. I could likely trim the fender and get rid of the rub, but I'd almost certainly save some $$ and go with the visions if I am ready to trim.

I pointed to Method to get higher rated rims in 16-20" to go with some of the LT tires rated over 4000 lbs. The GM OEM rim ratings are typically less, so going to tires that exceed the rim capacity may help with ride, but will not give you more capacity than the lowest rated component.

In my case, I was running a SRW with 8000 lbs or rear axle weight which is why I went the 4500 lb rated Vision rims but then I went 245 H-rated tires that were over 5000 lbs to get the handling and tire strength I wanted.

You do not need to trim the metal fenders on the GM to fit 245/70r19.5 tires, but the plastic fender liner may interfere unless worked back a little.

Ahh I see. I was under the impression that the OE steelies had a significant safety factor. To be clear, I am talking about their real capacity, not the rated capacity. I could never find an official rating above 3600lb, which makes sense since the GAWRR is 7050 lb. Seems like most components on these trucks are overbuilt to account for the inevitable abuse and dynamic loading that owners throw at them.

When I started poking around unofficial sources, the consensus was that GAWRR was limited by the tires rather than the wheels and that the steel OE wheels could handle more. These were not engineers making this assessment but people that had towed heavy and not experienced yield or cracking of the wheels. Obviously, this is a pretty bootleg justification, but if I go with my stock tire size and the kanati armor hogs, then I will only be at 3860 lb per wheel. I would be amazed if those OE steelies can’t handle that. All this is assuming that the beads can also take the 95psi pressure that these tires will require. Again, the internet consensus is yes. Do you have specific info on OE failure that suggest that my assumptions and unofficial info are wrong? If so, I would love it of you’d share your source.

If I were planning to go up to 4500 I might be more concerned about the wheel capacity. Looks like all the methods with 8x180 r18 are rated at 3600 lb.

Thank you for confirming that the 245/70r19.5 will fit. Looking at it and measuring, I was thinking the same thing about having to pin back the plastic. Looks like the outboard metal part of the fender will clear. TBH, it is not a super nice truck, so if I pay $$$ for 19.5 and get them to AK, I will find a way to make them fit. I may end up going the vision route when all is said and done.