265 tires on GM stock wheels

[1963avanti]

I went to COSTCO to buy new tires. I wanted them to install 265/75/16 on my 2005 Sierra. They said that they were only allowed to install 245's on the truck. I know that many of you (and myself) currently tow with 265s.....have any of you had any trouble using your larger tires on the narrow (6.5") GM wheels? Do you really think the 400lb carrying capacity of the 265s is a reality with the 265s? Why did you choose 265s over 245s?

[73guna]

That pic above almost looks like a 285.

Here are my old 265's. Nitto Dura Grappler, awesome highway tires.

I think you'll be just fine with 265's,

[monkey44]

My 2003 2500 GMC 4x4 came stock with 265's 16's ... and I eventually went to 265 BFG, as I always do with tires - change out to BFG. When we bought the 2015 2500HD 4x4, it also came stock with 265, but 17's. The stock ride was horrendous, so bad that I almost sold the truck after a few months, thinking it was the truck and not the tires.

(After a long story I'll skip her) Eventually, GM dealer agreed the tires were bad and causing the instability, rough ride, and slipping/sliding in any kind of road moisture.

GM gave a credit, and we went to BFG AT KO 285 17's on stock rims which the dealer ordered and installed. The ride improved enormously on highway or off-road camping. Very smooth ride - and no thoughts now about selling it.

[CampingN_C_]

I ran 265's on all three of my last 2500's, even ran 285's for a while on my old Suburban. I used to think it wasn't an issue but when I bought our Jayco I never could get the setup just right. I always wondered if it was the 265's on stock wheels.

[Me_Again]

smkettner wrote:

I agree. Still best to get new wheels.

Correct a 265/75R16 on a 6.5 rims is a misapplication. Many tire shops stupidly do this for customers.

Chris

[time2roll]

Me Again wrote:

smkettner wrote:
Goodyear says approved wheel is 7.0" to 9.0" for 265-75-16
Time for new wheels IMO. Don't blame Costco for going by the book.

I recommend 7.5" or 8" wheel. Consider LT265-70-17E

3195 lb capacity is about the highest rated LT25/70R17. 17" are suckie tires. The LT265/75R16E is rated at 3415.

I agree. Still best to get new wheels.

[Grit_dog]

CumminsDriver wrote:
GM went to a metric bolt pattern in 2011, I believe it is 8 on 180mm instead of the earlier 8 on 6.5 bolt pattern of the 2010 and earlier trucks. The new wheels will not work on the OP's truck.

Rich

Good point. Rams are still 8x6.5 thru current models though.
And me again is right, limited high weight cap 17s. But unless you need more than 3200lb cap tires, E load 17s are plentiful and huge selection of brands and treads.
Idk why there is such a gap or discrepancy in 17" tire loads vs 16, 18 and 20" tires.
Toyo may be one of the only high cap 17s anymore and only in the bigger 285/295 sizes.

[Me_Again]

sayoung wrote:
I have 265 17 on 2012 Chevy dually. Put them on 1st of month & took off on a 2500 mile tow.
My tire guy is in oil field/ cattle work environments for most of his pickup truck business & doesn't even carry a 235 unless you demand it.

How close are the dual sidewalls between the rear tires? Chris

[Me_Again]

smkettner wrote:
Goodyear says approved wheel is 7.0" to 9.0" for 265-75-16
Time for new wheels IMO. Don't blame Costco for going by the book.

I recommend 7.5" or 8" wheel. Consider LT265-70-17E

3195 lb capacity is about the highest rated LT25/70R17. 17" are suckie tires. The LT265/75R16E is rated at 3415.

[sayoung]

I have 265 17 on 2012 Chevy dually. Put them on 1st of month & took off on a 2500 mile tow.
My tire guy is in oil field/ cattle work environments for most of his pickup truck business & doesn't even carry a 235 unless you demand it.

[time2roll]

Goodyear says approved wheel is 7.0" to 9.0" for 265-75-16
Time for new wheels IMO. Don't blame Costco for going by the book.

I recommend 7.5" or 8" wheel. Consider LT265-70-17E

[Double_Haul]

Go somewhere else like Discount Tire. I'm on my second set of 265's on 6.5 rims. Last set of Bridgestones lasted 50,000 miles, no wear issues and handled fine. Why go larger? They look a lot better, no other reason.

[Chuck_thehammer]

I know Walmart and that type of stores..
.
will only install the called out size ... Cover There A**.

[Rich1961]

GM went to a metric bolt pattern in 2011, I believe it is 8 on 180mm instead of the earlier 8 on 6.5 bolt pattern of the 2010 and earlier trucks. The new wheels will not work on the OP's truck.

Rich

[Me_Again]

Grit dog wrote:


Buy some takeoff 17-20" newer GM or Dodge/Ram OE wheels off craigslist.

Note, you do not want 17" rims. The tire selection is very limited with low capacity. 18" rims are the best of the 18/20" offerings as 20" tires cost more and have shorter side walls. The load ratings of 18 and 20 pretty much mirror each other, with 3640 capacity being standard. 18 and 20's will be larger in diameter.

It is very common to see Duramax's 2500HD towing heavy with 265's on the OEM 6.5" wheels. The 3415 capacity is being greatly compromised by the narrow wheel along with the handling issues. This seems to be mainly a GM issue, as I have not seen many Ford or RAM owners doing this.

I have long been one that wants to have good quality tires correctly installed. Our old RAM 2500 came OEM with LTX A/S 265's 8" inch wide rims. Second set was LTX M/S. Third set was Duravis R500HD's.

Chris