23's on 04 Denali XL

[hockey_coach]

I just brought my Denali this week and want to put on 23's. The tire store told me that i would have to upgrade my brakes since I plan on pulling a boat. Is this true?

Thanks

[rzkz8k]

I would ask them how is the wheel diameter related to braking. The Denali is already designed to manage 6k plus pounds of trailer.

[griegjo1]

Hey hockey, congradulations on the new ride. I just bought an 04 and was considering purchasing 22's. The local wheel and tire dealer highly recommended that I upgrade my breaks if I was going to tow with the new wheels. I did intend to tow a boat and travel trailer so I opted for 20's. So far I am very pleased with the look.

[hockey_coach]

Thats is the samething that he told me. Do you have a picture of your ride with 20's. I would like to see what it looks like. I was were wanting to put 22's on mine.

[griegjo1]

I tried to post a picture earlier and it didn't take. I am new to this forum stuff. I would be more than happy to send you a picture. I'm sure this would help in making your decision. Let me know how I can send you a pic.

[chenkw]

yeah...if you choose 23 in' wheels or greater, you want to install bigger brakes. the wheels are whole lot heavier and if you're towing, you are carrying alot more weight than what the stock brakes are designed for. don't get me wrong, you can still stop but your stopping power/distance is reduced.

[Vroom2]

You also need to very carefully consider the load rating of your 23's - both wheels and tires. I'm running 22's and wouldn't consider towing anything more than a very lightweight trailer. Just a couple of cents worth of opinion, but I can tell you that I've seen the results of towing attempts on 22" rear tires & wheels....it's not pretty.

Take care,
Jerry

[tonytone]

Of course, you could always buy some forged 24" rims--that'll help somewhat with the unsprung weight issue...

[denalixl]

I got 23" on my Denali xl and considering putting new bigger brakes Baer EradiSpeed-Plus-One systems, anyone has this on.

[Vroom2]

I've considered the Eradispeed but haven't gotten any good feedback - including from a shop that sells the kit. At best there's not much of an improvement, and at worst the rotors are prone to warpage. Again, no direct experience, but enough criticism to make me back off.

Take care,
Jerry

[Vroom2]

Forgot to mention (sorry) - if you do replace your rotors with larger ones, have the AAA card at the ready. You won't be able to use your spare...

Take care,
Jerry

[hockey_coach]

So what I'm hearing is the 22's would be ok with trailing a 2000 lb boat? And I wouldn't have to change out my brakes?

[Vroom2]

In all likelihood, yes. My rims have a load rating of 2,800 lbs, and the tires 2,700 lbs. Keep in mind this means they have to hold up the truck as well as manage the towing weight. Sorry for being Captain Obvious. Anyway, you'll want to check that load rating figure on the set you're looking to buy.

Brakes - I'm guessing you'll be okay, but that's subjective. I find myself being much more careful in regular driving - there have been times I've completely overwhelmed the ABS. Since you're generally even more conservative with braking distances when towing, I think you'd be alright, but it's something you'd want to watch carefully.

Take care,
Jerry

[jermjones1]

i GOT 24'S ON MY 03 DENALI W/18,000 MILES AND I ALREADY NEED NEW PADS. AT 120 POUNDS A PEICE THE BRAKES JUST CANT HANDLE BIG RIMS. TO MUCH CINTRIFICAL FORCE.