Tire Size Questions

HanibalTheCannibal · #1 07-03-2007, 11:37 PM

I have the 235/75/16 stock size tires currently.

Anyway, I am looking to put a skinnier, more off-road type tire that is M/S rated (mud and snow?). I am going to be in snow country soon and I want a good all-terrain tire that is skinnier, knobbier but that retains the stock wheel height for my speedo to work properly.

What size tire would fit this bill, and still be a good light truck tire? DO I decrease the first number to say a 205, and keep the other two the same?

Please help

Thanks!

silveradoman0574 · #2 07-03-2007, 11:56 PM

For 75-series tires, you will want a tire that is 235 mm wide
For 80-series tires, you will want a tire that is 220 mm wide
For 85-series tires, you will want a tire that is 207 mm wide
For 90-series tires, you will want a tire that is 196 mm wide

That's what you would have to run to keep the same height. If your going to be in the snow and/or mud why do you want smaller tires? The wider the tire the more traction you have. just curious.

HanibalTheCannibal · #3 07-04-2007, 12:15 AM

Hey Thanks for the reply. I found that a 215/85/16 keeps the diamter close, only 1.11mph difference.

well, I have a 2wd ecsb, and I am told that a skinnier AT-S or AT tire will put more weight per square inch on a skinnier tire. Thus putting more rubber down thrtough the snow to asphalt.

I have been told by at least two people that a skinnier AT tire in snow is better for braking/accelerating. It might look kinda funny, but these tires are only .75" less in width, so I dont think I will even notice.

I am fixing to be a newby winter driver (from south Texas to new hampshire) and we just had a baby, and the last thing I want is for my wife or kids to get hurt. I have driven there in snow before but with a rentacar (usually AWD)

You see where I am coming from? You have any pointers I will much appreciate it

Thanks

v10_viper · #4 07-04-2007, 02:24 AM

Just keep the same size tires you have on there. 235's are skinny enough on a fullsize truck that you'll be just fine. If you're worried just throw some sandbags in the very back of the bed and you should have enough traction and BE CAREFUL. Bridgestone Revo A/T's are an aweseome tire in the snow, and as always stay away from a M/T tire if you want to be safe. I'd reccomend any of the Firestone/Bridgestone A/T tires...

HanibalTheCannibal · #5 07-04-2007, 09:39 AM

Ok thanks! I have a camper shell on the truck so adding weight will be easy. I just bought an extra set of rims from ebay to have some AT tires on, then I use my michellins I have now for summer/spring. They are the highway/comfort grade and I definitely want a more aggressive tread in the winter.

I will look into the Revo at's when I get to new hampshire. We are driving there in about 6 weeks. 2500 miles!! From south texas to central new hampshire!! I have my truck all rigged out with a laptop for GPS, power inverter, camper shell, etc etc. I am hoping I can survuve with a 2wd. Some people down here say I must be crazy with a 2wd truck (rwd). My stepdad who grew up in new england said thats all they had for 30 years they lived there (station wagons, large ford galaxies etc )

Thanks again!!

silveradoman0574 · #6 07-04-2007, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HanibalTheCannibal

I am fixing to be a newby winter driver (from south Texas to new hampshire) and we just had a baby, and the last thing I want is for my wife or kids to get hurt. I have driven there in snow before but with a rentacar (usually AWD)

You see where I am coming from? You have any pointers I will much appreciate it

Thanks

Yea I was just curious. I am from south Louisiana so I have never seen snow much less drove in it. So i know nothing about winter driving

v10_viper · #7 07-05-2007, 01:23 AM

Just a warning, the Revo's are a fairly expensive tire, but when dealing with your lifes there is no better tire in the snow as far as control goes. I had some 225/75/16 Revo's on my Silverado and they were really good in snow, when I turned, they turned, and when I spun them they dug a little but they bit forward pretty good. I recently put on some 285/75/16 Terra Grapplers and although I could go through a hell of a lot deeper snow, they weren't near the control as the Revo's; they slid all over. But even the basic A/T Firestone/Bridgestone tires will do you fine.

HanibalTheCannibal · #8 07-05-2007, 03:03 PM

Yeah, for my first winter or two I want some dedicated snow tires. I am wanting a skinnier tire, but tirerack.com recommends a 225/75/16. I was wanting a 215/85/16, and the only tire available in that size is a 10 ply commercial grade Blizzak that runs at like 80psi :o

I may go with the Blizzak dmz3 (or dm23?) for $99/tire, in the 225/75/16 size.

Thanks for all the tips.

HanibalTheCannibal · #9 07-05-2007, 03:04 PM

I forgot to add that I am going with a dedicated snow tire versus an AT tire after reading some research on 2wd trucks.

scottmoyer · #10 07-05-2007, 05:56 PM

As a long time driver in the snow (NJ, PA and MN), the only suggestions I can offer is to not make sudden changes. I drove a Camaro in NJ and MN snow and ice for years with no added weight over the rear axle. I also didn't drive with snow tires, just the regular all-seasons.

When accelerating, start off slowly. Allow 3x the normal stopping distance just to be safe. You can always roll up slowly behind the stopped cars. Always slow way down when making a turn so you don't slide into something...add weight to bed just over the rear axel, not at the very back. 100 pounds or so is all you need. The best thing to do is locate an empty parking lot after the first snow or ice and practice sliding, starting and stopping. If you practice when you get the first snow, you'll have it all figured out in no time. It's not that big of a deal. After awhile, you'll have snow mastered and will not have any concerns about driving in it any different than rain.

bolivas · #11 07-11-2007, 12:36 PM

Colorado Native here.

Slow and steady is the name of the game on the snow/ice.

Another point to remember is that 4wd/Awd only help you to accelerate faster. They do not help you slow down any better than a 2wd.

Also since new to the snow/ice you will probably experience your ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes)quite a bit. When your brake pedal starts to vibrate uncontrollably, that is your ABS in action. Don't pump the brakes. Just keep applying the brakes. Read your operators manual for more details on your ABS.

One more thing. When you find yourself in a slide and going sideways remember to turn into the slide (See the movie Cars since you have kids and pay attention when Doc races Lightning on the dirt track).

And lastly. Do like the previous poster said and go out to a vacant parking lot (preferably one without parking blocks or too many obstacles) and practice braking and intentionally sliding. That will teach you the most.

bolivas

v10_viper · #12 07-11-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bolivas[COLOR=black

Another point to remember is that 4wd/Awd only help you to accelerate faster. They do not help you slow down any better than a 2wd.[/font][/color]

ONE exception, if you do not have ABS. Often my front brakes would lock up when in two wheel drive, but once I was in four wheel drive they wouldn't lock up near as easy because there was power going through the drivetrain to the front wheels. Four wheel drive will still help in slowing down though as you can downshift while braking to let the engine help, works great.

This is also why I suggested getting Bridgestone REVO's, they are a wonder in the stopping department in wet/snow conditions. Just look at their tread sometime and you'll see why they are superior to any other tire out there.

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