View Full Version : 19.5" Wheels
JB 2500HD CC
10-10-2003, 07:14
I'm thinking of getting a set of these larger wheels? Does anyone have any input on using these and where is the best place to get them?
smile.gif
Rickson in Sparks, Md. makes a 19.5" wheel for a 2500HD, but the product is a bit pricey. The other disadvantage is that the tires are limited to 75mph. The same overall tire diameter can be obtained with 16" or 17" wheels and tires.
After telephoning Rickson(1-800-587-7633)I was told a 225/75x19.5 tire(approx. 32.8" dia.)would fit without any trimming or adjustments to the front torsion bars. Also, a 245/75x19.5 tire (approx. 33.97 dia.)would require trim and lifting.
There have been other DieselPage sites that have discussed this topic, and some that have made the conversion have posted pictures, comments, etc. For me, I can get the same overall tire diameter using a 285/75x16 at a lower cost and w/o a speed limitation! Would be interested in your decision.
DMAX Daddy
10-10-2003, 13:03
Rickson Web Site (http://www.ricksontruck.com/wheels-GM-SRW.html)
JB 2500HD CC,
I did the 19.5" conversion on my '01 3500 DRW well over a year ago. There are multiple pics at the first link in my sig. Check this link (http://forum.thedieselpage.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=005416#000001)f or additional discussion on this topic, or try a search using 19.5 in either the 2500HD/3500 HD Trucks & Drivetrain forum or the Accessories forum.
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Ltrainracing,
I bought everything except the tires from Arrowcraft.com (http://www.arrowcraft.com). Bob at Arrowcraft designed and machines the adapters and does a fantastic job. The last time I checked, Arrowcraft did not have these adapters on their website and you have to give them a call.
A few other choices:
RicksonTruck.com (http://www.ricksontruck.com)
Chromewheel.com (http://www.chromewheel.com)
SouthwestWheel.com (http://www.southwestwheel.com)
APP Wheels - sorry, the link I have doesn't work anymore
Here is a link to one of many TDP Forum discussions (http://forum.thedieselpage.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=003721#000000) on the 19.5" conversion. Try a search in either the 2500HD/3500 HD Trucks & Drivetrain or the Accessory forum - use 19.5 in the search and you will have plenty to read.
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NEAB,
I checked into the 75 MPH speed rating before doing this conversion, especially since the legal speed limit is 75 MPH on many of Oklahoma's highways. I was told the speed rating is for maximum load and pressure. The weight rating on my Michelin XDE M/S load range F tires is 3640 lbs @ 95 psi per tire (single ) and 3415 lbs @ 95 psi per tire (dual). The weight rating for the OEM Wrangler 215/85 16" LR E is 2680 lbs @ 80 psi
The 22.5" or 24.5" with the same speed ratings are used on 18 wheelers - and it seems that they rarely worry about the 75 mph rating :eek: tongue.gif :D
MDRAG,
Appreciate your comment re trucks at higher speeds and I know that many times they pass me at over 100mph. I also see a lot of tire pieces on the road, and trucks have more tires if one blows, except for the front. With all the problems with Firestone, and all the finger pointing when accidents occur, I tend to be conservative regarding tires and stay within the specifications!
NEAB,
Likely the tire parts we see strewn along the highway are from retreads - fairly common to use retreads on the non-steer wheels. Even the MICHELIN WARRANTY (http://truckus.webmichelin.com/ntwarranty.htm) addresses retread use:
[quote]Michelin
JB,
FWIW, about 10 days ago at the Offroad Expo, that was here in Pomona, I saw a 2003 CC DRW 4X4 with a Lance camper on it. He has APP forged 19.5" wheels with Michelin XDE 245/70 19.5 all the way around. No lift, but looks like he did trim the lower plastic spoiler under the bumper and cranked the torsion bars to get the truck level. The set up looked great, and even with the Lance on his bed, the sidewalls didn't bulge.
Later
LA DMAX
gardnerteam
10-16-2003, 18:46
Is there any member or reader using 19.5 in either a 225, 245, or 260 at this time on the SINGLE REAR WHEEL
gardnerteam
10-16-2003, 18:55
Is there any member or reader using 19.5 in either a 225, 245, or 260 at this time on the SINGLE REAR WHEEL 2500 HD. Would like some information on ride quality, as I hear everything from no change and great ride (Rickson who sells the wheels) to rough ride, too stiff, ruins truck - tire sellers who want to keep selling us LT tires which won't carry the load and wear out quickly. I've heard from guys with dooleys, but would like comments from someone who actually running them on a single rear wheel D/A.
The speed rating as determined by the manufactuer, means the tire is run one hour at max load with out a failure that is how they come up with the ratings. Of course we don't know what the safety margin is as this will increase the speed rating. A point of concern you should never install a tire with a lower speed rating than what came on the vehicle. I hope this answers any questions.
retiredalaskan
10-26-2003, 13:30
I have been running 245-70-19.5 from rickson's for about a year now. I did not have to trim the spoiler or crank up the bars.as far as ride it is so much better then the 16 inch it is hard to discribe, it tracks stright it does not wallow when changing lanes [in a panic] and i could find no other tire that can carry almost 5000 lbs each I carry a very large slide in camper and now i do not warry about tire problems any more.they are pricy but if you need the carrying capacity they can not be beat. In my opinion, try calling rickson they can help you out .
gardnerteam
10-26-2003, 16:08
Retired Alaskan - is your truck a single rear wheel? What tire are you running, and is it a F,G or H rating? I appreciate your ride and handling comments, and now am ready to drop the $. Rickson made me a deal on their Classic wheel with the round holes, but I think I would rather have the Eliminator with the larger holes allowing more cooling to the brakes possibly. Which wheel do you have, and which width - 6.75 or 7.5. Thanks
retiredalaskan
10-27-2003, 08:14
gardnerteam:: I have a 2500hd srw. i'm using there 7.5in wheel G tire 14 ply black powder coat wheel, my camper weight is about 5k loaded and the tires don't even squat. iheard that lance recommends the 19.5 for their larger campers,so that should tell you about the 16 inch tires.you have agood day ...
Retiredalaskan,
As a former Alaskan I request you post some pics of the wheels on your truck (and the truck too.). If you don't have a way of hosting them, send them to me ( diesel6600@hotmail.com ) and I will put them up for you. I ran 19.5's on my dually up in Wasilla.
RetiredAlaskan,
The overall diameter of the 240x70 19.5 should be about 33.3". Some comments on 16" or 17" tires with smaller diameters had problems of hitting the well, plastic or frame. Have you had any problems with the wheel rubbing any surface under load and/or road roughness? Sure would like to know if this is a simple bolt on situation.
NEAB,
Don't mean to answer for retiredalaskan, but a 245/70/19.5 is close in height to a 285/75/16 but 4cm or 1.5 inches skinnier. This would help quite a bit with clearances. I think most rubbing is happening with 285, 295, 305 and even the H2 315 that people are putting on their trucks. I'm not a tire expert, just my .02. Hope it helps.
Later
LA DMAX
retiredalaskan
10-28-2003, 04:42
Like la-dmax said they are close but don't hit anything, mavrick drop me a e-mail at alaska@juno.com.....
LA DMAX and RetiredAlaskan,
Greatly appreciate your comments. Think I will look into the 245x70 19.5's.
I was waiting to see if U.S. Gear would come with a .8 overdrive for the 2500HD 4x4, but this may not happen until early '04. The 19.5" tires would help reduce engine rpm at higher speeds, although not as much as the .8 OD.
I would be looking to go from the oem 245's (30.0 in. o.d.), to possibly the 225's (32.0 in. o.d.). It appears thier is near a 2 inch difference in tire height. I'm assuming this would neccesitate a gearing change, especially if towing near max weight.
What have others experienced, when going with these larger diameter set-ups.
gardnerteam
10-28-2003, 18:18
My truck has 305/16E Nitto which are about 33" tall, give or take a bit. I tow 12,000 lb dump trailers, tractor trailers with tractor at about 12,000 lbs, and a 18,000gtw triple axle Pace 24' enclosed, all with no problem nor drastic power loss. The ONLY time I was careful with it when when I had a total weight of 33,000 lbs truck and trailer towing from San Diego to Bend. I babied starting out in first gear as it did cause a little shuddering for a second or two, then pulled the load just fine, including over the Grapevine and into Oregon. Fuel consumption was down a bit at about 12mpg, but considering the load, I was happy. Taller tires will affect mileage, but not as bad as a size 14 right foot full of lead or a heavy load. Going to 225 should make few changes. I went to 265x16 with no visable changes, a slight drop in mpg going to 285's, and a bigger drop in mpg going to the 305. I think the width on the tire and the extra drag hurts mpg, but it is just my theory with no abstract proof. For all the above reasons, I want to go to 245x19.5
I will be pulling a 14,000lb. gooseneck (horse trailer), that will have 3000-3800lb. hitch weight (in bed). I'm prepared to go the upgrade through Rickson, with the 225/70R 19.5's. Thier will aslo be "air-lift" bags installed. This vehicle will see use up and down the I-5 corridoor.
In those of you that tow these weights, I'm very interested if this sounds like a sound set-up. Trading if off on a duallie, has shown to cost several times what this upgrade would cost. The weights don't look to bad, but I'm concerned about the gearing with taller tires.
I'm all ears, and would like to "Thank" the board.
Ochster,
You will have to problems with 225/70-19.5's . They are close to the same diameter as a 235/85-16. I ran the 19.5's and pulled up to 32,000 lbs gross weight with no problem. Stock Duramax motor. I did have the Juice on for a few miles also but no problems stock. You should have no problems pulling 14K with set up you decscribed.
http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL227/437876/1012182/11763611.jpg
http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL227/437876/1012182/11763816.jpg
http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL227/437876/1012182/11763953.jpg
Thank You! Mav,
I got myself in a bit of a pickle. I cannot afford to lose near 8k upgrading to another rig (1 ton duallie). They say the two trucks are the same aside from wheel/tires, so this upgrade looks functional. Treading in waters that are new to me (heavy towing)...and have learned to seek out experience before dropping $. The truck will see the proverbial power line, dirt field, gravel road environment on a regular basis.
A couple other questions..
Any opinions on a tire brand, in the 225/70R 19.5 size? I know of one endorsement for the Yokahama's in a M&S rating. I have personally alway's run Michelins M&S's.
Should I really be concerned about a spare? I think I know the answer, but at this price, I find myself rationalizing why I don't!
Thanks! to the board
A couple other questions..
Any opinions on a tire brand, in the 225/70R 19.5 size? I know of one endorsement for the Yokahama's in a M&S rating. I have personally alway's run Michelins M&S's.
Should I really be concerned about a spare? I think I know the answer, but at this price, I find myself rationalizing why I don't!
I ran Michelin XDE-MS 225/70-19.5 "G" 14 ply. My cost was in the $220 range each IIRC. It was the best tire for on-off road use at the time that I could buy. General makes a good MS tire but could not find them anywhere, The XDE-MS do pick up rocks if you run on gravel alot. They have good bite in snow and I plowed with mine on.
I would get a spare. I had a delivery of a heavy lumber package down a gravel road and shoved a rock 2" x 4" and shaped like an arrowhead right through the tread on the driver inside dual. Thank goodness for duals. No tire would have survived that anyway. One of those freak things that will probably never happen again.
If you want to save money, buy a used 19.5 for a spare. I did for $100.
I stepped up and called Rickson to order the set-up. Had my heart set on polished alumimun wheels, and found out they were on back order for several months. Must be a good business to be in! they stated they simply cannot meet demand. So I reluctantly accepted silver powder coated steel wheels, or they would not have met my time line. As it stands, it can still take up to a month. The aluminum wheels are near half the weight, wich really blew my mind.
I needed a M&S rated tire, and they convinced me to go with generals. I was leaning toward the Michelin's, but was told they have a definite "sing" driving down the freeway.
Thanks for the info!
jtegland
10-31-2003, 09:20
Originally posted by ochster:
I will be pulling a 14,000lb. gooseneck (horse trailer), that will have 3000-3800lb. hitch weight (in bed). I don't want to spoil your party, but I just thought I would point out that if you do this you will be exceeding your 9200lb GVWR by 600 to 1400lbs and the rear axle rating by an even larger number. :(
John
I have since found out that the trailer will be closer 13k. Gooseneck weight will be near 3300lbs. I will refrain from traveling with the water tank filled, wich will help a little. My 4x2 actually scales out under 6200lbs.
I have upgraded to air lift bags, and ordered some 19.5" wheels to be fitted with 225/70's. The vehicle will also be fitted with Billsteins.
There seems to be a myriad of formulas used to slice the oem specs. I think it's fair to say this particular set-up is fairly common. I tend to believe a level head, and understanding of the forces at work, along with prudent driving measures, will ultimately be the deciding factor.
My goal is to use my current truck, until I can rationally do an upgrade. I do "Thank" the board, for everyones perspective. It is why I became a member!
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