Larger tires on dually - what happens if they DO touch under heavy loads?

[Mark Rinker]

Getting six new skins installed tomorrow on the '06 dually, would really like something taller than the stock 215 factory rubber. Tempted to go with 235/85/16 but concerned about sidewall clearance on rears, as we are always towing a 30' gooseneck and sometimes we will have up to 15K loads that put alot of pin weight (~3-4K) on the truck...

What happens if the tires DO touch slightly under these occasional heavy loads? I assume they could heat up under extremely uneven terrain (as tire shoulders flex and rub), but under our relatively smooth highway operating conditions, what would the problem be? The rims and tires are fixed together, rotating together, and normal cornering flex shouldn't be much of a problem...

Any negative experiences here?

[93GMCSierra]

Not sure if there is a difference but my brother had a 96 chevy 4 door dually and he ran 245/75/16's with no problems. He ran fairly light loads though, under 10,000 I would guess.

[Mark Rinker]

There is a offset difference (narrower) on the wheels used with the '01 and up NBS trucks...other posts indicate that wheel spacers can be used, but a set is $300 and I would rather not spend that on a band-aid if there really isn't a problem in the first place.

[93GMCSierra]

ah, yes that would be different, sorry no help here then.

[Mark Rinker]

Well I took the plunge and ordered up a set of Michelin 235/85/16ers installed.

Stay tuned for the first heavy load, and if spacers are needed. :rolleyes:

[kaylabryn]

Hey Mark I put a set of wheel spacers on my motor home that I put 235's on and it seems like they were drilled for anything from a six lug to a ten lug. The pair cost me like $35.00 from the Swab guy up in Idaho. $300.00 sounds fishy. I know the one drawback to spacers is that you have to frequently check the torque on the lugs until the spacers seat. I think this is because the spacers that I had were a aluminum alloy that might be softer than they should be.

Mike