215/85/16 on 2500hd

[dj89]

Would a set of 215/85/16 be to small for my 2500 hd? I want a narrow tire for plowing? Just wondering if it would be to narrow?

[DmaxMaverick]

The stock 6.5" wheel is too wide, and the 215 is shorter than the (already too short) OEM's, which pretty much negates the narrow advantage for plowing. And....you won't have as much sidewall coverage, which leaves the rim more exposed to curbs, etc.

Other options include 235/85/16 and 255/85/16. One a little narrower and the other a little wider than OEM, but both taller, and will fit well on the stock wheels.

[dj89]

I wanted the 235 but dont want to spend 600+ on tires a found a used set of 215 just trying to save some $$$

[DmaxMaverick]

I wouldn't recommend using that size for the sole purpose of saving money. It'll likely cost you more than you saved. $600 is a good price for a set of 235's suitable for plowing. Maybe too good. What brand/series, and where? What type of plowing do you do (home/farm/commercial)?

You may want to give a holler to Mark Rinker. He runs (ran?) a plow business. Let me know, and I can send him you way.

[dj89]

There on sale there General Grabber 145 each...... Nice tire good reviews on tire rack. I plow about 10 driveways, and a parking lot once and a while....

[DmaxMaverick]

I am NOT a General Tire fan. Really bad past experience with every purchase. But, for $5 more per tire, well, uh...(you did say the 235's were $600 a set). The difference in roll-out and actual tread volume would very likely cost you a LOT more than the $5 difference in tread wear and fuel economy.

Hmmm. 10 driveways and a parking lot. Doesn't sound like much, but the snow isn't really here yet. Could be a full timer, or a joy ride for one truck, depending on the weather. In any case, I wouldn't consider that amount of plowing any more than a hobby. In so, you shouldn't consider your tire purchase around this, outside any more than adequate. But, that depends mostly on your conditions, experience, and confidence. However, a slippery plow truck is nothing more than a obstacle for the next plow truck.

[dj89]

I plow 5 very larger drive ways each about 1/4 mile. One is a dirt road that goes down than back up, to the house. I do not do alot of drive ways just a few big ones The 215 or 400..... I have a set of summer rims/ tires there 265's but they just sit on the snow

[trbankii]

When I bought my truck, the PO had 225/75R16s on it. This year I swapped on a set of 285/75R16s. The ride quality has increased substantially as has traction. I had to be somewhat careful with the go pedal before or I'd break those skinny tires loose even on dry pavement. I can't see that being a good thing with plowing.

[dj89]

When I bought my truck, the PO had 225/75R16s on it. This year I swapped on a set of 285/75R16s. The ride quality has increased substantially as has traction. I had to be somewhat careful with the go pedal before or I'd break those skinny tires loose even on dry pavement. I can't see that being a good thing with plowing.

265s would just flot on the snow, and they would rubb with the plow on....

[dr.olds]

Even the 245-16 the factory tire is way to small for the 2500. had a set of 215 tires on mine when i bought it, drove it home pulled them off for 265s looks a little better, still think 285s would be even better, :cool: