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Which tires would you run?

rslaback

Full Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2021
Messages
11
I recently bought a '13 LT that is wearing a nice set of P275/55/20s. The Avalanche that it is replacing currently has on it a set of LT265/70/17s. I went to LT tires on the 2004 because when pulling my camper the rear of the truck was floating all over the place.

I have a cross state 3.5 hour drive camping trip coming up. I'd prefer to get a taste of the 20s when towing but don't know that there will be time for that. Knowing that I can bolt either set of wheels on the new truck, would you go with the LT tires in 17" or just run the 20s that are on it.
 
Eh, I wouldnt be surprised if they 'act' similarly to one another, Id expect the 20" wheel to be a bit more stable, though with a slightly harsher ride. The advantages (outside of weight capacity) that the LT tires have are kind of matched by the 20" size. The reduced sidewall height reduces flexing and the wider tire will provide better stability. Outside of the raw weight capacity, I don't think the LT tire offers any other advantage to you. Presuming that both tread patterns are the same anyway.


I love this visualizer to compare the sizes for reference: https://tiresize.com/comparison/
 
I recently bought a '13 LT that is wearing a nice set of P275/55/20s. The Avalanche that it is replacing currently has on it a set of LT265/70/17s. I went to LT tires on the 2004 because when pulling my camper the rear of the truck was floating all over the place.

I have a cross state 3.5 hour drive camping trip coming up. I'd prefer to get a taste of the 20s when towing but don't know that there will be time for that. Knowing that I can bolt either set of wheels on the new truck, would you go with the LT tires in 17" or just run the 20s that are on it.
I'd say it depends on what your priority is... driving, towing or camping.
- Driving: The P275/55/20s will be great for highway miles. LT265/70/17s are likely to be noisier and wear faster.
- Towing: 20s with a heavier tire should provide better towing. LT265/70/17s may* provide better towing, but it depends on what you buy... I run Goodyear Wrangler Pro Grades (265/70/17s) on my 2002 because the heavier side wall seems to manage the heavier truck (I believe all AVs push the definition of LT). * I said "may" earlier because the bigger sidewall can make towing squishy... That said, I've run my tires up to 65psi for heavy towing (tire is 80psi max) and haven't had any issues. (Well, there may have been 1 time there was 3/4 ton of rocks in the bed...)
- Camping: The 265/70/17s still have enough side-wall for light off-roading and corrugated roads (mostly good if there's a road). I'm currently sorting if 255/85/17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs might fit with my 3" lift... Just to get the extra inch of sidewall.
> Best of luck. Let us know what you decide and how it goes!
 
I only use Michelin Defenders on my 2010 LTX AV, 70K mileage rating and pulls a hay wagon on hills while remaining in 2wd.
All my vehicles use the same product (sized for that vehicle), Suburban, etc. Never had a failure with this brand and tire pattern.
 
We just put a set of Cooper AT3's 275/55/20 on the 2013. Although the overall tread block is suitable for off-roading, they ride smooth as silk on the interstate @ 70-80mph with 36-40lbs in them.
 
I'm kind of amazed at how few posters appear to have actually read the original post. I was not looking for recommendations on a tire to buy to put on the truck. I was looking for opinions on which set of tires that I already have to put on for a trip.

I was asked to update the post with my choice. I just left the 20's on it. I figured that they might act the same even as a P due to the shorter sidewall. For the most part they did. They weren't quite as stiff as the LT 17 inchers but they were much better than the P 17 inchers. A little bit of side wiggle was there but nothing I couldn't get used to.
 
I'm brand new to this forum (just registered tonight) and understand what you were asking. I had a 2005 Z71 Avi before I found my 2500, and multiple Chevy half ton pickups prior to that. I guess I'm slightly jaded, because I was born and raised East of Houston near Interstate 10, and I have always run LT tires on my half tons for the simple fact that when towing a trailer, you dont always have the maneuverability to avoid road gators (aka any various type of debris left by the millions of daily commuters), and a LT tire has a better chance of surviving something than a car tire. Just my opinion...
 
I'm kind of amazed at how few posters appear to have actually read the original post. I was not looking for recommendations on a tire to buy to put on the truck. I was looking for opinions on which set of tires that I already have to put on for a trip.

I was asked to update the post with my choice. I just left the 20's on it. I figured that they might act the same even as a P due to the shorter sidewall. For the most part they did. They weren't quite as stiff as the LT 17 inchers but they were much better than the P 17 inchers. A little bit of side wiggle was there but nothing I couldn't get used to.
My intent to my earlier post was not intended to get you to buy a new set of tires but I thought you could use that link to read the reviews for each tire you have and see which tire setup is best for your specific needs.
 
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