Hello again! I am going to throw this out to you guys who know a thing or 3 about tire size and towing.You may not laught at any silly question I may ask! I have asked 4 different tire dealers, Dodge dealer, and about anyone else I could think of. I get different opinions and views and suggestions. I know by throwing this question out, I will get more, but I guess that's what I am looking for-more opinions! ok, here it is: 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Quad Cab 5.7 Hemi 3.92 axle ratio 20 inch tires
we are upgrading our travel trailer. My calculation is the most we will pull loaded is 6500lbs. The truck is rated at 7500 with the 20 inch,
8500 if we put 17' on. We don't want to max out our weight by any means and want to be good to the truck. On the Dodge printout I have it shows our truck with 17" = 8500 lbs and with 20"=7500lbs.Our current tires that came on the truck are p275/60r20 114s 44 psi 2601 lbs. Goodyear Wrangler Mud and Snow standar load (all the info off the tire)
Here are suggestions I have gotten:
just change 20" to a different 20"- 27560r 20re 50 psi
2998 lbs. It's supposedly a better tire, has optimized thread, hiway tread, extended wear, it's a Cooper Discover tire.This was from our regular tire dealer who offered to sell 17" wheels and tires but said why spend all that money when you can just put on different tire.Hmmmm...true or does he need to move some inventory???another: go to a 17" wheel and tire, it's the best way to go for towing.I was all for this and started calling to get pricing, that's when the controversy started.
another: if you switch to 17" you'll mess things up, brakes might not line up,etc.
another:the above isn't true...
another: keep what you have, no need to change,you'll be fine.
another: go to a 20" 305/ 50/ 20 3100 lbs all terrain.
Spinning, my head is spinning...I'm so dizzy.... :-) I quit calling around and decided I needed to use the forum again.
so plz, those of you with experience in this tire,truck,towing dept ....plz help! pretend the truck is yours and tell me what You'd do! I want to really rely on the experience of others. Thanks for help! you can answer here or email at snipped-for-privacy@charter.net. Thanks again! Tawnya