2500

97 12v 2500, 4x4, is it safe to run 2.35-85R-16 E rated tires? (80psi)
trying to get best miles by going to a tall skinny tire.

will regularly pull 20k+ loads (14k rated 20ft trailer loaded with wood) brakes on both axles.

factory spec's is 2.45-75R-16, currently running 2.85 -75R-16

is 2.35 going too skinny?

any thoughts on, if this is safe to do?

Dave Miller

I've been running 235-85R-16E (michlens) for 4 years cause I bought it used and thats what was on it. 97 3500 4x4 5spd cc dually Lb. No problems towing stock trailer with horses occasionally.

My 97 owners manual shows a warning to never use a smaller tire than listed for the vehicle. My door sticker shows 215-85R-16E as stock for my 97 3500.

I still have the sticker off the truck and a Chrysler 1997 Tire inflation pamlet. It shows for my 11000 GVW dually 215-85R-16E and your 2500 7500/8800 GVW wheel size 16x6.5 245-75R-16E.

Weird that the dually tires are smaller than the 2500 tires. Is it safe to run smaller tires? Not recommended by Dodge.

rustybudweiser

Well honestly you'll probably get some mixed opinions on this. Since you have a 12v i'm guessing you'll be mounting them on the factory steel wheels. IMO, it can be done, but your truck will handle a lot differently. I put a set of 7.50R16 Goodyear Ag Mud & Snows on my truck last winter and it made the rear end very squirly and paved roads. It felt like the sidewalls would roll over on themselves when I'd turn corners. However i mounted them on a stock width set of 00-02 aluminum rims and i believe they were bias too. (don't have them anymore) If they would have been on narrower rims, i don't think it would have been as bad. I've seen 235/85/16 on duallys and 80's chevys and fords, but the rim width is a lot narrower than the rims i used last year. I mounted a set on a F350 Superduty single rear wheel last year and haven't heard any complaints so I don't think it would be too major of a problem, just remember that it will drive a lot different from 265's or 285's.

crabbelle

i run 235-85-16 on my 2wd and i have play in my steering and i m all over the road sometimes. i ran these because i had 2 already and they run cooler and im getting better fuel mileage.

Ronco95

I have that size in BFG Commercial tires and chose them for the slightly larger diameter. My speedometer was about two miles per hour slow compared to a GPS. Now, my speedo is right on. They are E rated tires and will carry all the weight that a 245/75 will carry.

Ronnie

Dartmouth 12V

Why do you want to run this tire size? I ran the 235/85/16's on my old truck and loved them. The simple answer is that it is safe but is it the best for your application.

In snow and ice, these tires will be really good because they bite down through better and get to the pavement for better traction.

Mileage wise, these tires will be decent because of their small contact patch and relatively low windage.

For on road handling, they are not ideal. Due to the smaller contact patch, they will not get as good traction on dry pavement. Also, as mentioned above, they roll under the rim more because of their higher aspect ratio.

If you are looking to tow, I would think about something slightly wider(like a 245 or 265) with a lower sidewall ratio(like 75). If you are looking for a snow tire though, 235/85/16's would be great.

2500

looking for better mileage... pure and simple

thanks for all the feedback!!!
sounds like 2.35 -85R -16 will feel a little squirrelly on dry pavement...

speaking of chickening out... since I'm towing heavy regularly. I'm thinking 2.45 is skinniest time I'm going with.

now if I can find a 2.45- 85R-16

patdaly

I run them, and with both old run out tires and now my new BFG AT TAKO's my dry handling is just fine.

I won't go back to the 245's for a roughly 1/2" section width difference.

2500

thanks for the feedback... sure glad 2.35 -85R are working out.
any mileage improvements?

is your a 4x4 and do you tow heavy ( 20k+ lbs)?

patdaly

Yep to the 4X4, I only tow heavy occasionally, but load the bed heavy ( 1500-2500 ) often with firewood. I have the camper package overload springs and have had her squatting more than once.

I cannot say for the mileage, it has had the 235's on since I have owned it. I generally get 16-17 around town and 21-22 Hwy not getting stupid ( 65 MPH ).

patdaly

Just saw where you are from, the 235's might not do as well in sandy soil, if you get off road.

I really like them for the snow and ice we get.

OWEN B

I hane had 235/75 Toyo M55 on my truck when I used it for work,tough as nails and last.They seemed to handle o.k.Just couldnt stand those tiny 245 go-cart tires.

dozer12216

235 85R 16 for hauling. Didn't know there was anything else. Work on my dually. Two brothers have 2500 with them on also. They are on two of my trailers also. Less inventory.

displacedtexan

Lots of the old farmers up by Medford run the 235 Charles, leads me to think they do pretty well in that muck. I've had some trouble on the roads out there

haloman

I have 235/85 on my 91' horrible horrible traction dry or wet. I had a set of BFGs and a set of daytons. The truck is always squirrelly even after fixing up the front end and alignment. Leave the skinny tires to the Duallys even then you are still losing power because of the height. Real duallys need 215-85-16s, no need to speed or with 30k, worked awesome for years on dad's 93'. It'll out tow just about anything. My 01' gets the same MPG as the 91' and I have 285/75/16 on it, but alot better traction, both manual, open 3.54 trucks. I guess it depends on how often you tow.