When I bought my truck it came with aluminum rims with 265 75 R16 (if I remember the numbers in the right order) Michelins on it. I've been giving thought to going back to the stock steel rims, if I can find some.

I think the stock won't be as likely to hydroplane and might be better in the snow, but worse in mud and sand. Tires would be cheaper and mileage would probably go up too, but I think towing and payload capacity would be unaffected.


Thoughts, anyone?

 

I think that the stock size is 235/85/16. I have a set of steel rims but shipping from Ca would be outrageous. You'd probably be better off buying new or local.

 

I went from the stock rims and 235's to my 16X8 aluminum rims and 285 tires and my milage increased(slightly)plus it rides better with the bigger tires. I'd bet your hydroplaning and snow traction are more because of the style of the tire or tread wear on the tires, how old are the tires on the truck? When the rubber gets old it becomes harder and looses traction also. No doubt that 235's are cheaper to replace than 265's if all other things are equal though.

 

different rims wouldn't make a difference but new tires would more than likely fix your hydroplaning, that and let off the gas on wet roads

 

Jeez, I can't tell you how long those Michelins have been on there. The original owner put them on and I've put 11,000 miles on them since February when I bought it.

Thanks for the input, guys.