Thanks once again to DTR and everything I've learned from the members here (thanks), I was finally able to get a set of BFG 315 Hummer H2 take-offs (tires and rims) for about half of what I would have paid for the tires alone from Discount or Tire Rack. I decided not to install the H2 rims, as I actually LOVE the alloys on my truck, and think they look just "right" with the new rubber (I'm actually selling them in the classifieds for anyone interested). Picked them up on Saturday morning, had them mounted and balanced for $100.00 (all 5 - got one for the spare) on the way home, and couldn't be happier.

Just wanted to say thanks and post my experiences for anyone in the same situation. Couple observations...

1) Mileage: Having heard some conflicting reports about mileage gains/losses, I was interested to compare the information to and from the dealership (about 80 miles each way). The return trip averaged around 1 MPG less, but may be misleading for a couple reasons. First, I did not get the speedo recalibrated, and thus the computer thinks I'm traveling a little over 9 miles for every 10 miles actually traveled (haven't done the math yet to figure this one out) and (2) I had about 300 miles on the computer before the trip - thus, the return 80 miles was averaged in with the previous 380 and was much less dramatic on the overhead (forgot to reset on the way back). Considering it still dropped about 1 MPG even when averaged, I'm guessing it was down 2-3 for the trip home. Verdict: I'll have to watch this and update after I get some more miles on the truck (still contemplating whether or not to re-cal the speedo).

2) Torque: Again, I was interested to feel exactly how the truck would change with such a dramatic increase in tire size. Gearing is definitely much different, and I'm going to have to re-learn my shift points accordingly. However, the Cummins has no problem starting in 2nd, even on a steep uphill, with the new size (I was worried about this). Lugging in 3-4th gear is somtimes a problem, but just requires I rev to higher RPM before shifting (which may also affect gas mileage). Once I adjust accordingly and figure the best shift points for mileage and power, I consider this a non-issue.

3) Rubbing: As reported, there is some slight rubbing at full lock. I'm posting a picture below of exactly where they rub. Because the tires are brand new and have full agressive tread, at very slow speeds the rubbing is pretty loud and vibrates the truck. Solution: don't turn to full lock!

4) Rims: No problem fitting on the stock rims.

5) Spare: I'm posting a picture of the spare tire mounted on the stock spare rim and in the locked position under the truck - no problem fitting here (which is incredible considering that on my last truck I couldn't mount the spare after going up 1" in tire size).

6) Speed and RPM: This was a bigger difference than I expected. At about 72 MPH (which I believe is 65 on my non-calibrated speedo) my RPM's were right at about 1900 - just where I like 'em!

7) Ride Height: Haven't measured yet, but I'm guessing about 3" taller - love the view for now. Was looking down on a stock PSD yesterday - shocked me at first when I looked out the window!

8) Looks: I know - this isn't an issue, but D@MN do these things look SWEET on the truck. Finally it looks like it should - before and after shows the magnitude of difference.

Sorry for the long read...here are the pics starting with "before"

 

After # 1

 

After # 2

 

After # 3 (Notice "clean" streak where tires rub at full lock)

 

After # 4

 

After # 5

 

After # 6

 

After # 7

 

kindog, I put 315's on the day after I picked up my truck. Agree that they make the truck look like it should. You're already aware of the approx. 9% diff in speed. I can't say what the tires did for my mileage since I only had 140 miles on when I did the trade. By the way, did you get the 315's locally? I'd like to pick up another set for when mine wear out.

 

Thanks Steve,

I don't know why they don't put bigger tires on these things from the factory - everytime I looked at the truck before, something just didn't "fit." Now it looks just right - looks a little "Tonka" actually - which I like.

I got them locally from the Medved H2 dealership. I've been waiting and checking for the past month or so. They rarely have take-offs, so I got lucky (according to the parts manager). He said even the FedEx guy had been asking for a while. I think there's a H2 dealer up in your neck of the woods (found them when doing a dealer search at www.hummer.com - which, surprisingly isn't an "adult" site ) - you should give them a call.