Hi all,

I am very interested in a set of 19.5" wheels for my truck. I would like to go with the 285 tires, as I want to go from the OEM 32" up to at least 35" tall tires. So, after researching various truck tire manufacturer web sites, all these tires are rated at a max of 75 MPH or lower. Around my area, due to traffic I rarely get above 70, but when I'm on a long trip (more than 100 miles) I like to go 75 - 80 MPH, sometimes as high as 85. My question is, how fast, for sustained periods (say 4+ hours at a time or more) can these commercial G & H rated tires be run on a light pickup?

I'm guessing that the manufacturers are doing the CYA thing and the 75 MPH arting is for a truck truck, loaded down to close to the max weight rating for the tire and/or vehicle. So, if my 8000 # truck is running down the highway, would I have anything to be worried about if I run 80 or 85 MPH on these tires?

Thanks,
Tom

 

I don't think you'll have any trouble. The speed ratings are, as you say, for a full load. As long as you're running reasonable tire pressures (if the sidewalls are pooching out like a 16" radial, you're way too low) and below 3/4 of the rated weight, I think you'll be fine. These tires have very stiff sidewalls, so underinflating them builds heat really fast.

 

Thanks, that's encouraging to hear. I won't likely be buying them for a year or so, as I just can't seem to wear out the OEM Michelin M/S tires. But, I have been keeping my eyes on the 19.5's for a couple years now, and recently saw at the Rickson website that they have really come down in price. The steel wheels are now in the $260/each range Although I have heard lots of people say the availability of tires is really low right now, especially for the taller ones that I want.

 

Tom, I don't know about your neck of the woods, but over here if you get caught doing more than the tire's speed index you can prepare to pay some nasty fine-regardless whether you didn't load the tire etc- if you are in an accident where you exceeded tire speed rating you are not insured anymore....

Just my 2c

AlpineRAM