I'm getting ready to make a trip outside. New tires are in order. My DCTD has a set of LT265/75-R16E's on it. I bought it used and assumed they were a stock sized tire. Apparently, not so. The Certification Label says LT245/75-R16E's are stock even though the previous owner wrote in the owner's manual that the 265s were stock.

My 1st question:
Is the tire size on the Cert. Label the correct one for a DCTD and the previous owner's comment in error?

I have no interest in going to a larger tire than the 265s. As I look around at tires and pricing, I see enough of a difference between the 245s and the 265s that I am considering downsizing to the 245s. I do not carry heavy loads or pull much of anything behind the truck. If I'm honest, the only reason I bought it is my love for diesel power. I've kept it because it is a great long distance traveling vehicle, especially on dirt, gravel and rough pavement.

My 2nd question:
Is there any advantage to retaining the 265 over the 245 size or is the difference small enough to be of no consequence?

Thx for any insights on these questions.
FF

 

yes i believe 265's were stock on my truck as well, but i think my label says that. the dealer could have switched them on the lot prior to delivery to the original owner.

as far as size....two things to think about; looks and fuel mileage. a larger tire will spin less per mile therefore should get you better fuel milgage

 

The 265's were included in one of the option packages from the factory. Mine came with the 265's (new) but the door sticker says 245's. You might check out http://www.tirerack.com for additional suggestions.

 

Same here! 265's were standard issue with the tow package. Don't know about the 96's...sounds the same. Get a build sheet for your VIN # from a Dodge Parts Dept., that will tell you what came with your truck.

245's won't make much difference... a little over 1" shorter, and your speedometer would be off 2.5 mph. I'm not convinced you get better fuel mileage with 265's ( as mentioned above)...but you will get better tire mileage. I agree the 265's look better...if that matters to you.

I would say...your choice.

RJ

 

I beleive 265's were only an option on 98 and later 2500's...

Freeloader,

I run 265's on my 2500 and the factory tire was a 245....If you choose to stay with 265's, I would suggest going to the dealer to get the correct speedo gear.....it is only about $7 or $8 and chances are the previous owner left the 245 gear in it......

One benefit to the 265 is the higher weight capacity......My Michellin 265's are rated at 400 lbs more capacity per tire than the factory 245's......some people appreciate the extra capacity (like me) and others don't need it.

I would stay with the 265......the 245's look tiny in the fenderwells and the 265's look just right!

 

check your speedo before you change anything to correct it. mine also had 265s stock and says 245s on the door sticker. 265/75/16 or an 'e' rated 235/85/16 is a little taller and a little narrower. If your truck has 4.10s, get taller tires.

 

I have 235/85's on my 3500 and they are the same height as the 265/75's on my 2500.....I measured static height with the aid of a level for accuracy and they were within 1/8" of each other....

 

Thx guys.
I think I'll stick with the 265s. Even they look small in the wheel well. The 245s would look even smaller. Plus, after thinking about it a bit, the larger dia. tire (only ~1") is probablly part of the more comfortable ride on less than smooth road surfaces.

 

Same for me too. 245s on the sticker, 265s on the truck. I bought it new. It's an optional package that I have.

I can't imagine how tiny those 245s would look with my levelled front end!

jlh

 

265's came on mine stock but the door says 245. Both were to small. The 315's fit the wheel wells really nicely.