Maximum size tire for stock 8 bolt 16 x 6 rim (6.5?)

[Craigwell]

I have these rims for my 76 F250, currently running LT245/75R16 BFG All Terrain KO tires just fine. The rims are stamped 16x6, but when I measure them they way I'm taught changing tires, with the caliper inside the balance weight flange, I read 6.5". That's besides the point. I am wondering what the largest set of tires is that I can run on these rims safely. I want to run a 285/75R16 tire, or the loosely translated to inch style measurement would make it something like 33x11.25x16 (if such an animal existed tire wise, which I'm sure it doesnt) See this link for size conversions: DML Tire and Wheel Calculator Anyone have opinions on this? Thank you.

[Jermafenser]

The tire size you want will look and wear funny on 6" rims. You should have at least 8".

[Blown 331]

Yeah, those side walls are gonna be pulled in big time. On my F250 I had 33 x 12.50 16.5 on 10 inch wide wheels. Yes they were measured in inches with a 16.5, 8-lug wheel. Technically the wheels and tires are still mine but I gave the truck back to my uncle. I am most likely going to buy a 1975 Highboy that I sold him back from him so then those wheels and tires will go on that.

[Craigwell]

I first went hunting for my tires in inches, I was thinking something like a 33x9.50x16 or 16.5 would be ideal (I have both sets of rims, 16.5x6 and 16x6) - and quickly realized my options were limited in sizing like that for the tires I want.

Ideally I will run BFG All Terrain KO's, or Commercial Traction. (This is for plowing, where tall and skinny fit the bill for me).

Everything seemed ok with the 245/75R16's I had previously (All Terrain KO's), maybe I can get away with 265/75R16.

I am looking for other rims as well, but again, for plowing - steel fits the bill, not looking to add $1000 to what's already going to be a $1000 purchase.

Thanks

[Craigwell]

Ok to follow up,

I have installed BFG Commercial Traction T/A. Class E load rated, 265/75R16. They seem to fit very well, no real sidewall bulging, etc. I have about 10 miles on them so far, and am quite happy. Thanks.

[gstanfield]

For the narrower wheels why not run some 255/85R16's I ran them on my Ram2500 and they worked out great. They are essentially a 33x9.5x16 tire and work great on the stock width wheels. I have a set of 285/75R16 BFG's on 10" wide wheels on my F150 and they are actually about 1/2" shorter than the 255/85's on stock width wheels.

I know you already have them, but an idea for next time. The tall skinny 255/85's worked better in the snow than any other tire I've run on my Superduty and Ram 2500 that I've run out here in Wyoming winters.

George

[Craigwell]

Yes, tall and skinny was the goal, there just wasn't the availability for me with the type of tires I wanted.

There is always next time, perhaps I'll go with a different supplier next time and see what I can get. Thank you.

[terceslil]

I have tall & skinny... These are 8"

[75F350]

Just because I know this thread will pop up in a search, Ive found that running a real tall tire on stock wheels is not all that bad. Many have stated that the tire would deform to the point that it will wear funny, but in this pic you can actually see how much of the tire is contacting the ground. So far so good.
As a side note, airing down to single digit pressures have been a breeze. These have shown zero indication of coming off the wheel even at 3 and 4 psi.



Oh yeah, thats a 37" inch tire at 60 psi. When hese were adjused, they flatened out a bit. I run far less pressure and the wear is even and true.
Currently I run a wider wheel, but these still exist, and I have thrown these on he bronco as well as he red truck several times.

[Craigwell]

I could have gone larger, but I didn't want this to be much considering I'm plowing and working this truck, not wheeling it.