I have an 03 expy EB with tow package and 5.4. I tow a 6x12 enclosed trailer that can weigh a max of 3000lbs. I used to have 22 inch wheels on the truck with some pretty meaty tires and the didnt really notice the truck laboring except for big hills. I bought some factory wheels because i was getting 12-13 mpg average (not towing) and I wanted to see if there would be a change in the ride and am still getting 12-13mpg and it rides the same. The only thing I notice is that I can turn the wheel easier.

Does anyone get better mpgs? Can I tow with the bigger wheels?

I also think that the previous owner stiffened up the rear because when I started towing I loaded my bikes in the front of the trailer until I found out that it is recommended to keep them over the axles but the rear still wouldnt drop enough to level the truck and trailer.

 

Do you have the air suspension? Also, how big were the old tires, the rim size has nothing to do with it. If you had 5" rims and 31" tires, it would be the same as 22" rims and 31" tires.

 

The rims are in storage but I will say the tires are about 27inches. No air suspension. I thought that bigger wheels (chrome wheels) were heavier and that adding the weight there cause the most significant decrease in performance.

 

They usually do add weight which would affect your GVWR, but with a 3000 lb trailer you are not near the limit.

 

So should I see the rumored loss in mpg in adding bigger chrome wheels or is this mainly for cars. Im starting to assume the load of the wheels on a truck is somewhat insignificant compared to what they are made to move. (like a trunk of groceries in a car)

 

I guess it all depends on how heavy they are. Car and Driver did a test on a car in this months issue, an Acura I think, and it showed mileage variations across all the plus sized set ups they used. How expensive it is depends on how much you drive also.