Larger tires effecting tow
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Larger tires effecting tow
I have been thinking of getting somewhat larger tires, maybe 1 or 2 inches taller, to get rid of the weak tread i currently have and to give my truck a small lift. At first thought, this seamed like a good idea w/ no negative effects(other than gas mileage). However, thinking back to my last semester physics class(im a mechanical engineering student at LSU), i realized that the larger tire might require a larger torque, due to the tires increase in radius changing the gear ratio however much. Now i know this will be no problem for my 3.0 driving around on a road, but what about pulling a boat out of the water? its already hard enough being that i have a standard. Wouldnt my engine have to work even harder to pull a boat out of the water if i had larger tires?
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Larger tires effecting tow
I have a 2x4 96 4cyl that have considerably much larger tires than normal it still tows like it did, but now better because I have better grip.
3.73 Posi-Trac
Started with P 215 75 R14, 14X6 Rims
Went to LT 235 75 R15 on 15X7 Rims
If you have lack of towing power you have a problem.
3.73 Posi-Trac
Started with P 215 75 R14, 14X6 Rims
Went to LT 235 75 R15 on 15X7 Rims
If you have lack of towing power you have a problem.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 3
Larger tires effecting tow
If you are having some difficulty pulling a boat out of the water, bigger tires will reduce the power available. I used to watch small vehicles pulling boats out of the water with clutch smoke coming out from under the truck, one place automatics are better.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 0
From: York, NE
Larger tires effecting tow
It would make some difference but not a huge difference. The bigger tires might even help if the ramp is slick. The amount that it increases the radius is a fairly small percentage.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
Larger tires effecting tow
I would suggest a rear axle ratio change to get back towards what your stock ratio is with stock tires. This will allow you to keep the performance you currently have at the expense of a little poorer MPG. What is your current tire size and axle ratio?
