I currently have a 2016 f250 xl model (tire size 245/70/R!7). I am going to upgrade the rims and tires to 20 inch rims. I was talking to the local tire shop near me and they suggested 295/65 R20's instead of 35/12.5 R20's. I will be adding a 2in lift all the way around. and do tow my 6000lb bumper pull travel trailer, and the shop told me the 295's (as long as they are load range E and can handle 80PSI would be better for towing, as 35's potentially could cause more sway and are harder to balance. It looked as though (via the tire size calculator) that the 295's we pretty close in size to the 35's. Also he said i can more likely find a spare to match the 295's and have a better chance in fitting underneath as opposed to the 35's that might be tight to fit underneath. For tires I am looking at the Nitto Grappler g2's or General Grabber ATX So I was just wondering:

- Are those two sizes noticeably different? (Any pic would be great if you have them) ?
- Does the guy at the shop know what he is talking about as far as the towing and balancing or is he just trying to sell me on the one size?
- Is there a difference in the sizes are far as towing (performance and handling)?
- Pros and cons on the 2 sizes?
- Thoughts on ways to proceed?

 

Not a tire expert so I may be way off base. I would tend to go with the 295/65/20R as the others are more of a flotation type tire. Your trailer is not that heavy so really wouldn't worry about the tire and towing (if the trailer is loaded properly). I pull a 12K trailer with 275/20r without any problem

 

A few things...

1. You didn't mention how wide the 20" wheels are. 295's may actually fit one wheel better than 35x12.50s.
2. Do you have the diesel or gas engine? With diesel you won't notice a difference towing. I tow an 11k lb 5th wheel with 37x13.50 tires. At 6k lbs you probably won't notice with either engine.
3. Not sure what he means by you can find a spare tire for one size and not the other. I assume you are looking for a used spare based off that comment. A quick look on Craigslist will pop up a ton of tires of either size (at least in my area).
4. You can fit either tire in the factory spare location. I have a 37x13.50x20 Toyo RT under there on a factory wheel.
5. I ran 37x13.50x20 Toyo RTs on my F350 with a 2.5" level for several years and 60k miles before I lifted the truck. They only rubbed on the radius arms.