Tires and PSI what to do?
 

I am about to pull the trigger on a set of Nitto Trail Grapplers and I am torn. Should I go high capacity/psi? or lower load/psi for ride?

Tires are;
1) 295/65/20 load cap 4080 PSI 80#
2) 35/12.5/20 load cap 3195 PSI 65#

I have a 2.5" level kit on and will be changing wheels. I do not use this truck to pull around a 16,000# 5th wheel. I run empty 90% and the other 10% is small trailers 2,000# to once in a blue moon 9,000# Oh and I will be doing some snow plowing.

I think the 65# tire will ride nicer and air down better for trails and sand dunes? Any input would be appreciated.

I would get the higher rated tires. Remember that if the size is identical, you can run the lower pressure, in this case 65 PSI, in the higher-rated tire and have the exact same ride and capabilities as the lower rated tire at max. But you can always air up some more if you ever need it.

IMHO...the issue here is not the tire size or load cap...but the 20" wheels. If you are looking for a better ride...you need more side wall flex. Move down to an 18" wheel and the 295's...and enjoy!

Just my .02...


biz
:-X22

I think Crazy is right, the size is pretty much identical so you could go with the higher rated tire and get the same result. Either way you will need to get someone to lower your TPMS set point. In my area no dealer would touch it with a 10' pole. But H&S fixed it for me. I run mine at 55 - 60 psi and love the ride. 80 psi in the back of an empty truck is not all that much fun when it gets rough!

Thanks

I need the load capacity, so it's a no brainer for me to chose the LT tires vs the floation type of tire. Empty, I run at 65 psi, which is about 3 psi above my TPMS trigger point. When I hook up to a heavy trailer, I inflate to 80 psi.

The Metric tires ( 295/65r20) are design for work and load carrying
The Floatation tires ( 35x12.5x20) are designed for traction in soft materials like mud and sand.

If you never tow a heavy gooseneck or 5ver or carry a heavy load in your bed. Then enjoy the Floatation tires. They deffinitely have a more maucho look.

With my oem tires and the ride your saying empty it's cool to run 65 in the rear. I pull a enclosed trailer a fourteen footer that weighs 1200 lbs. At most it has three bikes in the back. Do you think that would necessitate upping the pressure when it's hooked up?

No, I doubt that trailer even gets your truck to start to squat. 65 psi will be fine

No it doesn't! Gotta love the big girl! Thanks.

Thanx all for your input. I think I will go with the 295/65/20 @ 80 psi. I can then play with PSI once I have the tires on and see how they feel.