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Towing and tire size

Old Sep 16, 2013 | 03:02 PM
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Default Towing and tire size

I'm towing a 32' 5700 lb. travel trailer. My '96 1500 Ram 5.9 4x4 has a 4" lift with Toyo 315/75/R16 tires. I have a EZ lift elite round bar weight-distributing hitch system with 1 stabilizer. The handling and power are lacking. What tire size do you recommend I reduce to for better handling?
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 04:33 PM
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What gears do you have? Probably close to stock size would be best. The smaller tire changes your gear ratio and will give you better acceleration.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 06:40 PM
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Given the prices of tires lately..... I would be more tempted to re-gear, if your tires are still in good shape. Cost is slightly more, but, stock size tires, with a lift, are gonna look funny.....

Just be REAL sure to leave O/D off when towing.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by HeyYou
Given the prices of tires lately..... I would be more tempted to re-gear, if your tires are still in good shape. Cost is slightly more, but, stock size tires, with a lift, are gonna look funny.....
This is true.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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Unfortunately, with the lift it won't look right if you go with smaller tires. Re-gearing is the best option, but then, it is more than the cost of tires.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 06:47 PM
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+1... 315's are way to big for 3:55 gears.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 06:56 PM
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or even 4:10s when trying to tow 5K plus pounds....
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 06:58 PM
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Those tires are too big even without towing for 3:55's.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 07:19 PM
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Toyo's are especially heavy. I would just regear to 4.56s and leave the tires.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2013 | 07:39 PM
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Even if he regears what kind of mpg should he get pulling that camper ?
 
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