Really? Thats odd. Towing is a factor of rear gearing, engine capability, transmission gearing, suspension, hitch used, etc., but never have I heard of tire size being a factor....

Also, I checked TireRack and the following tires are available in the 275-60-20 size, and their price:

Avon Tech ST - 139
Michelin Latitude Tour HP - 295
Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza - 169
Goodyear Wrangler HP - 161 - outlined white letters
Goodyear Wrangler HP - 153 - raised black letters
Michelin LTX M/S - 219
Pirelli Scorpion STR - 182

 

Hey Big

That is what I thought also.. However.. check this link out.. this is the Canadian lynk for a 2003, but in essence is the same thing...

http://dodgeram.info/2003/load-tow/1500.html

Maybe I am reading this wrong..

 

Now according to this chart, this is very odd.

With the 4.7 auto 4x4 short bed QC and 17" rims, you can tow 7100, but with 20's, you can tow 5950.
With the 5.7 auto 4x4 short bed QC and 17" rims, you can tow 7550, but with 20's, you can tow 7500.
With the 5.9 auto 4x4 short bed QC and 17" rims, you can tow 8000, but with 20's, you can tow 6900.

It would appear that only the HEMI can handle the extra load of a 20" rim, whereas the others lose their overall gear ratio when going to a bigger rim. Although, if the 17 tires were the same height as the 20's, it should not be a problem. But, if the overall gear ratio changes, then your towing capability will change.

 

So hel me out big. if I go to a P or LT 285/70 R 17, it is in essence the same overall diameter I had on my 20's. Does that affect the towing. I am freaking confused...

 

helping out is why I am on forums! :-)

Since one of your earlier posts mentioned you had the 03 QC 4x4 5.7 Hemi and 3.92 gears, according to that chart you provided, you will gain 50 pounds of tow capability, up to 7550, by going down to 17's. Which means, it will be unaffected. :-)

 

that is the weirdest thing... I wonder how Dodge comes out with those numbers....

 

Ok.. Next question

If I wanted to get a non metric tire what would the equivalent of a 285/70 r17 be?

 

33x12.5x17

 

Thank you Sir. That will fit on the same rim?

 

sure will, just make sure you get the right tire for how you drive. That is VERY important to do!!