Topic: Wheels/Tires for an '07 Suburban

[HeliDriver]

Our new Suburban might be here a little sooner than expected, so I'm starting to ponder my choices for summer & winter wheel/tire combos.

I think I'll probably keep the OE wheels for use in the winter, but am thinking I might want to go with a slightly wider wheel for summer use (17" x 8" vs. the OE 17" x 7.5"). I'm thinking the extra width might give a bit more stability to the tire sidewall - am I crazy to think the extra 1/2" would make a noticeable difference? Tire size in either case would be the stock 265/70R17.

I'm not too worried about winter tires right now - I'll either get whatever is left in early January, or make do until next fall.

My first choice for a good three-season tire is the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo, but I'm also tempted by the Pirelli Scorpion ATR. Again, I'm thinking extra sidewall stability here - the Pirellis are T-rated vs. the Bridgestones' S rating.

I'd really like an H-rated sport/performance tire, but since we can get nasty snowstorms 12 months a year here, I'd like to have a three-season tire that still offers decent winter performance.

BTW, I'm looking for a stiffer tire/wheel combo for stability while towing, not because I expect this thing to handle like a sports car. 

[HeliDriver]

Coles Notes version  :

P265/70R17 on a 7.5" rim vs. an 8" rim. How much difference in performance/stability?

Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo vs. Pirelli Scorpion ATR. Two questions; how much difference in winter performance and how much difference in dry-road stability?

[b0ules]

It's a bit of an apples to bananas comparison vs. what you're asking, but I haven't noticed a difference in the stability of my Durango between the crappy stock 265/70-16 Wrangler RT/S (AS) vs. the Toyo OC G02+ in 235/75-15 (slightly smaller overall diameter, but also at least an inch narrower), though I haven't towed with the winters yet. 

I should be pulling a few thousand pounds of wood behind me within the next month, so I'll report back if anything comes to mind.

You just want to bling out that 'Burb, and you know it.   

[HeliDriver]

Nah, no bling for me.

Am I the only one who thinks that 22" rims on a truck looks ridiculous?  Even GM's optional twenty inchers are a little over the top, IMO.

Anyway, it looks like 17" x 8" rims would cost more than I want to spend. I'll probably just go with another set of 17" x 7.5" GM take-offs.

[AVToller]

Am I the only one who thinks that 22" rims on a truck looks ridiculous?  Even GM's optional twenty inchers are a little over the top, IMO.

No, no you aren't.  Ridiculous is the mildest term I would use.

[ovr50]

Am I the only one who thinks that 22" rims on a truck looks ridiculous?  Even GM's optional twenty inchers are a little over the top, IMO.

No, no you aren't.  Ridiculous is the mildest term I would use.

 

Maybe on a Hummer to fit the  image.

[b0ules]

Am I the only one who thinks that 22" rims on a truck looks ridiculous?  Even GM's optional twenty inchers are a little over the top, IMO.

No, no you aren't.  Ridiculous is the mildest term I would use.

I agree with both of you...  Picture the following...  We head south annually for a family vacation on Cape Hatteras, NC.  It's a big sand bar that sticks out into the ocean.  Trucks venture out along the seashore to get to the *good* fishing spots.  As a rule, everyone drops down to 20psi (or less if they've got a setup that'll allow), as STRONGLY recommended by a few signs as you're leaving the tarmac.  No problem with 6" or more of sidewall.  This provides increased flotation on the soft beach sand.  Well, enter the fancy schmancy Ram pickups with their 22" rims and a couple of inches of sidewall.  You should see their face when they drop the pressure to 20psi and the rims are just about bottoming on the sand!

Anyway, fashionable?  Certainly seems to be at the moment.  Practical?  Only if it's going to be a city truck, IMO.

[Trainman]

Got just the thing you need   

[b0ules]

Got just the thing you need   

Holy smokes!  Looks pretty narrow - I wonder if Yokohama makes winters in that size?   

[Trainman]

Got just the thing you need   

Holy smokes!  Looks pretty narrow - I wonder if Yokohama makes winters in that size?   

Hey, its an SUV, I don't need no stinkin' winters   

[HeliDriver]

Got just the thing you need   

   You know, I just assumed that was Photoshopped... until I saw the 40" decal on the side window... if that thing is for real, God help us all.    

[HeliDriver]

I guess I'm just hopelessly old-school, but to my eye, the best looking wheel/tire combo for the Suburban is the LT245/75R16 on the 3/4-ton.

Tall & skinny - it sure works for Uma Thurman, so why the hell not for tires? 

[b0ules]

Yes, very slick.  I'm also a fan of that aspect ratio, or thereabout.  My winters look a little goofy - 235/75-15 vs. the bigger 265/70-16s.  Might just be a rim design thing, but I really really like my 3-season setup...

[mdxtasy]

$10 says I can't even lift that stupid thing.  Holy wagon wheel....wonder which basketcaseball star will put that on their car first.   

[AVToller]

WAY more money than brains or taste. 

[mdxtasy]

You can always go the other way and look at redneck bling.

[mdxtasy]

Bling....explained.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgV9mPj0reI

[Trainman]

I guess I'm just hopelessly old-school, but to my eye, the best looking wheel/tire combo for the Suburban is the LT245/75R16 on the 3/4-ton.

Tall & skinny - it sure works for Uma Thurman, so why the hell not for tires? 

Most of the people I work with (ie loggers) prefer the 16" over other sizes as the tires are cheaper (and they go through a set a year) and there is a better selection of LT rated tires in 16" sizes.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

For a change, I am a fan of the top of the line LTZ chromed alloys. I find the others look a little too utilitarian for a personal vehicle (unless you're doing off-roading). The 3rd image of the LT alloys look nice too.

[ovr50]

I would favor the LTZ wheels also, they look the best.