256/65 R17 vs 265/60 r18 for trailer towing stability.

[JCMAC]

I have a 2019 Lariat with the 17" wheel/tire combination ( 265/65 R17) and the FX4 option. I am wondering how much better towing would be with the 265/60 R18 wheel combination. It would seem that with the tire cross section ratio reduced from 65 to 60 and all other things being equal that the tires would be stiffer regarding lateral swaying from the trailer.

What is the consensus on my suggestion?

I may have an opportunity to make that change. I tow a 4600 lb, 26"11" tongue to rear bumper travel trailer. Please excuse thread title, first number should read 265 not 256.

Sponsored

 

[Rp930]

In theory, yes. Noticeable? Maybe. May have a lot to do with the tire.

 

[JCMAC]

I have a 2019 Lariat with the 17" wheel/tire combination ( 265/65 R17) and the FX4 option. I am wondering how much better towing would be with the 265/60 R18 wheel combination. It would seem that with the tire cross section ratio reduced from 65 to 60 and all other things being equal that the tires would be stiffer regarding lateral swaying from the trailer.

What is the consensus on my suggestion?

I may have an opportunity to make that change. I tow a 4600 lb, 26"11" tongue to rear bumper travel trailer.

I have a 2019 Lariat with the 17" wheel/tire combination ( 265/65 R17) and the FX4 option. I am wondering how much better towing would be with the 265/60 R18 wheel combination. It would seem that with the tire cross section ratio reduced from 65 to 60 and all other things being equal that the tires would be stiffer regarding lateral swaying from the trailer.

What is the consensus on my suggestion?

I may have an opportunity to make that change. I tow a 4600 lb, 26"11" tongue to rear bumper travel trailer.
[

In theory, yes. Noticeable? Maybe. May have a lot to do with the tire.

I also have a set of the LT 265/65/R17 tires on OEM wheels and I now use them as snow tires. However when I towed my trailer with them last summer they were no better than the current ones of the same size but non LT tires.

 

[THLONE]

You may be overloaded. Where did you get those weight numbers?

 

[JCMAC]

You may be overloaded. Where did you get those weight numbers?

What makes you think I am overloaded? The numbers are accurate from the trailer manufacturer. I am asking about tires and their relative resistance to lateral sway from a trailer.

 

[Frenchy]

You will be fine with what you have. Not worth changing the wheels and tires for this

 

[Nomadjohn]

To answer your direct question, a stiffer sidewall will certainly make your setup handle better. Enough to be noticeable, well that is another question. If it were me and the cost was negligible and I didn't care to have a larger sidewall for off road I'd do it but otherwise probably not. The fact that you're asking it makes me think you have a sway problem.

I may have an opportunity to make that change. I tow a 4600 lb, 26"11" tongue to rear bumper travel trailer. Please excuse thread title, first number should read 265 not 256.

One thing to keep in mind is that the length of your trailer will also influence sway and a 27' trailer is pretty long. A longer trailer will act as a longer lever pulling on the back of your truck. One of the reasons I think people recommend bigger trucks for physically larger trailers is simply that a longer wheelbase tow vehicle will be more stable.

In no way am I saying that you can't tow that trailer simply because I don't know enough about your situation.

 

[JCMAC]

To answer your direct question, a stiffer sidewall will certainly make your setup handle better. Enough to be noticeable, well that is another question. If it were me and the cost was negligible and I didn't care to have a larger sidewall for off road I'd do it but otherwise probably not. The fact that you're asking it makes me think you have a sway problem.



One thing to keep in mind is that the length of your trailer will also influence sway and a 27' trailer is pretty long. A longer trailer will act as a longer lever pulling on the back of your truck. One of the reasons I think people recommend bigger trucks for physically larger trailers is simply that a longer wheelbase tow vehicle will be more stable.

In no way am I saying that you can't tow that trailer simply because I don't know enough about your situation.

Just got back from a 1200 mile camping trip. Used the oem LT tires that came with the truck at recommended 38psi front and rear. It towed well but was noisy and harsh on the road without the trailer. Back at home I reinstalled the same size standard load tires at 30 psi in the fronts and 38 psi in the rears. Took the trailer back to storage but took the long way to evaluate this set up. I was very impressed by the stability and the much improved ride.
This is the setup I intend to use going forward. Very stable and quiet with the trailer. Bonus did not have to change shock absorbers. I wish I had used that set up sooner!

Sponsored