Revert to factory tire size?

I think my question is the opposite of many that are asked here. I recently picked up a 2016 Limited CrewMax, and it's wearing a set of 275/65 R20s. I noticed that the factory-recommended size is 275/55 R20, a difference of a little over 2". My question is: Should I consider reverting back to the original tire size, or will this larger tire make that much of a difference? I will be towing with this truck quite a bit, so I don't want to overstress any of the components. I know that I'll need to compensate my speed for the larger tires while I have them. Any thing else I should be concerned about? I appreciate any input.

 

Welcome to the forum

I think the answer will be "it depends" due to all the possible variables.

What are you towing (weight, profile, etc.)
Where are you towing (flats or hills)?
What tire is on it (e.g. Falken Wildpeaks are notoriously heavy compared to Toyo)?
Is the truck otherwise stock (any lift, gearing, etc)?

The larger tire is always going to impact your towing experience, so the question really comes down to how much.

For me, towing an 8k lbs travel trailer through New England made me realize a modest 2.5" lift and 33" Wildpeaks put me outside of the appropriate power band and led me to a regear.

Hope this is helpful.

 

Tire Size CalculatorTireSize.com ·

If you haven't used this it's a quick way to compare.

 

IMO, 18s are better for towing/ hauling due to more sidewall cushion on 18s vice 20s. Also, I'd make sure you're using Load Range E tires on your truck if you are going to use it to trailer, haul, etc. as well as checking the weight ratings on your current wheels/tires. 20s will often have a lower load index for a given width and diameter. Some will say 20s are better for handling, but 18s will most always provide a more comfortable ride altogether.

 

This does help, thanks. I'll be towing a ~25' travel trailer, dry weight 5700 lbs. We're in the Pacfiic Northwest, and we typically face mountain passes when we take any trips. The tires that're currently on it are Nokian Rotiiva AT Plus. They look well used, but still have plenty of life left in them. I used Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S tires on my last truck and liked them quite a bit. No height or gearing mods to the truck that I'm aware of. Appears to be pretty much stock. I should add also that I don't really do any offroading, other than the occasional forest service road or sandy beach.

 

Thanks for this! I did find a similar calculator, and this is good information.

 

Food for thought! Thanks for the input. The tires I have now are E-rated, so I'm in good shape as far as that goes.

 

Personally, I would go back to the stock size with any towing. The last two Toyotas I had had larger tires on them than spec. A Tacoma and a 4Runner. In both cases it made the experience worse and I used more gas while towing. Zero benefits in general, only cons, UNLESS you are going offroad on significant trails…. I am a firm believer now of stock size tires.

 

Dont really need the E rated for our trucks. Even standard load tires have more capacity than the truck is rated for. Dropping to a standard load tire may improve the ride and the power/mpg due to being much lighter in most cases.

 

This is kinda where I'm headed. I don't really do any offroading, other than the occasional forest service road or sandy beach. This truck will mainly be used for towing or home-related truck stuff.

 

That's something to consider! I'll look into that.

 

I tow a 7100# TT with my 2019 and have standard load tires at 44 psi. They have 2756# capacity each, so that's 5600# across the back axle. Even if my rear axle weight sat at 3000# unloaded, that would still leave 2600# of payload weight (which these trucks are not rated for).

 

That's a good frame of reference.