Off road-capable tires
02-18-2017, 04:50 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Off road-capable tires
Hi All,
I just bought a new GLS450 with 19" wheels. I've been looking at tire choices and they're pretty limited in 275/55/19. I then looked at 20" choices and they seem a bit better, but mainly 275/55, not the 275/50 Mercedes recommends.
My question: will a 275/55/20 tire fit without rubbing? I'll pop for 20" wheels if necessary.
I spend most of my time in NW Montana with lots of driving on dirt roads. I've run Goodyear Duratrac's on my previous SUV's with good all year service both on and off road.
Thanks in advance,
Tony
I just bought a new GLS450 with 19" wheels. I've been looking at tire choices and they're pretty limited in 275/55/19. I then looked at 20" choices and they seem a bit better, but mainly 275/55, not the 275/50 Mercedes recommends.
My question: will a 275/55/20 tire fit without rubbing? I'll pop for 20" wheels if necessary.
I spend most of my time in NW Montana with lots of driving on dirt roads. I've run Goodyear Duratrac's on my previous SUV's with good all year service both on and off road.
Thanks in advance,
Tony
02-20-2017, 10:00 AM
#2
Junior Member
I also opted for the 19" wheels on our GLS450. Might switch to 20" wheels for Summer.
As posted in the GL thread, you probably want to stay at 19" (or even search for a -1 application) for winter and/or off-road.
There are past posts in the GL thread that might also help - basically you wouldn't want to select a larger wheel size and leave less room for the tire within the wheel-well - you'd want more rubber rather than metal to cushion the uneven surface as well as provide more travel room for tire within the well.
You could switch to a larger wheel size for summer or long distance drives when off-road surfaces are not a concern.
Minus Sizing -"Rough road areas: Combining taller tires with smaller diameter wheels will help absorb more impact. This setup helps protect the wheels and provides a softer ride.
http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/make-d...iameter-wheels
https://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech...jsp?techid=126
With regard to selection, I found good options in 18" through 21" at www.nokiantires.com
As posted in the GL thread, you probably want to stay at 19" (or even search for a -1 application) for winter and/or off-road.
There are past posts in the GL thread that might also help - basically you wouldn't want to select a larger wheel size and leave less room for the tire within the wheel-well - you'd want more rubber rather than metal to cushion the uneven surface as well as provide more travel room for tire within the well.
You could switch to a larger wheel size for summer or long distance drives when off-road surfaces are not a concern.
Minus Sizing -"Rough road areas: Combining taller tires with smaller diameter wheels will help absorb more impact. This setup helps protect the wheels and provides a softer ride.
http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/make-d...iameter-wheels
https://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech...jsp?techid=126
With regard to selection, I found good options in 18" through 21" at www.nokiantires.com
Last edited by knpnj; 02-20-2017 at 10:06 AM.
02-20-2017, 01:32 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the input folks. I'm off to the dealer to see what solutions they can suggest.
02-21-2017, 09:15 PM
#4
Senior Member
No, stay away from dealers. Go to tire specialists, start with tire rack. Dealer overpriced and under skilled on tires. I think true off road spec is 18" see your manual for sizing suggestions.
02-22-2017, 10:41 AM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks mbb. I reached the same conclusion after my discussions with the dealership. Heading to Steamboat with the new truck tomorrow. I'll see how the Conti's do in snow.
