Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBlocksRule
Swap some 28" or 29" wheels/tires onto it for a test. It's not all in the diameter's play into gearing, big honkin' tires and wheels are a lot harder to turn because of their weight, too!
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This is why I put a little thought into the tire and wheel combos I run.
I run 33's, but they are 10.5's,,,since the 12.5's are heavier and harder to turn, and have more rolling resistance due to their width. I put these on a 15" aluminum wheel for lighter weight. Steel rims are just too heavy.
You can also look at tire brands, as each brand will weigh more or less than the next brand. Some tires, even though the same dimensions, can weigh as much as 5-8 lbs. more per tire than other brands. That adds up. Then you figure in the weight of a particular wheel and you begin really add some weight, multiply by 4 and you could be talking about 50 lbs. total or more. That's not just rotational mass, but overall weight of the truck too,,,it's a double whammy.
I also pay attention to tread pattern,,,as the more aggressive tread will have more rolling resistance. I prefer to keep it mild for a daily driven truck so I use the BFG all terrains, it's about as mild of a truck tire as you can get while still 4x4 capable in mild conditions, runs quiet, less rolling resistance.
All of these things will affect rolling resistance, how well the truck brakes, the amount of HP to turn it,,,and in the end,,,your gas mileage.