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04-18-2015, 10:23 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2016 30' International
Scottsdale
, Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 723
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2015 Sierra Denali 2500 HD-wheel/tire mods or stock?
We just bought a 2015 Sierra Denali HD 2500 Duramax/Allison truck. This is the truck, but the AS will be a 30FC.
We love it. One question, though, there is a lot of empty wheel well and we were thinking about going from 18" wheels to 20" wheels and larger, Terra Grappler tires. The larger meats would require a 1 1/2" front lift ("leveling" kit they call it, as the truck has a bit of a low front rake).
If we did the leveling kit and larger wheels/tires, would we be compromising the towing capability or the ride, to any significant degree?
Are we better off leaving the truck stock, or would the upgrade be virtually as good for towing?
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04-19-2015, 04:15 AM
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#2
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Full time Airstreamer
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Anywhere
, USA Living.Somewhere.Yonder
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,359
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If the outside diameter of the new wheels is larger than the old it will effectively reduce the rear end drive ratio, lowering rpms at a given speed. Also ensure the load bearing capacity is adequate on new wheels/tires.
Frankly, I wouldn't bother doing it.
__________________
@living.somewhere.yonder | Instagram
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04-19-2015, 05:54 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
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If you would like some of the factory 20" wheels, PM me....I have a friend who is trying to sell a set of them in like new condition.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
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04-19-2015, 05:59 AM
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#4
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
z
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 262
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Nope
I wouldn't make the switch either. Considering the current 20" tire selection on the market today is pretty limited in choice, not to mention the additional cost of those beasts, I would be looking at other areas to improve the vehicle.
That's a right purty truck, and boy would I like to help ya customize it to your liking. Who wouldn't want to spend someone else's $ ??
If I were you, I would be on the Leer site right now picking out a nice looking top.
I am sure that truck will serve you well. Congratulations on your purchase.
Gavin
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04-19-2015, 06:05 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W
, New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
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Mine's the '13 Chevy version with the 20s. Still lots of empty wheel well space and I'd prefer the 18s. When ready for replacement these things are gonna hurt! 😖
Good luck!
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04-19-2015, 06:14 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
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My truck, 2012 Dmax HD Crewcab 4x4.
Came with upgraded 20" wheels. Very limited "stock" that will swing. I replaced with Michelins which are smaller than Grabbers.. The driver side chews on the wheel well when turning LEFT. Right side, no problem. :/
I will try to find stock Goodyears when I need tires again.
I noticed a "decline" in mileage... Especially when towing our 34'. Around town, similar. But the "handling" is better with the Michelins..as there is not as much "lane creep" and holds the line pretty well.
With the AS hooked up, it settles in like a Clydesdale...
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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04-19-2015, 06:22 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills
, California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
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Empty wheel well. Chevys are like that with their big square wheel well openings. It their signature. I wouldn't change wheels either, except to the manufacture's 20's. In time you'll probably stop thinking about it.
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04-19-2015, 06:46 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1981 31' Excella II
New Market
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,145
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Leave it stock.
Perry
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04-19-2015, 06:52 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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When I order my retirement truck, I will order the 18s. More selection of replacement tires, and they are the same diameter as the OEM 20"ers. I wouldn't advise or want to change the effective gearing with a heavy load commonly pulled. I've towed with both on my demos and I prefer the 18"ers.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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04-19-2015, 10:10 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2016 30' International
Scottsdale
, Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 723
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Yep... we've decided to leave the stock wheels and tires on there and save the money. Looks good enough and I don't want to mess with the speedometer and the feel of the ride. We're loving this amazing truck! Now the 8 week wait for the 2016 30FC.
I took some of my own pics of the truck this evening...
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04-20-2015, 07:20 AM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
z
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 262
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Dayum
Man....that is one damn good lookin' truck. SO jealous! Or as the kids say today, "So jelly!"
Get rid of that stock fm antenna stuck up in the air. You can get a much better replacement one, about half of that size for under 15 bones @ Advance Auto. You can really pick up quite a few more stations with it. I know, you have free XM for 6 months. I wouldn't give my XM up. Just wish it wasn't so expensive.
I see a trip to the solar shop to get a film of 15% on the driver & passenger side.
We can only go 15% here in NC, then we have to pay an extra ten bucks to have it "checked" every year to insure it's in compliance. Total ripoff.
What kiinda top are you putting on that jewel? Full size, or just a bed cover like a bak-flip? That's going to be the truck I buy when we sell the house and call it time to "retire". Good luck in your ventures. That truck will serve you well for many moons. You took some very nice pictures. I think they look better than the ones on the GMC web page!
Sea ya down the road,
Gavin
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04-20-2015, 11:09 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2016 30' International
Scottsdale
, Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 723
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Fishin'.... thanks, man. We're sure loving the truck.
Tinting will happen for sure. We already have an appointment with the best guy in town for that.
Tonneau cover will likely be the very tough Truck Cover USA all-aluminum, roll-up cover.
I haven't been bothered by the antenna, but will look into the one you recommended!
This truck is our daily driver as well as TV and so far, it's been a great daily driver (even though we're retired and don't drive every day!)
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