Tire Size on MB GLE

[NorrisRM]

My plan is to use a 2021 MB GLE 450 to tow my future AS 27 FB (confirmed by Can Am).

I have followed a few GLEs with big wide tires and thought that the surface contact on the road should be a lot more than the thinner tires and therefore providing better handling and cornering.

But I asked Chat GPT and it agreed that on dry surfaces the larger tires would provide more control but sacrifices traction in wet or snowy conditions. The wider tires are more subject to hydroplaning. The thinner tire cuts through the water.

Any suggestions? They can come in 19, 20, 21 and 22 inch wheels.

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by NorrisRM

My plan is to use a 2021 MB GLE 450 to tow my future AS 27 FB (confirmed by Can Am).

I have followed a few GLEs with big wide tires and thought that the surface contact on the road should be a lot more than the thinner tires and therefore providing better handling and cornering.

But I asked Chat GPT and it agreed that on dry surfaces the larger tires would provide more control but sacrifices traction in wet or snowy conditions. The wider tires are more subject to hydroplaning. The thinner tire cuts through the water.

Any suggestions? They can come in 19, 20, 21 and 22 inch wheels.

If you want to maximize the wet and snow traction, you'll want to get the 19". That will be the narrowest footprint.

But you didn't tell us what you want the tire to do. Do you need snow traction? Is wet weather an issue? How about wear?

You need to decide these things and then communicate them to us to get a good answer.

[Andy543]

Originally Posted by CapriRacer

If you want to maximize the wet and snow traction, you'll want to get the 19". That will be the narrowest footprint.

But you didn't tell us what you want the tire to do. Do you need snow traction? Is wet weather an issue? How about wear?

You need to decide these things and then communicate them to us to get a good answer.

For conventional trailer towing a central handling issue is oversteer, occurring as a result of a high lateral force at the hitch point and the rear tires of the tow vehicle when going around sharp turns. What tire would you recommend to best resist this type of lateral force?

[NorrisRM]

Originally Posted by CapriRacer

If you want to maximize the wet and snow traction, you'll want to get the 19". That will be the narrowest footprint.

But you didn't tell us what you want the tire to do. Do you need snow traction? Is wet weather an issue? How about wear?

You need to decide these things and then communicate them to us to get a good answer.

I think this about confirms that there is no way to resolve the tradeoff between what you want in snow and rain versus traction when it is dry.

Doubt that we will encounter snow where and when we are using the trailer but rain in the mountains? Does a dog have fleas?

Sounds like 19" tires is the safest course.