I know there are lots of threads on tire fitment, but I wanted to ask about my specific application before I pull the trigger.
I have a 2015 Ram 2500 CC long bed 4x4 that I bought used earlier this year. It came with stock 18" wheels and brand new Hercules Trail Digger M/T tires (275/70R18) which the Hercules web site says are 33.4"x11" diameter. My original plan was to run the Hercules until they wear out, but they are the worst tire I have ever driven on. I have had multiple instances where I was braking on wet pavement at moderate speed and the truck slid. Yesterday we had a dusting of snow and I had to put the truck into 4x4 to back into my driveway because the tires would spin no matter how lightly I hit the accelerator. The road noise is horrible, but I could tolerate that if the tires were decent.
With all of that said, I want to move up to a 35" tire if possible, but I would like to avoid putting a lift kit or leveling kit on if possible. I am looking at the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro 305/70R18. The Cooper site says that they are 35"x12.4". Will these tires rub, or can I get away with them? If there is very slight rubbing, can I put a wheel spacer on? If so, what are the downsides of doing so and what should I look for?
As a side note, this is not my daily driver. I mostly use it for towing and hauling. I drive it an average of 2-3 times a month. I mostly tow on the highway, but I need to be able to drive through snow (i'm in Michigan), wet roads and some rocky/muddy remote roads.
As I mentioned, I wasn't planning to buy tires this soon, but I need to do something before the snow gets deeper as I don't think these tires are safe.
Thanks in advance,
Nick
***EDIT***
Looking at the price of the leveling kits, that may be an option depending on the negatives of installing the kit. Plus, now that the temps have dropped, I would likely have to pay someone to install it for me instead of freezing my hands off .
I have a 2015 Ram 2500 CC long bed 4x4 that I bought used earlier this year. It came with stock 18" wheels and brand new Hercules Trail Digger M/T tires (275/70R18) which the Hercules web site says are 33.4"x11" diameter. My original plan was to run the Hercules until they wear out, but they are the worst tire I have ever driven on. I have had multiple instances where I was braking on wet pavement at moderate speed and the truck slid. Yesterday we had a dusting of snow and I had to put the truck into 4x4 to back into my driveway because the tires would spin no matter how lightly I hit the accelerator. The road noise is horrible, but I could tolerate that if the tires were decent.
With all of that said, I want to move up to a 35" tire if possible, but I would like to avoid putting a lift kit or leveling kit on if possible. I am looking at the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro 305/70R18. The Cooper site says that they are 35"x12.4". Will these tires rub, or can I get away with them? If there is very slight rubbing, can I put a wheel spacer on? If so, what are the downsides of doing so and what should I look for?
As a side note, this is not my daily driver. I mostly use it for towing and hauling. I drive it an average of 2-3 times a month. I mostly tow on the highway, but I need to be able to drive through snow (i'm in Michigan), wet roads and some rocky/muddy remote roads.
As I mentioned, I wasn't planning to buy tires this soon, but I need to do something before the snow gets deeper as I don't think these tires are safe.
Thanks in advance,
Nick
***EDIT***
Looking at the price of the leveling kits, that may be an option depending on the negatives of installing the kit. Plus, now that the temps have dropped, I would likely have to pay someone to install it for me instead of freezing my hands off .
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