Does anyone know what the load capacity of the stock (chromed steel) rims are on the 2500HD? I know that the 245 R75 16 tires are 3042 pounds each, but I can't find what the rim is rated at.


Thanks.

What the, I'll put my .02 cents worth in. You might look on the inside of the rim, it may be stamped on there somewhere. Have to think you'll rarely exceed a rim rating without far exceeding the tire rating.


Are you planning on towing some extra heavy loads? I tow heavy, but I'm using a dually. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Hey JJ,


Yes, I plan to tow heavy in the future. I'm going to upgrade tires to 265s load range E which have a capacity of 3450 pounds each. I've got 5000# air bags on top of the rear axle. I've talked to a GOOD hitch installer and he said if was his truck, he wouldn't hesitate on pulling a 5th wheel with 3000# king pin weight after I upgraded the tires. rear axle weighs about 3000# with 5th hitch plus 3000# king pin is 6000#. I want to have a good safety margin, so the tires (3450 times 2 = 6900#) will handle the load, but I don't know about the stock rims (chromed alum). I can't find anything on GM or Chevy's web site about rim load capacity.


Doesn't appear to be anything stamped on the inside of the rims. Most of the aftermarket rims are only rated at 3100#.


How can I find out the capacity of the stock rims???


Thanks.

Most aftermarket aluminum rims can have limmited capacity but stock steel rims are quite sturdy and generally underated from there true capacity for liabilty reasons. BTW, there are two limitations on the rim, max air pressure and maximum weight with pressure being the primary limiting factor. (tire capacity is a function of tire size and pressure) Personally based on past experiance I see no problems with 265 "E" tires loaded to capacity on stock rims. I believe I would do further research though before I would use a "F" or "G" rated tire with a capacity of 4000lbs or more though.

First, a question. Do you have have the steel or aluminum?


Second, I can personally tell you that the load your looking at, the stock aluminum wheels can handle it no problem. Just make sure the pin weight is 3000# and not more. You'll find that manufactures 'stretch' the truth about them. PM me if you have more questions concerning my comment.

TT,


In answer to your question, I have the chromed aluminum rims (not the dull looking steel rims). Sounds like your truck is similar to what mine will be after I change tires. I'm probably going with the 265 Bridgestone Dueller At Revos.


How much king pin weight do you have from your 5th wheel? I'm looking at at 38 ft toy hauler 5th wheel, GVWR of 16,000 and a pin weight of 3000#. How does your truck handle the 18,000?

I would still check capacity of rims if they are Aluminum because unlike steel rims, they will give no warnings before yeild point is reached.

I would check very closely the rating on the 2500 wheels, if your going to haul that much, check into a set of 3500 SRW steel take-offs. They are wider and are rated a lot higher.


OR spend the big bucks for 19.5's

I would check very closely the rating on the 2500 wheels,





OK, bigdaddy, where or how do I check the rating on the 2500 wheels???

I've been debating this same issue for some time. My 12,500 lbs 5ver with pin weight around 2500lbs puts me right at the 6084 lbs tire rating.


I want to upgrade to 265's to get the axil rating up to 6830 lbs, but still not sure about the OEM 6.5 rim weight rating, and no tire manufacturer reccommends 265's on 6.5 rims. Safety is my primary concern.


Considering Alcoa 16 by 7 Classic rims, rated at 3750 lbs. They have a high weight rating and are some of the lower cost rims I found.

Lots of Toys, just read the updated posts on this thread. Is the 3k lb pin weight on the toy hauler you are looking at dry or loaded? My 40' Sunnybrook toy hauler has a 2760lb pin weight dry, closer to 3500 loaded. Be careful on the load on the rear end of a SRW 2500 not to exceed GAWR. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif

OK Guys,


Here's what I know and have found out. The width of the steel wheels according to the GMC website for the 3500 SRW with 265's is only 6.5" wide.


As far as pin weights, sit down!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley5.gif


Mine was advertised as 2200 dry, no options. My actual is around 4200 wet!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley3.gif


Point is this, make them certify that your pin weight WET and with options is 3000# or less and you'll be fine.


By the way, I'm getting ready to have my axles relocated to reduce my pin weight. Don't know the exact costs yet, but my first quote was around $3000.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley19.gif I could go the route of the 19.5's, but then you end up with a rougher ride when unloaded.


How it tows? I love it! You can feel the difference when it's loaded versus unloaded, but it tows great. I'll never have a pull behind again!

TT, now you know there is no way the dealer is going to certify the pin weight will not exceed 3k lbs since they have absolutely no control over how the unit is loaded. But your point is valid, the pin weights advertised are a far cry from what they will be when the unit is fully loaded! Your pin weight dry and loaded are considerably higher than most I've seen. We're about the same GCW at 25,500lbs.


LOT's, I often suggest that guys visit a truck tire shop, not the average run of the mill Firestone or Goodyear stores. These guys are used to outfitting trucks for hauling heavier loads than the average smuck!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/hihi.gif They are also more qualified to advise you on wheel ratings and tire load ranges.


Talk to them about stainless steel high pressure valve stems while you are at it. Our trucks come with rubber ones from the factory, $40-50k truck, .38 valve stems? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley5.gif Shame on GM! JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif

JJ, I'm not talking loaded, just WET. If it's a WET weight, chances are that it's not going to get that much heavier on the pin. Most of the weight added on a toy hauler from the consumer is going to be in the back where the trailer axles will actually carry the load. Water tanks, 2nd A/C, Generator, etc. are options that usually are in the front of the trailer. The fuel tanks on mine are the only thing behind the rear axles. This is just my experience and those that I've talked to, yours may vary.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif


As far as my dry versus wet weights, you have to remember that the dry weight is without options. Thats where a lot of them get you by saying a vehicle can handle the trailer they want to sell. I'm thinking of unloading mine this season and taking it down to get an actual WET weight. Just a little affraid of doing that because the load I put in helps to counter balance the front!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley3.gif


Oh ya, valve stems, I'd be surprised with there volume if it cost GM more than $.05 cents each. Worked for Pep Boys years ago and it was the highest markup item they had. cost less than $.15 cents each and they sold them for $1.50!

JJ,


The rear GAWR of a 2500HD is 6084#. Guess where that number comes from? Each stock 245R75 16 tire has a capacity of 3042 pounds. Two tires times 3042# is 6084#. The rear end and axle of a 2500HD is the same as a 3500. The only difference are 4 tires and rims instead of just 2. The rear GAWR of a 3500 is a lot more than a 2500HD. So the limiting factors are the tires and rims. Some 265R75x16 E tires have capacity of 3450 pounds; times 2 is 6900#. So now the real question is : can the stock chromed rims handle 6900#??? Thats what I've been trying to find out for sure, not just a guess.


Yes, I'm looking at ACTUAL king pin weight of 3000#, not try weight.

Hey Lots,


I'm running the REVO's in load range E which is 3415#? a tire on mine. If I remember correctly, I think there is a load rating stamp on the wheel somewhere. Pull the cap off and if not there take off a wheel and see. I'm sure they have a safety built in to them though.


I've had 7980# on mine!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley3.gif I now load different to try and help until I can get the axles moved forward to take some of the weight off the pin.


Here's something else for you. One of the magazines (I think it was 4WHEELER) came out with the 'True' load rating of our axle about a year ago. It was a little over 13,000#s if I remember correctly.


If I had the pin weight you did. I wouldn't worry about it. The actual weight on the rear axle of mine with the wife, myself and a big suitcase in the truck was 3180#. That's a CC/LB. Your EC should be a little less.

No need to hash out "wet" versus "actual" pin weights, been done too many times. Back to LOT's original post, recommend you go to a truck tire shop that works on light or medium trucks and talk with someone that knows how to spec your wheels and tires. JJ's out! Be safe out there! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif

In answer to your question, I have the chromed aluminum rims (not the dull looking steel rims).



So.....what wheel DO you have?



There are no OEM chromed aluminum wheels.



You either have:

1) grey painted steel.



2) chrome steel.



3) Polished Aluminum





As for their weight ratings..... I really don't know. Most
aluminum wheels have the capacity and max pressure cast into
them. Steel may or may not have it punched into them.



Overall though,.....you should be just fine with a nice set of 265 E
rated tires. Stay away from off road tread and stick with a nice
street tread. Less sway.

Check this out, http://www.glamisdunes.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=2426 (http://www.glamisdunes.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=24262) 2 might make you think twice about going over the ratings of your 2500s. I do not know any involved just recently read the story myself, makes you think twice.