Advise on Changing from 16.5 Wheel to 16" or 17" ??? Use tire size as stock

slshearer

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Jun 13, 2024
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Hello,

I would like your advice on alternative wheels and tires to fit 1977 26' GMC, I want to change the radial 16.5 Steel wheels. I plan to use Firestone Transport HT Tires. I am on a budget, so new or used wheels are OK. Also, if there are other tires to consider, I would appreciate your advice. I definitely plan to use the same overall size as the tires GMC supplied.

Thank you for your help!
Stewart
 
If you go with 16" wheels, the closest size to the original 16.5 tires is 225/75R16. I have been running lug centered American Eagle wheels on the rear for 15 years without any issues (mag style lugnuts) and 16" X 8" Dodge truck wheels on the front, also lug centered (conical lugnuts) also without issue. Pre 1990 Chevy truck 16" steel wheels are hub centered and will work IF you can find some straight ones.

Your mileage may vary, but this has worked for me for over 80,000 miles.
 
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If you go with 16" wheels, the closest size to the original 16.5 tires is 225/75R16. I have been running lug centered American Eagle wheels on the rear for 15 years without any issues (mag style lugnuts) and 16" X 8" Dodge truck wheels on the front, also lug centered (conical lugnuts) also without issue. Pre 1990 Chevy truck 16" steel wheels are hub centered and will work IF you can find some straight ones.

Your mileage may vary, but this has worked for me for over 80,000 miles.
Thank you sounds like you got a winner what tires do you buy?

Is there any years that fit? I saw 16" Dodge 2500 rim 16 inches Dodge Ram 2500 on ebay?

 
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I've been running ION alloy wheels from JimK and Cooper HT-3 tires all around. Balanced with 5 ounces of AirSoft beads in each tire. 65lbs tire pressure all around. Smooth as silk and nicely quiet going down the road. I've been really happy with this setup for a couple of years now.
 
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I have been going with Cooper tires. HT-3 tires on the back (225/75R16 LR-E) and AT-3 tires on the front (245/70R16 LR-E)
Would you happen to have a couple of pictures of the wheels, I did some research and Here is some info I found,
16" Dodge 2500 rim polished alloy rim, 16" X 8".----8 lugs X 6.5” center bore= 4.75". made in USA
original equipment OEM # 52106367AA, P/N-52106367AA 2500 Dodge 2002 Ram 2500, is this the same style you have?
 
John Vasquez. Here's where you might find some radial rated 16.5 wheels for your '73.
HelLo, I want to change out the 16.5 tires as they are almost 6 years old and have 0 miles ( actually 10 Miles!) when O put her into RV covered storage area, I jacked up the boogies and set the tires, so they were not supporting the RV. Also, they have never been exposed to any sunshine since they parked. So now that I am hunting to upgrade the wheels and tires to a better size than the steel 16.5 rims, I think the Firestone Transporter Tires now cost about %70 more than when I bought the ones I have on the coach! I believe these tires will be harder and harder to get due to the weird size, Also I think getting away from the 250 ib torque of the Steel wheels would be much better for my niece when they get the unit to take back to BC... Thanks for all the great info you have posted. I have been making a book of articles on various procedures of maintaining and updating the 77 models... Thanks again! Stewart
 
Hi Carl, are your wheels hub-centered wheels or lug centered, I thought I read that lug-centered is better as you do not have to tighten the lugs to 250 pounds like the original GMC 16.5 Steel Wheels, Thank you!

Grade 8 9/16 fine bolt torque rating is about 130 ft-lb. I grease mine for the steel wheels and torque to about 120.

If you torque to 250 you'll start breaking them.
 
Hi. nice looking RV, are your rear wheels the same style? Thank you Stewart

No, back wheels are standard offset drop center (dually) American Eagle 16" X 6". I carry one of those as a spare and an extra set of lug nuts. In that album, I still had the steel 16" wheels with wheel covers on the rear.
 
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The simple answer to 16” rims is the IOn’s. But you do need the correct lug nuts as well. Ron’s rims has sold many to the gmc’r. Other venders as well. Then buy any 225 75 16 tire you want in an E rating.

Other rim/tire options can be done but tire choice is limited like in Carl’s dodge rims. (I am running those). And you have a spare issue as well.

16” used Steel rims can be found but why? Heavy and probably bent.

There are a few other obscure rims people have made work. But the ions seem to be the current and easiest swap to 16”. There is a cost, but tires are cheaper
To help offset. And 16”
Aluminum rims are one of the best things you can do for value as well.
 
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Steel wheels will get you there at a lower cost than new ION's.
I just happen to have a set in the Marketplace right now

I also purchased upgraded stainless steel lug nuts to use with my new ION's instead of the ones provided by the wheel vendor.
 
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Hi Carl, are your wheels hub-centered wheels or lug centered, I thought I read that lug-centered is better as you do not have to tighten the lugs to 250 pounds like the original GMC 16.5 Steel Wheels, Thank you!
Hi Do you know would

Michelin LT 245/75R 16​


Fit on the back, I found a set of 4 for a great price... Thank you Stewart
 
I have run the Michelin 245's on my coach since 2005 with only minor fit issues. With the 245's, they may rub the "T" skirts when running up on a set of ramps. IF that is an issue, take the skirts off. I had a set of aluminum "T"'s made for my coach that are 1" narrower at the bottom of the skirts to clear the tires. With 2" spacers on the front end, the tires may touch the inner fender wells when the wheels are cranked over all of the way either right or left. Both are minor issues. The larger tires also change the effective gear ratio, so that a 3.08 may be something in the high 2's. Personally, I like my 245's. A better look with the bigger tires. Just a couple of things to think about.
 
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