Considering going from 265/65 to 245/70

[baddoglt]

I have the 265/65-17s on my truck now. Drive about 15,000 miles per year. 3,000 miles commuting from 7,600 down to 6,300 feet on a winding road, 3,000 miles towing a lightweight fifth wheel, 3,000 miles driving across the state at 80 mph, 3,000 miles off highway (about 500 to 1,000 off-road), and 3,000 miles on dump runs and lumber yard trips (two 860 pound loads of landscape block last weekend). Living at 7,600 feet, about 20-30% of all this driving is in snow and ice or 4WD.

My current tires are BFG Rugged Trail T/As. Got these before we got the trailer and did not do enough research to notice that they were "standard load" P radials that I can't air up. I was used to adjusting the pressure on my Chevy's LT tires for the situation. Because of the commute, they are about worn out on the edges.

The only load range "E" tires in 265/65-17 I found are the BFG AT T/A KO. But, they are about $200 a pop. I am flirting with going to a 245/70-17. I'll give up about 20 mm of tread width (0.79") but they are only 1.5 mm less diameter (0.06"). There are lot more "E" LT tires in the narrower size.

The first thing that struck me is - given the same tread and pressure - a small drop in dry road handling. Is there anything else obvious I am missing?

Thanks,

cj

[baddoglt]

Okay, I figured out what I was missing. Even with the limited slip, there are surfaces I still "chirp" on when merging into traffic. Narrower tires = less traction on dry. I might have to bite the bullet and eat $800 plus installation.

Thanks.