What tire size should I go with

So it’s about that time to start looking for tires. I currently have 265/75/r16 and I am thinking about upgrading. I’m torn between 255 and 285 tires, I do tow a trailer that’s about 4500 lbs 3 -4 times a year so I need a tire that is a good daily driver but will also work for towing when I need it. Or should I stick with the tire size I have now? Any input is appreciated. Here is a pick of the current setup

 

265/75 will be best for towing. I went from 265/70r17 to 255/85r16 and it made a pretty drastic difference towing. On flat highways the change was nice as the rpm came down a little at 60mph in 4th. But hill climbing the truck won’t stay locked in 4th and your tranny will heat up very quickly.

 

Would it just downshift to 3rd, and I have an oversized trans cooler so my temps stay pretty low as it is while towing, did you notice any power loss when switching tire size?

 

285 you will lose mpg for sure.

 

37's

 

It either unlocks and stays in 4th or drops to 3rd. With a bigger tranny cooler you would be good to go.

Yes there was a big power loss. It would need 4.30 gears to bring the gearing back to stock. The tires are also heavy which I offset with the lightest rims I could find.

I noticed the power difference the most within the first couple of days of the change but the truck still has plenty of power and I never really drive it too hard anyways.

 

I have 37’s that I had on my ram and if I didn’t mind chopping up my truck I would.

 

What would you regear to, with the 265 now I really didn’t notice a power loss from stock size.

I’m not too worried about loosing mpg, I’m only worried about towing when I need to. If I went 285 I’m just worried that there will be a big power loss until I regear. Then with 285’s do you go 4.88 or 4.56?

 

Looking at the 255 size tires I’m not seeing very many options for that size.