Savana tire/wheel purchase opinions!

[blanksky]

Just bought an 06 GMC Savana AWD and I need to get new tires on it ASAP to get it inspected. Stock 16” on it now and I think I will keep that size.

Based on what I’ve read here, I’m plannng on getting these Unique wheels (16x8, 12mm offset) https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-wheels/unique-297/p/52192

And the BFG A/T in 245/75/16 https://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/All-Terrain T/A KO2/p/TV100000787

Van gets mostly highway miles, with occasional dirt road treks for camping and dirt bikes.

A) will this combination cause tire rub in a stock van?
B) is there a better tire I should look at?
C) is 12mm offset appropriate?
D) stock is 8” wide. Any reason not to keep that?

Thanks!

 

[Len.Barron]

I certainly wouldn't pay $97 each for cheap aftermarket stamped steel wheels, you could have your stockers powder-coated any finish you like and run the chrome chevy wheel centers for a much nicer look and better quality set up.. if you log mostly hwy miles I'd look at the Cooper Discoverer AT3, I've had a couple sets of those and they are an excellent made in USA tire that can typically be bought cheaper than the BFG.

 

[Choff]

You might what to try different size wheels and tires, I have an AWD GMC Savana 2005 full conversion van with a all the plastic front bumper, sides and rear bumper, I was always hitting parking concrete stops and had to repair the front bumper 3 times.
I went from 16 inch Chrome rims to 17 inch Stock GMC Denali Aluminum Rims with Goodyear Tripple tread tires. Check e-bay or Craigs for deals, got these rims and on ebay for $250.00
It lifted the van 1 inch or more and now no hitting parking concrete bump stops!!!
Speedometer is off now , but check with GPS for most driving
Also I am running NEW shocks all around with air bags in the rear-love it for the ride !!
Check the Spare tire if you run different tire size !!!! AWD !!!
GOODYEAR TRIPPLE TREAD ON ALL FOURS AND SPARE TIRE ALSO WITH SAME RIMS ON VAN
P265/70R17 WILL FIT UNDER FOR SPARE , HAD TO PUT AN NEW SPARE DROP DOWN WITH CABLE ,MINE WAS FROZE AND WOULD NOT BUDGE.

 

[Len.Barron]

Stock take-offs from a newer vehicle is a great option, watching your local craigslist you can usually get a full low mileage set for less than the cost of just new tires.

 

[blanksky]

I certainly wouldn't pay $97 each for cheap aftermarket stamped steel wheels, you could have your stockers powder-coated any finish you like and run the chrome chevy wheel centers for a much nicer look and better quality set up.. if you log mostly hwy miles I'd look at the Cooper Discoverer AT3, I've had a couple sets of those and they are an excellent made in USA tire that can typically be bought cheaper than the BFG.

What is the negative around stamped steel wheels? Is it just that they're heavy? I've seen good reviews of the American Racing Bajas, those are the same price. I'm really not a fan of the stock wheel design and want something closer to this:

 

[grampswrx]

I have 245/75/16 on my 3500 1998 express SMB and they don't rub. I would think that you would be just fine. They look nice and meaty too. I have the american racing AR172 in the garage ready to go on, but haven't put them on yet. I wouldn't think that they will cause the tires to rub. If anything, you may need to trim your bumper a tiny bit.

 

[Len.Barron]

What is the negative around stamped steel wheels? Is it just that they're heavy? I've seen good reviews of the American Racing Bajas, those are the same price. I'm really not a fan of the stock wheel design and want something closer to this:

Most of them are made of thinner material and the quality of the coating is so bad that they rust out even here in the SoCal environment. I'd either go with a good OEM steel wheel (I'm partial to the what grampswrx posted) or get a black powdercoated aluminum wheel if that's the look you want, the powdercoated aluminum will last a lot longer and likely be much stronger.

 

[blanksky]

Thx for the Cooper recommendation, those look perfect.

I'm still partial to the AR Bajas, I've seen plenty of older ones around here that haven't rusted out.

 

[Raul]

I had Cooper AT3 on my old van and they did a great job. Quiet on the road and good on snow (2wd van and never had an issue on ski trips)

 

[Jo_Duval]

245/75/16 is the stock size. i wouldnt see any issues with that! I will be most likely getting 265/75/16 with no lift. i have a 3500 it probably sits a bit higher than yours tho.

 

[blanksky]

I’m trying to figure out if I can do 265/75/16 with 0” offset. Anyone know if the AWD can handle that? Turns out the 265 is a bit cheaper.

 

[blanksky]

Called Tirerack and their fitment guy said the 265s with the 0 offset rim is a guaranteed fit. Ordered!

 

[Jo_Duval]

Show us pictures once on the van

 

[s.e.charles]

I have Firestone Destinations and cannot be happier https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/tire-rack-team-blog/firestone-light-truck-tires-pick-your-destination

had them on my Tacoma prior - 2 sets. changed them at 52k and there was still plenty of tread.

 

[goin camping]

Called Tirerack and their fitment guy said the 265s with the 0 offset rim is a guaranteed fit. Ordered!

Would really like to see pics once they are on. Thanks.