275/50r22 vs 305/45r22

[Radiganp]

So I just got new wheels about a week ago and they are having an incredibly difficult time getting everything balanced out. One of the stock General tires has a very high road force and just won’t settle down. I noticed a little bit of shake prior to the wheels but nothing like this. I’m really hoping that it’s the tire and not the wheels. I am debating now replacing all 4 as I previously had the Defenders on my last truck and really liked them. Now the question is to go wider vs keeping them stock sized. The new wheels are still only 9.5 wide so not a huge amount wider than stock but I’m curious if I’ll have less issues in the long run with a 305 vs a 275. I also think I would like the wider tires look a little more but don’t want to sacrifice a lot of mileage by switching. This thing is an on road truck 99.9% of the time. At most it maaaay see a dirt road once a year

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[Bossharp]

Look at the weight too..

 

[Radiganp]

Look at the weight too..

They are all not too far off each other according to what I’ve found.

Stock Generals - 40lbs
275/50 Defenders - 38lbs
305/45 Defenders - 41lbs

 

[Bossharp]

Well .. you have a Street Truck. Are you running AT tires? I'm Old Fashioned (70) and believe the bigger the contact patch especially for two wheel drive the better traction, breaking and handling you will get. Up to a point of course. A lot of research into the basic design 'For your intended usage' has been done. Do you have to deal with snow or subfreezing temps? Do you routinely travel at high speeds? Or try to shave a few 10ths off of quarter mile time? The More you pick a tire and wheel combination 'Best' for what you actually drive the happier you will be.
So don't just look at size if you decide on new tires and wheels. I personally believe a 'square' fit works better with a heavy vehicle. And I like a fair amount of sidewall. I have upsized plus one or plus two many times and think the factory size is driven by cost factors and general use more so than what is best for YOUR usage.

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