2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Tire Size & Pressure Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I know that maintaining the right tires on a heavy-duty workhorse like the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is critical for safety, towing capacity, and vehicle longevity. Whether you drive a Single Rear Wheel (SRW) or Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) configuration, putting the wrong load-range tires or running incorrect pressures can lead to catastrophic blowouts under load. Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2017 Chevy Silverado 3500HD tire and wheel specs.

Quick Answer: 2017 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Tire Specs

• OEM Tire Size: LT235/80R17 (DRW), LT265/70R18 (SRW), LT265/60R20 (SRW)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: SRW: 60 PSI Front / 70-80 PSI Rear; DRW: 65 PSI Front / 65 PSI Rear (Always check your specific driver-side door placard as engine weight and cab configuration alter these numbers)
• Bolt Pattern: 8x180 mm
• Wheel Size: 17x6.5 (DRW), 18x8.0 (SRW), 20x8.5 (SRW)
• Load Index / Speed Rating: 120/117 R (DRW) up to 124/121 E — Must use Load Range E (10-ply) tires
• Spare Tire Size: Matches OEM full-size specification
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz (Standard on most 2017 GM HD trucks)

Tire Sizes by Trim

The 2017 Silverado 3500HD came in several trim levels and two distinct axle configurations (SRW and DRW). Here are the factory tire sizes:

Recommended Replacement Tires

When replacing tires on a 3500HD, always prioritize a Load Range E (10-ply) rating. Here are top recommendations based on driving habits:

1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S — Premium Tier The gold standard for highway towing and longevity. Offers a quiet ride, excellent wet traction, and handles heavy pin weights effortlessly.
2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — Mid-to-High Tier Perfect if your job site or farm requires going off-pavement. Features reinforced sidewalls and an aggressive tread that doesn't compromise highway towing too severely.
3. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W — Mid Tier A highly rated, slightly more budget-friendly all-terrain option with excellent snow performance (3PMSF rated) and deep tread depths.
4. Firestone Transforce HT2 — Budget/Commercial Tier A standard commercial highway tire. Not the best in snow, but affordable and durable for fleet trucks racking up dry highway miles.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

Because the 3500HD is a heavy-duty truck designed for hauling and towing, tire pressure management is crucial.

• Unloaded/Daily Driving: You can run the tire pressures closer to the lower end of the placard specification (e.g., 60 PSI front, 65 PSI rear on SRW) for a slightly softer ride and even tread wear.
• Max Load/Heavy Towing: When you hook up a heavy fifth-wheel RV or load a pallet of concrete in the bed, you must increase the rear tire pressure to the maximum cold PSI listed on the tire's sidewall and the door placard (usually 80 PSI for Load Range E tires). Failing to inflate to max load PSI when heavily loaded increases sidewall flex, generating massive heat that can cause a blowout.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

• Bolt Pattern: 8x180 mm (Note: This is specific to 2011+ GM HD trucks. Older 8x165.1 wheels will not fit).
• Lug Nut Torque: 140 lb-ft (190 Nm).
• Procedure: Always use a calibrated torque wrench. Tighten in a star/cross pattern to ensure the wheel seats perfectly flush against the hub. For DRW models, ensure there is no debris between the dual mating surfaces. Re-torque after 50-100 miles of driving.

Common Tire Issues for this Vehicle

1. Premature Front Edge Wear: The heavy Duramax diesel engine puts immense weight on the front independent suspension. If alignment (especially toe and camber) is slightly out of spec, the outer or inner edges of the front tires will scrub away quickly. Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
2. Inner Dual Tire Neglect (DRW): The inner rear tire on dually setups is notoriously difficult to check for air pressure. Technicians often see inner duals running dangerously low, which forces the outer dual to carry all the weight. Invest in valve stem extensions or a dual-chuck gauge.
3. TPMS Sensor Battery Failure: At around 7-10 years of age, the lithium batteries inside the TPMS sensors begin to die. If your 2017 model is showing a flashing TPMS light that turns solid, it's likely time to replace the sensors.

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