2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Tire Size & Pressure Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced countless heavy-duty trucks, and the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a frequent visitor to the shop. Whether you are using your Sierra for hauling heavy equipment, towing a fifth-wheel RV, or just daily driving, having the correct tire size, load rating, and tire pressure is critical for safety and vehicle performance.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the tire and wheel specifications for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD.

Quick answer: 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Tire Specs

• OEM Tire Sizes: LT245/75R17, LT275/70R18, or LT275/65R20 (depending on trim)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 60 PSI Front / 70–80 PSI Rear (check your specific door jamb placard)
• Bolt Pattern: 8x180 mm
• Wheel Sizes: 17x7.5", 18x8", or 20x8.5" (approx. +44mm offset)
• Load Index / Speed Rating: 121/118S to 126/123R (Load Range E is standard and required)
• Spare Tire Size: Full-size spare matching the outer diameter (usually LT245/75R17 or LT275/70R18 steel wheel)
• TPMS Sensor Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

GMC offered several wheel and tire packages for the 2020 Sierra 2500HD, highly dependent on the trim level and off-road packages (like the AT4).

Note: All tires for the 2500HD must be LT-metric (Light Truck) with a Load Range E (10-ply rating) to safely handle the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

Recommended replacement tires

When replacing tires on a 3/4-ton truck, durability and load-carrying capacity are just as important as traction. Here are a few top recommendations based on customer feedback and shop experience:

• Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Premium) - Exceptional highway ride, long tread life, and excellent wet traction. Perfect for frequent towing on paved roads.
• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Mid-to-High) - The go-to choice for AT4 owners or those who need aggressive off-road and snow traction without compromising too much towing stability.
• Falken Wildpeak A/T3W (Mid-Range) - A fantastic all-terrain value with severe snow rating (3PMSF) and excellent heavy-load handling.
• Cooper Discoverer HT3 (Budget-Friendly) - A reliable, commercial-grade highway tire that handles heavy payloads well without breaking the bank.

When to inflate to max load psi

Because the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a heavy-duty truck, managing your tire pressure based on your payload is crucial.

Your door placard will typically recommend 60 PSI for the front tires and 70 to 80 PSI for the rear tires. You should inflate the rear tires to their maximum recommended placard pressure (often 80 PSI for Load Range E tires) only when you are hauling a heavy payload in the bed or towing a heavy trailer with high tongue weight.

If you are driving the truck completely unloaded, running 80 PSI in the rear will result in a harsh, bouncy ride and premature wear down the center of the tread. Many owners "air down" the rear tires to around 60–65 PSI for unladen daily driving, but you must remember to air them back up before hitching up a heavy trailer to prevent tire overheating and catastrophic blowouts.

Lug nut torque & pattern

• Bolt Pattern: 8x180 mm (This is specific to GM 2500/3500HD trucks from 2011 onward; older 8x165.1 / 8x6.5 wheels will not fit).
• Lug Nut Torque: 140 lb-ft.

Always use a calibrated torque wrench. Re-torque the lug nuts after the first 50-100 miles of driving after a wheel has been removed.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

1. Uneven Front Tire Wear: Heavy-duty trucks with independent front suspension (IFS) are notoriously hard on front tire edges. Regular alignments and rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is absolutely critical to extend tire life.
2. TPMS Light After Rotation: The Sierra 2500HD has vastly different pressure requirements for the front and rear axles. If you rotate the tires and don't adjust the pressures (and relearn the TPMS sensors to their new positions), your dashboard will throw a low-pressure warning. Always adjust pressures and use a relearn tool after rotating.
3. Cupping from Bad Shocks: Heavy towing wears out OEM shock absorbers faster than normal. If you notice cupping (scalloped dips) on your tire tread, have your suspension inspected.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.