The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT was built as a straightforward work-focused half-ton pickup, with the kind of broad appeal that still makes these trucks common on job sites, rural roads, and daily-driver duty. Tire choice on this exact model centers on two 17-inch radial sizes: 245/70R17 and 265/70R17, with the larger size appearing on certain 4x4 applications. Available choices here stay firmly in modern radial territory, with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options and raised white letter sidewalls that suit a truck-oriented look. The key is confirming whether the truck is 4x2 or 4x4, then matching tire size, load capacity, and wheel setup to how the truck is actually used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT
Two tire sizes apply to the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT, and both are radial tires for 17-inch wheels. The first step is confirming whether the truck is a 4x2 or a 4x4, because the 4x2 uses 245/70R17 while the 4x4 may use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to load rating, wheel-width compatibility, and the kind of truck use you expect from the tire.
245/70R17 is a modern metric radial size in which 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT, this size supports a practical truck fitment on a 17-inch rim and is used on the 4x2 as well as some 4x4 applications. Available examples include BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls. This size is a useful choice when the truck is equipped for the narrower fitment and the wheel width falls within the appropriate range.
265/70R17 is also a modern metric radial size, with a 265-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch wheel diameter. On this Silverado 1500 WT, it belongs to certain 4x4 setups rather than every version of the truck. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options are available in this size, including versions with different load capacities and raised white letter sidewalls. This size deserves a closer look when the truck is a 4x4 and you want to confirm wheel width, load needs, and clearance before selecting between available specifications.
2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT Sub-Model Tires
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT because tire size changes with drivetrain configuration. The 4x2 stays with one size, while the 4x4 can appear with either of the two 17-inch radial sizes, so identifying the exact truck setup comes first.
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2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT 4x2
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT 4x2 uses the 245/70R17 radial size on a 17-inch wheel. Tire selection for this sub-model is less about sorting through multiple fitments and more about matching the right load capability and wheel-width range to the truck’s actual use.
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT 4x4 is the version that needs closer fitment attention, because it can use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17. That makes wheel setup and current tire size worth confirming before choosing between available all-terrain options or replacing a full set.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT Tires for Sale
Available 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT tire choices focus on BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 radials in 245/70R17 and 265/70R17. The main points to compare are load specification, raised white letter sidewall styling, and the wheel-width range attached to each size.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT, how 4x2 and 4x4 fitment differs, and what to compare before choosing tires for work, road use, or a changed wheel setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT?
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT uses two possible tire sizes: 245/70R17 and 265/70R17. Both are radial tires for 17-inch wheels, but they do not apply the same way across every version of the truck. The 4x2 uses 245/70R17, while the 4x4 can use 245/70R17 or 265/70R17.
That means the first step is identifying whether the truck is a 4x2 or 4x4 and then confirming the wheel and tire setup already on the vehicle. If the truck has had wheel, suspension, or trim changes over the years, checking the current wheel width and clearance is just as important as matching the size code itself.
What size rim does a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT use?
The tire fitments for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT use a 17-inch rim diameter. Both 245/70R17 and 265/70R17 are built around that same 17-inch wheel size, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire width changes between fitments.
Rim diameter is only one part of the wheel check, though. Wheel width also matters, especially if the truck is using 265/70R17, because the tire must suit the actual wheel on the truck. A 17-inch wheel with the wrong width can still create fitment problems, even when the tire size looks close at first glance.
Why does the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT have more than one tire size?
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. The 4x2 uses 245/70R17, while the 4x4 may use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17. Both sizes share the same 17-inch rim diameter, but they represent different width and overall fitment profiles.
That variation is why the truck’s exact configuration matters before replacement. A 4x4 owner should not assume the larger size belongs on every truck, and a truck that has changed hands may already be wearing a different size than it started with. Verifying the sub-model and the wheels on the vehicle helps prevent ordering by appearance alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/70R17 tire for a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT?
A 245/70R17 tire for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT should first match the truck’s actual fitment, which is standard for the 4x2 and also used on some 4x4 configurations. Beyond size, the important details are radial construction, 17-inch wheel compatibility, load specification, and whether the tire’s intended use matches the truck’s work or daily-driving role.
This size is available in a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 configuration with raised white letter styling, so appearance and tread character may also shape the choice. Checking the wheel width on the truck is worthwhile before installation, especially if the wheels are not original to the vehicle or the truck has spent years in mixed on-road and utility service.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT?
The available tires for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT are from BFGoodrich. The current choices center on the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series in the correct 17-inch radial sizes used on this truck, including both 245/70R17 and 265/70R17 applications.
Since the brand selection is narrow here, choosing the right tire comes down less to comparing multiple manufacturers and more to comparing the exact size, load specification, and wheel-width compatibility. That is especially important on a WT truck, where use can range from everyday driving to jobsite duty, towing, or rougher surface conditions.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT tires?
The available sidewall style for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT fitments shown here is RWL, or raised white letter. That appearance is offered on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires available in both 245/70R17 and 265/70R17 sizes for this truck.
Sidewall style will not change the basic fitment, but it does change the truck’s visual character. Raised white letters give the Silverado a more traditional light-truck and off-road look than a plain black sidewall. Buyers who care about appearance should still keep size, load capacity, and wheel compatibility ahead of style when narrowing the final choice.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT?
For a period-style 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT, start by using the correct original fitment family for the truck’s configuration: 245/70R17 for the 4x2, or 245/70R17 and certain 265/70R17 applications on the 4x4. Since this is a modern truck-era fitment, staying with the proper metric radial size does more for the overall look than chasing an older-style construction.
The available BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 choices also suit a truck-oriented presentation, especially with raised white letters. Appearance still needs to follow fitment discipline, so the right approach is to confirm drivetrain, wheel width, and current wheel setup first. That keeps the truck visually appropriate without introducing a tire size that does not belong on the vehicle.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT restoration because the truck’s stance, wheel fill, and overall presentation depend heavily on using the right size for the exact sub-model. On this WT, the difference between 245/70R17 and 265/70R17 is tied to configuration, not just personal preference.
A restoration-minded owner should treat tire size as part of getting the truck’s visual balance back in line with how it was equipped. Wheel changes made during the truck’s working life can complicate that, so it helps to inspect the current wheels before buying tires. When appearance accuracy matters, period photos and model-specific references can also add useful context.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT even when the tire size looks close on paper. Aftermarket wheels, suspension lifts or lowering changes, worn springs, fender trimming, and changes in wheel width can all alter how a 245/70R17 or 265/70R17 tire sits and clears the truck.
A truck that has been used for work often accumulates changes over time, so it is smart to inspect the current setup rather than rely on assumptions. Steering clearance, suspension travel, and the wheel’s actual dimensions all matter. That is especially true on a 4x4, where either of the two sizes may appear and past modifications can blur what belongs there now.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT on new tires, inspect the wheel condition, confirm lug hardware is correct, and make sure the tire size matches the truck’s configuration. It also helps to look over alignment-related wear points, suspension condition, and any signs that the previous tires rubbed or wore unevenly.
Once the new tires are mounted, check inflation pressure, sidewall clearance, and full-lock steering clearance before putting the truck into regular use. A short road test can reveal vibration, pull, or contact that was not obvious at rest. On a work truck, it is also wise to think about load use early rather than waiting until the first heavy-duty trip.
How often should tires on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 1500 WT should be inspected regularly, especially if the truck sees work duty, towing, rough pavement, or long idle periods between uses. Routine checks should include tread wear, cuts, cracking, punctures, bulges, and air loss, along with a quick look for uneven wear that could point to alignment or suspension issues.
A WT pickup can live a harder life than a lightly used collector vehicle, so frequent visual checks make sense even between scheduled service intervals. Pressure should be checked with the tires cold, and any change in ride feel, noise, or steering should prompt a closer look. Catching wear early is cheaper and safer than discovering a damaged tire under load.
