The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer came at the end of GM’s body-on-frame midsize SUV era, offering buyers a mix of everyday utility and, in SS form, a much more aggressive street-focused personality. That split matters when choosing tires, because this Trailblazer uses three different radial sizes depending on sub-model and wheel package: 245/65R17, 245/60R18, and 255/50R20. The LT stays in more traditional SUV sizing, while the SS moves to a lower-profile 20-inch fitment. The key is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter first, then choosing a tire that matches the vehicle’s intended use, appearance, and current wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer
Three tire sizes apply to the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. All of them are radial metric sizes, but they do not share the same rim size, so the first step is confirming whether the SUV is running 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheels before comparing tire choices.
245/60R18 is a metric radial size in which 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer, this size sits between the taller-profile 17-inch fitment and the lower-profile 20-inch SS size. Its dimensions keep it close to the other Trailblazer sizes in overall diameter, so wheel diameter becomes the critical fitment checkpoint. This size should be matched to the actual wheel setup on the vehicle before any tire selection is made.
245/65R17 is a metric radial tire size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series profile, and fitment for a 17-inch rim. For the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer, this size is used on certain LT configurations and carries a more traditional SUV-style sidewall profile than the 20-inch SS fitment. Available product choice in this size includes BFGoodrich’s All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter styling, adding a more rugged visual character. It is the size to evaluate when the vehicle has 17-inch wheels and the owner wants utility-oriented replacement options.
255/50R20 is a metric radial size where 255 marks the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 20 identifies wheel diameter. On the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer, this size is associated with the SS, giving that sub-model a wider, lower-profile tire presentation than the LT fitments. Its role is distinct enough that it should not be treated as a general Trailblazer replacement size. This is the fitment to confirm when the vehicle is an SS or when 20-inch wheels are already part of the current setup.
Sub-model matters on the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer because tire fitment is not the same across the range. The LT can use either 17-inch or 18-inch sizing, while the SS moves to a separate 20-inch radial fitment, so identifying the exact version and wheel diameter comes first.
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2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer LT
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer LT uses either 245/65R17 or 245/60R18 radial tires, depending on its wheel setup. That means LT owners should confirm whether the SUV has 17-inch or 18-inch wheels before comparing replacement tires, sidewall appearance, or tread style.
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer SS uses a 255/50R20 radial tire, setting it apart from the LT models. Tire selection for an SS starts with keeping that 20-inch wheel fitment in mind and checking that the vehicle still retains the correct wheel and suspension setup.
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 Trailblazer Tires for Sale
Available product choice currently centers on the 245/65R17 fitment, with a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 option that combines radial construction, raised white letter sidewalls, and 17-inch wheel compatibility for Trailblazer LT applications.
These FAQs focus on 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer tire sizes, sub-model differences, rim fitment, radial tire selection, appearance choices, and the checks worth making before putting a Trailblazer back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer?
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer uses three possible tire sizes: 245/65R17, 245/60R18, and 255/50R20. The LT uses either 245/65R17 or 245/60R18, while the SS uses 255/50R20. All three are radial tire sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters.
The practical step is confirming the exact sub-model and the actual wheels on the vehicle before choosing tires. A Trailblazer that has changed hands may have aftermarket wheels or swapped factory wheels, so the tire size should match both the trim and the rim diameter currently on the SUV.
What size rim does a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer use?
A 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer uses one of three rim diameters depending on configuration: 17 inches with 245/65R17, 18 inches with 245/60R18, or 20 inches with 255/50R20. Those rim sizes correspond directly to the last number in each tire size.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify because a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on an 18-inch or 20-inch wheel, and the same rule applies across the other sizes. Looking at the wheel itself, the existing tire sidewall, and the vehicle’s sub-model usually clarifies which fitment path makes sense.
Why does the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer have more than one tire size?
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and wheel package. The LT can be equipped with either 245/65R17 or 245/60R18, while the higher-performance SS uses a separate 255/50R20 size on a 20-inch rim.
That means tire selection is not just a matter of model year and nameplate. The buyer should confirm whether the SUV is an LT or SS, then verify the wheel diameter actually installed, especially if the vehicle has replacement wheels, appearance upgrades, or previous owner changes that may affect fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/65R17 tire for a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer?
Start with the basics: the vehicle must be an LT running 17-inch wheels, and the tire should match that 245/65R17 size. From there, compare construction, sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, load capacity, and the kind of driving the Trailblazer actually sees.
In the current product mix, 245/65R17 includes a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter styling and a 7.0- to 8.0-inch rim-width range. That makes it useful for buyers who want a more rugged presentation, but wheel width and intended road use still need to be checked before settling on one option.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer tires?
Current product choice for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer includes an RWL sidewall style in the 245/65R17 fitment. RWL stands for raised white letter, which gives the tire a more pronounced, truck-oriented appearance than a plain black sidewall.
Sidewall style mainly affects presentation, but it can still influence the overall character of the vehicle. A Trailblazer kept stock in appearance may call for a more understated look, while an LT used for utility or light off-road image may suit raised white lettering better if the wheel and size match the intended fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer?
BFGoodrich is represented in the current Trailblazer product mix, specifically in the 245/65R17 size with the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series. That gives buyers at least one clearly defined option for LT models using the 17-inch wheel fitment.
Brand alone should not be the only decision point. It helps more to compare whether the tire matches the correct Trailblazer size, the wheel width, the desired sidewall look, and the SUV’s actual use. On this vehicle, getting the right size and wheel pairing matters more than choosing by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer?
A period-style choice for a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer starts with keeping the correct original-size format for the vehicle’s sub-model and wheel diameter: 245/65R17 or 245/60R18 for LT models, and 255/50R20 for the SS. Staying with the proper radial size preserves the Trailblazer’s intended stance better than guessing across wheel diameters.
Appearance should be guided by how the SUV is being presented today. A stock-looking LT may call for a conventional SUV-style tire, while a more assertive look could lean toward the available raised white letter option in 245/65R17. For exact originality, trim-specific photos or marque references are worth checking before final selection.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer?
On a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires across all listed sizes. That means the visual differences are less about bias-ply versus radial and more about sidewall height, wheel diameter, tread character, and sidewall treatment.
An LT on 245/65R17 presents differently than an SS on 255/50R20 even before brand or tread pattern enters the picture. Matching the tire to the vehicle’s correct wheel size has the biggest effect on overall appearance, followed by whether the owner wants a cleaner stock-style look or a more aggressive truck-inspired presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, lowered suspension, lift components, and body changes can all alter the space available for the original-size tire and may change how the tire sits inside the wheel opening.
That matters even when the size code looks close to stock. A modified Trailblazer should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel before replacement tires are chosen. Verifying the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle is especially important when buying tires for an SUV with an unknown modification history.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the rim diameter, and check that the suspension and steering components are in sound condition. Tire pressure should also be set correctly, and any signs of rubbing should be addressed immediately.
A short test drive is a smart follow-up because it can reveal vibration, pull, or clearance problems that are easy to miss while the SUV is parked. It also helps to recheck lug torque and look over the sidewalls after the first miles, especially on a vehicle that has sat for long periods.
How often should tires on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Trailblazer should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks worn. Pressure loss, uneven wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and bulges can develop gradually, and a low-use SUV can age its tires long before the tread is fully consumed.
A visual check before longer drives is a good habit, and collector or secondary-use vehicles deserve extra attention because they often sit for extended periods. Looking at tread wear patterns can also reveal alignment or suspension issues, which is useful on Trailblazers that may have seen wheel changes or years of mixed-use service.
