The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse arrived as a full-size crossover aimed at families who needed three-row space without giving up modern road manners. That places tire choice in a more configuration-specific category than on many older collector vehicles, because wheel and tire fitment changes with trim level. The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse uses radial tires in three different sizes: 245/70R17, 255/65R18, and 255/55R20. The key decision is matching the tire to the correct LS, LT, or LTZ setup and confirming the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. That matters even more on examples that may have seen wheel upgrades or replacement packages over the years.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse
Three tire sizes apply to the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse, and they differ by sub-model as well as wheel diameter. The first step is identifying whether the vehicle is an LS, LT, or LTZ and confirming whether it still has its 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to choosing a tire that matches the intended use, appearance, and wheel specifications for that exact setup.
The 245/70R17 size uses a modern metric format: 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse, this size belongs to the LS configuration and reflects a taller-profile radial on a 17-inch wheel. Available product choice in this size includes a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls. This size is worth evaluating carefully if the vehicle is expected to handle rougher roads or if the current wheel package remains in original LS form.
The 255/65R18 code indicates a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series profile, radial construction, and fitment on an 18-inch rim. For the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse, this size is associated with the LT sub-model and sits between the taller 17-inch setup and the lower-profile 20-inch arrangement. Its role is not interchangeable with the other Traverse sizes unless the wheel diameter also matches. This is the size to focus on when the vehicle is an LT or when replacement wheels and tires need to preserve the original 18-inch fitment approach.
The 255/55R20 format means a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch wheel. On the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse, this size is tied to the LTZ and represents the largest wheel diameter used across the model range. The lower profile relative to the 17-inch and 18-inch options makes wheel confirmation especially important before replacement. Buyers considering this size should verify that the vehicle still carries the correct 20-inch setup and check clearance, wheel width, and overall condition if any aftermarket changes have been made.
Tire fitment on the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse varies directly by sub-model, so trim identification matters before any tire is selected. Each covered version uses one radial tire size, but the rim diameter changes from 17 to 20 inches across the range.
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2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse LS
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse LS uses a 17-inch radial tire setup built around 245/70R17. Tire selection starts with confirming that the LS still has its original wheel diameter, then deciding whether the replacement is aimed at everyday road use or a more rugged all-terrain style.
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse LT uses an 18-inch radial fitment with the 255/65R18 size. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation the first step, especially on vehicles that may have been upgraded or swapped to a different trim-level wheel package over time.
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse LTZ uses a 20-inch radial tire configuration with the 255/55R20 size. Buyers should verify that the LTZ still carries the correct 20-inch wheels and then compare replacement options with attention to wheel compatibility and clearance rather than size alone.
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 Traverse Tires for Sale
Available product choice for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse is centered on 245/70R17, with a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 radial offered in raised white letter form. That gives LS owners a product comparison point that combines 17-inch rim compatibility with an all-terrain tire character.
Common questions for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse usually center on trim-specific tire size, wheel diameter, product selection, and what to inspect before putting a newer or lightly used crossover back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse?
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse uses three different radial tire sizes depending on sub-model: 245/70R17, 255/65R18, and 255/55R20. The LS uses 245/70R17, the LT uses 255/65R18, and the LTZ uses 255/55R20.
That means the correct tire choice starts with identifying the exact trim and confirming the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. A Traverse that has had wheels swapped at some point may no longer match its original sub-model setup, so checking the tire sidewall and the wheel itself is more useful than relying on trim alone.
What size rim does a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse use?
Rim diameter on the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse depends on sub-model. The LS uses a 17-inch rim, the LT uses an 18-inch rim, and the LTZ uses a 20-inch rim, matching their respective tire sizes.
Wheel diameter is the first fitment point to verify before replacing tires, because a 17-inch tire will not mount on an 18-inch or 20-inch wheel. It is also wise to confirm actual wheel width and inspect for prior wheel-package changes, since many used crossovers have been updated with different factory or aftermarket wheel sets.
Why does the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse have more than one tire size?
The 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse has more than one tire size because tire fitment changes by sub-model. Chevrolet paired the LS, LT, and LTZ with different wheel diameters, which leads directly to the 245/70R17, 255/65R18, and 255/55R20 tire choices.
The practical takeaway is that trim level and wheel diameter matter more than simply knowing the vehicle is a 2009 Traverse. Before choosing a tire, match the current wheel setup to the correct size and make sure any prior owner changes have not altered the original LS, LT, or LTZ wheel-and-tire combination.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/70R17 tire for a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse?
A 245/70R17 tire for a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse LS should first match the vehicle's 17-inch wheel diameter and radial construction. From there, the choice becomes more about intended use, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, load capacity, and whether the tire's character suits how the Traverse is actually driven.
The available 245/70R17 option includes a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls and a 6.5 to 8.0 inch rim-width range. That makes it important to confirm the actual wheel width and decide whether an all-terrain presentation and specification make sense for the vehicle's road use and appearance goals.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse tires?
The available 245/70R17 product for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse uses an RWL sidewall, meaning raised white letters. Sidewall style can change the visual character of the vehicle even when the tire size itself remains correct.
That matters most for owners who want a particular look from an LS model, whether the goal is a more traditional black sidewall appearance or a more assertive utility-focused presentation. Sidewall treatment does not override basic fitment, so wheel diameter, tire size, and rim-width compatibility still need to be confirmed before appearance choices come into play.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse?
For the available 245/70R17 fitment on the 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse, BFGoodrich is represented with an All-Terrain T/A KO2 radial. Brand selection matters most when comparing how a given tire's design, sidewall treatment, and intended use align with the vehicle.
A useful approach is to treat the brand as one part of the decision rather than the whole decision. Correct size, radial construction, wheel compatibility, load specification, and the kind of driving the Traverse will actually see should all be checked before settling on a specific tire within the available product choices.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, lowering, spacer use, and body modifications can alter the space available for the original 245/70R17, 255/65R18, or 255/55R20 sizes and may also change how the tire sits on the wheel.
That is why the current setup should be inspected before ordering replacements, especially on a used Traverse. Check the wheel diameter and width already on the vehicle, then look for signs of rubbing at the fenders, suspension components, and steering stops so the new tire choice matches the actual vehicle rather than an assumed stock configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tire size matches the trim level, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for installation. A close look at suspension wear, brake condition, and any uneven tire wear from the previous set is also worthwhile.
Those checks help catch alignment or clearance issues before they become a problem on the road. It also makes sense to verify valve stems, look for any interference during full steering travel, and recheck air pressure after the first period of use so the replacement tires start out on a sound mechanical foundation.
How often should tires on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Chevrolet Trucks Traverse should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. Routine checks should include air pressure, tread wear pattern, cuts, bulges, sidewall cracking, and any sign that one corner of the vehicle is wearing differently from the others.
A crossover like the Traverse can hide fitment or suspension issues until tire wear becomes obvious, so periodic inspection is a practical habit. It is especially important after seasonal temperature changes, longer trips, or any wheel or brake service, since those moments often reveal pressure loss, alignment concerns, or damage that needs attention.
