The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 sits in the full-size pickup segment where trim level, package choice, and wheel option can change the truck’s stance and purpose noticeably. From work-oriented WT models to Denali and package-equipped versions, this is a Sierra that often needs tire selection matched carefully to the exact configuration rather than the name on the fender alone. Primary fitment uses radial tires, with four distinct sizes across 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch rims. That makes the real decision less about vintage-style construction and more about confirming sub-model, wheel diameter, load needs, and the kind of road or light-truck use the truck actually sees.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model, package, and wheel setup. Fitment also spans three rim diameters, so the first step is confirming whether the truck has 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheels before comparing tire choices. Once that is settled, the decision becomes selecting the right radial tire within the proper size and intended use.
Fit(s): Denali, Hybrid, SLE w/Z71 Pkg., and SLT w/Z71 Pkg.
Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
265/65R18 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch rim. On the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500, it is one of the primary radial fitments and appears on certain Denali, Hybrid, and package-equipped models. This size is useful for owners who need to stay with the truck’s 18-inch wheel setup rather than moving toward 17-inch or 20-inch fitments. Checking the exact trim or package matters here, because not every Sierra 1500 uses this 18-inch size.
Fit(s): Denali (20 Inch Option), SLE (20 Inch Option), SLE w/Max Trailer Pkg., SLT (20 Inch Option), and SLT w/Max Trailer Pkg.
Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
275/55R20 is a metric radial size that uses a 275-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, and a 20-inch rim. On the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500, this size is tied to certain 20-inch option packages rather than to every truck in the model range. Its role in the lineup makes wheel confirmation especially important, since a 20-inch tire cannot be selected simply because it is associated with the same model family. This size should be evaluated by buyers who are matching an existing 20-inch Sierra wheel package and want to preserve that configuration.
245/70R17 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch rim. It serves as one of the key 17-inch tire sizes for the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500, especially among several WT, SL, SLE, and SLT configurations. Available product choice in this size includes a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls and a 17-inch rim-width range of 6.5 to 8.0 inches. This is the size to examine when the truck retains a narrower 17-inch fitment and the buyer wants to confirm wheel width and intended truck use.
265/70R17 is a metric radial size that pairs a 265-millimeter nominal section width with a 70-series profile on a 17-inch rim. Within the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 range, it appears across many 4x4, trailer-package, and Z71-related applications, so it is a common but not universal 17-inch fitment. Product choice in this size includes BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options with raised white letter sidewalls, along with different load-capacity versions on the same rim-width range. This size deserves a closer look when the truck uses 17-inch wheels but may need a tire choice aligned with payload, package, or light off-road use.
Sub-model fitment on the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 varies substantially, and some trims also carry alternate wheel or package-based tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model is the most important step before choosing a tire, especially when 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch applications all exist within the same model family.
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2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 Denali
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 Denali uses a 265/65R18 radial tire. For tire selection, that keeps the focus on matching the 18-inch wheel setup rather than choosing among the 17-inch or 20-inch Sierra fitments.
2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 Denali (20 Inch Option)
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 Denali (20 Inch Option) uses a 275/55R20 radial tire. That makes wheel diameter the key checkpoint, since this sub-model follows the 20-inch package route instead of the standard 18-inch Denali fitment.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 Hybrid uses a 265/65R18 radial tire. Tire choice here starts with preserving the truck’s 18-inch fitment and then comparing products that suit the vehicle’s actual road use and wheel setup.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SL 4x2 uses a 245/70R17 radial tire. That points the buyer toward the narrower 17-inch fitment, where wheel width and intended truck duty should be checked before selecting a replacement.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SL 4x4 uses a 265/70R17 radial tire. For replacement decisions, that means staying with the 17-inch wheel diameter while paying attention to the truck’s 4x4 setup and load needs.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLE (20 Inch Option) uses a 275/55R20 radial tire. Tire selection should begin by confirming that the truck still carries its 20-inch wheel package, since other SLE versions use different 17-inch or 18-inch sizes.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLE 4x2 can use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17 radial tires. Because more than one 17-inch size appears here, the actual wheel and current vehicle setup should be verified before choosing a replacement tire.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLE 4x4 can use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17 radial tires. That makes it important to confirm the existing 17-inch wheel and tire combination rather than assuming every SLE 4x4 left with the same fitment.
2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLE w/Max Trailer Pkg.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLE w/Max Trailer Pkg. uses either 265/70R17 or 275/55R20 radial tires. Tire selection depends first on identifying whether the truck carries the 17-inch or 20-inch wheel setup tied to that package configuration.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLE w/Z71 Pkg. uses either 265/65R18 or 265/70R17 radial tires. That means the buyer needs to confirm whether the truck is on 18-inch or 17-inch wheels before comparing tread style, load capacity, or overall tire character.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLT (20 Inch Option) uses a 275/55R20 radial tire. This sub-model’s tire choice revolves around maintaining the 20-inch option-package setup rather than crossing over to the 17-inch sizes used elsewhere in the Sierra range.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLT 4x2 can use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17 radial tires. Verifying the current 17-inch wheel and tire combination is the important step here, especially if the truck has changed hands or had previous tire service.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLT 4x4 can use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17 radial tires. Since both sizes share the same rim diameter, selection depends on confirming the exact setup already on the truck rather than guessing by trim alone.
2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLT w/Max Trailer Pkg.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLT w/Max Trailer Pkg. uses either 265/70R17 or 275/55R20 radial tires. That split makes wheel diameter the first thing to verify before moving on to tire choice, load capacity, and use expectations.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 SLT w/Z71 Pkg. uses either 265/65R18 or 265/70R17 radial tires. Tire selection should start with confirming whether the truck has the 18-inch or 17-inch arrangement, since both sizes appear under this package name.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 WT 4x2 uses a 245/70R17 radial tire. That keeps selection centered on the 17-inch fitment and makes wheel-width compatibility an important checkpoint when comparing replacement tires.
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 WT 4x4 can use either 245/70R17 or 265/70R17 radial tires. Even though both are 17-inch sizes, the exact tire already on the truck should be confirmed before choosing a replacement.
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 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 Tires for Sale
Available product choice centers on 17-inch Sierra 1500 fitments, with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options in 245/70R17 and 265/70R17. These radial tires share raised white letter sidewalls, while the 265/70R17 options add a meaningful load-capacity comparison within the same series.
Tire questions for the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 usually come down to exact size, wheel diameter, trim or package differences, and how to choose the right radial tire for truck use. The answers below focus on fitment, product selection, and practical road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500?
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 uses four primary tire sizes: 245/70R17, 265/70R17, 265/65R18, and 275/55R20. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model, package, and wheel option, so there is not one universal tire size for every Sierra 1500 in this model year.
The most important first check is the truck’s current wheel diameter, since these sizes span 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch rims. After that, confirm the exact trim or package name on the truck and compare the existing tire placard or wheel setup before choosing a replacement.
What size rim does a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 use?
A 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 can use 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch rims depending on the specific sub-model and option package. The primary tire sizes tied to those wheel diameters are 245/70R17 and 265/70R17 on 17-inch rims, 265/65R18 on 18-inch rims, and 275/55R20 on 20-inch rims.
Rim diameter needs to be confirmed before anything else because a tire for one wheel size cannot be selected for another. Wheel width also matters when comparing truck tires, especially on 17-inch applications, so checking the actual wheel on the vehicle is just as important as reading the sidewall size.
Why does the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 have more than one tire size?
The 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 covers a wide range of trims and package combinations, so tire fitment changes with the truck’s wheel option and configuration. Denali, Hybrid, WT, SL, SLE, SLT, trailer-package, Z71, and 20-inch option models do not all share the same tire size.
That means trim name alone is not always enough to order tires confidently, especially when some sub-models carry more than one possible fitment. A buyer should match the exact sub-model and then confirm the current wheel and tire size on the truck before selecting a replacement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 265/70R17 tire for a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500?
Start with the basics: the truck must actually use 265/70R17, and the wheel needs to be a 17-inch rim within the tire’s supported width range. Available 265/70R17 choices include BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires with raised white letter sidewalls and different load-capacity versions in the same size.
That makes selection less about size alone and more about how the truck is used. A Sierra that sees trailer duty, heavier loads, or rougher service may call for closer attention to the tire’s load figure, while a lighter-use truck may simply need the correct size and wheel-width match.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 tires?
Among the available product choices for this 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 fitment range, the sidewall style shown is RWL, or raised white letter. That sidewall treatment appears on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 options offered in the supported 17-inch Sierra tire sizes.
Sidewall style affects appearance as much as function, especially on a full-size pickup where tire presentation can change the truck’s overall look. The right choice still starts with the correct size and wheel fitment, then moves to whether a raised white letter all-terrain look suits the truck’s intended use.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500?
The available products for the supported Sierra 1500 sizes shown here come from BFGoodrich. Those offerings appear in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series for 245/70R17 and 265/70R17, giving buyers a focused comparison within one established truck-tire line rather than a mixed group of unrelated product types.
That narrow brand spread makes it easier to compare size, load rating, rim-width compatibility, and sidewall presentation without jumping between very different tire categories. Even so, brand alone should not drive the decision ahead of confirming the truck’s exact size, wheel diameter, and intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 was offered with several different wheel and tire combinations across trims and option packages. Using the wrong diameter or profile can change the truck’s stance and visual balance, even before any questions of handling, clearance, or load use come into play.
For an appearance-minded project, the best starting point is the truck’s exact sub-model and existing wheel setup. If originality matters closely, checking window-sticker, build, or owner-history details can help confirm whether the truck should carry a 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500?
On the 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500, primary fitment is radial, so the appearance question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall styling. A 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch setup gives the truck a distinctly different visual character even within the same model year.
Sidewall treatment also changes the presentation. A raised white letter all-terrain tire creates a more assertive truck look than a plain sidewall would, but appearance should still stay secondary to the correct size, wheel match, and the way the finished Sierra will actually be driven.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 even when the tire size looks close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension lifts or lowering, and body or steering changes can all alter how much room the tire has under load and during turns.
That is especially important on a Sierra with multiple factory wheel diameters and more than one valid tire size across the lineup. Any truck that has been modified should be checked for wheel size, clearance at full steering lock, and suspension travel before a replacement tire is selected.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect tire pressure, lug-nut torque, tread and sidewall condition, and the wheel itself for damage or corrosion. It is also wise to confirm that all four tires match the intended size for the truck’s exact configuration and that there is no rubbing at the fender, suspension, or steering components.
A short, careful test drive can reveal vibration, pull, or clearance issues before the truck is used harder or driven farther. On a full-size pickup, checking alignment and keeping an eye on early wear patterns matters too, especially if the Sierra is used for towing, hauling, or rougher roads.
How should tires on a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500 be maintained?
Regular maintenance starts with keeping the tires inflated correctly, inspecting them for cuts, cracking, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, and rotating them on schedule for even service life. On a 2009 GMC Trucks Sierra 1500, that routine matters whether the truck sees daily driving, light-duty work, or more occasional use.
Storage and downtime deserve attention too, since trucks that sit for long periods can develop age-related issues even with good tread remaining. Keeping the Sierra out of prolonged sunlight and moisture, and checking tires before longer trips, helps catch condition problems before they become road-use problems.
