The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT sits in the modern heavy-duty pickup market where towing, payload, and work-ready durability matter as much as ride quality. Buyers looking at this exact truck usually need to sort out fitment before anything else, because tire choice changes with configuration. This Silverado 3500 HD LT uses radial tires, but the primary size depends on whether the truck is a DRW setup or one of the single-rear-wheel LT configurations. That means the real decision starts with confirming whether the truck takes 235/80R17 or 265/70R18, then matching the tire to the wheel diameter, intended use, and any changes from stock wheels or suspension.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT
Two tire sizes apply to the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both are radial fitments, but they use different wheel diameters, so the first thing to confirm is whether the truck has 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the next step is choosing a tire that matches the truck's intended work, road use, and overall setup.
235/80R17 is a metric radial size in which 235 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. On this Silverado 3500 HD LT, that size is used on the DRW configurations, making wheel and truck configuration especially important before selection. The available product choice in this size is a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with an RBL sidewall and an All Terrain TA KO2 series designation. This size deserves a careful fitment check anytime the truck has replacement wheels, commercial-use changes, or other setup differences from stock.
265/70R18 is a metric radial size where 265 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 18 designates the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT, this size applies to the Base and Snow Plow Prep Package sub-models rather than the DRW versions. Its slightly different size format and wheel diameter make it distinct from the 17-inch fitment, so it should be chosen only after the truck's actual wheel setup is confirmed. That matters even more on trucks that may have seen wheel swaps or work-duty changes over time.
2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT Sub-Model Tires
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT because tire size changes with configuration. The key distinction is whether the truck is a DRW version using the 17-inch fitment or a single-rear-wheel LT setup using the 18-inch fitment.
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2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT (DRW)
The DRW version uses the 235/80R17 radial tire size, which separates it from the 18-inch fitment used on other LT configurations. Tire selection here starts with confirming the 17-inch wheel setup and choosing a tire suited to the truck's work use, wheel specifications, and overall condition.
The Base version uses the 265/70R18 radial size rather than the 17-inch DRW fitment. That makes wheel diameter confirmation the first step, followed by checking whether the truck still has its original wheel setup or has been altered for towing, appearance, or utility use.
2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
The Snow Plow Prep Package version uses the 265/70R18 radial tire size, matching the non-DRW 18-inch fitment. Tire choice should account for the actual wheel diameter on the truck and the kind of service the vehicle sees, especially if it is used seasonally or under heavier front-end demands.
2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT Snow Plow Prep Pkg. (DRW)
The DRW Snow Plow Prep Package version uses the 235/80R17 radial size rather than the 18-inch single-rear-wheel fitment. That means the buyer should confirm the dual-rear-wheel configuration first, then evaluate the tire against wheel width, load needs, and any equipment changes made during the truck's working life.
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 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT Tires for Sale
Available product choice for this Silverado 3500 HD LT currently centers on 235/80R17, with a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 radial option. It gives buyers a clear point of comparison on sidewall style, tire series, load specification, and 17-inch rim-width compatibility.
Owners of a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT usually need answers on exact tire size by sub-model, 17-inch versus 18-inch wheel fitment, available radial choices, and the checks that matter before putting the truck back into regular road or work use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT?
The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT uses either 235/80R17 or 265/70R18, depending on the exact sub-model. DRW versions use 235/80R17, while the LT Base and LT Snow Plow Prep Package use 265/70R18. Both are radial tire sizes, but they are not the same fitment.
The practical step is to confirm the exact configuration of the truck before choosing a tire. A Silverado 3500 HD that has dual rear wheels needs a different size than one with the 18-inch single-rear-wheel setup, and trucks used for work sometimes have replacement wheels that should be checked before selecting tires.
What size rim does a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT use?
A 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on the tire size fitted to the specific sub-model. The 235/80R17 tire uses a 17-inch rim, while the 265/70R18 tire uses an 18-inch rim. The wheel diameter is tied directly to the correct tire size.
That makes rim confirmation the first fitment check before any purchase. Looking only at the model name is not enough, because the same Silverado 3500 HD LT can appear with different wheel diameters across DRW and non-DRW setups, and aftermarket wheels can add another layer of fitment verification.
Do all 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT DRW and Snow Plow Prep Pkg. (DRW) use 235/80R17, while the LT Base and LT Snow Plow Prep Pkg. use 265/70R18. The split follows the truck's configuration rather than one universal LT fitment.
That difference matters because tire selection starts with identifying the truck correctly, not just choosing by year and model name. Verifying the sub-model, wheel diameter, and whether the truck has dual rear wheels helps prevent ordering the wrong size and keeps the selection focused on the actual setup under the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT?
Start with the correct tire size for the exact truck configuration, since this Silverado 3500 HD LT uses either 235/80R17 or 265/70R18. After size, focus on radial construction, wheel diameter, and whether the tire suits the truck's intended use, whether that means regular road driving, towing, commercial use, or seasonal utility work.
The next step is comparing details that affect compatibility and service use, such as rim-width specification and load capacity. Trucks in this class are often kept in service for demanding jobs, so any change in wheel type, suspension height, or operating role should be checked before choosing a tire by appearance or tread style alone.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT?
BFGoodrich is available for the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT in the current 235/80R17 product selection. The tire offered in that size is part of the All-Terrain T/A KO2 line, which gives the buyer a named series to compare against the truck's intended use and wheel setup.
Brand choice matters most after the size and wheel diameter are confirmed. On a heavy-duty truck, the more important question is whether the tire's specifications suit the actual application, so buyers should compare load figures, rim-width range, and construction details rather than choosing by brand name alone.
How do I choose between the available 235/80R17 tires for a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT?
For the 235/80R17 fitment on the 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT, selection begins with a radial tire built for a 17-inch wheel and the truck's actual configuration. The current product choice is a BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with an RBL sidewall, so the comparison centers on its specifications rather than multiple visual styles.
Useful details to review include the 6.0 to 7.5 inch rim-width range, the 3,085 lbs @ 80 psi load figure, and how the tire matches the truck's wheel and service demands. Those points matter more on a DRW heavy-duty truck than simply choosing a tire that looks aggressive or appears similar in size.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT restoration or refurbishment, even though this is a newer heavy-duty truck rather than an early collector vehicle. Using the proper size for the exact sub-model keeps the truck visually consistent with its configuration and avoids mixing the 17-inch DRW fitment with the 18-inch single-rear-wheel setup.
Appearance is only part of the equation. A truck being returned to stock-style presentation should also have its wheel diameter, wheel width, and overall stance checked carefully, especially if it spent time in fleet or work service where wheel swaps, suspension changes, or utility-focused modifications may have altered the original setup.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT?
On this Silverado 3500 HD LT, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the construction itself does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance decision. Visual character comes more from the exact tire size, wheel diameter, tread style, and sidewall treatment, especially when comparing a work-oriented tire to a more street-oriented presentation.
A restoration-minded buyer should look at how the tire sits on the wheel and whether its overall presentation matches the truck's intended look. That is particularly important on heavy-duty pickups, where dual-rear-wheel and single-rear-wheel setups create noticeably different visual proportions and should not be mixed when aiming for a coherent finished result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT. Aftermarket wheels, suspension lifts or drops, different offsets, and changes made for towing or utility use can alter how either 235/80R17 or 265/70R18 sits on the truck. That matters even when the tire size itself appears close to the original fitment.
The safest approach is to confirm the actual wheel diameter and width already on the truck, then check steering and body clearance before changing tires. Heavy-duty pickups often accumulate work-related changes over time, so matching the tire to the truck's present setup is more useful than relying on the model name alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT on new tires?
Before putting a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the truck's exact configuration, and make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for their service use. It also helps to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and any visible suspension or steering wear.
A road-ready check should also include clearance at full steering lock, even tire seating on the rim, and a quick review for rubbing points around the fenders or inner wheel areas. On a truck that tows, plows, or carries heavy loads, those simple checks can catch setup issues before they become tire wear or handling problems.
How often should tires on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Chevrolet Trucks Silverado 3500 HD LT should be inspected regularly, especially if the truck is used for towing, hauling, or seasonal work. Routine checks should include tread wear, cuts, punctures, sidewall damage, and air loss, along with a quick look at whether the tires are wearing evenly across the tread.
Inspection becomes even more important when the truck sits for periods and then returns to service, since age and inactivity can hide problems until the vehicle is loaded or driven at speed. A consistent inspection routine helps catch pressure loss, alignment-related wear, or wheel issues before they affect road manners or durability.
