Tires: tire sizes for 2004 dodge durango, 2004 dodge durango, durango tires

Question
Currently have a 2004 dodge durango - tires are 245 70r17 how important is it to stick with the same tire size?  My understanding is that within reason the rims will accommodate different sizes.  I am shopping for good used tires and need to know what ranges of sizes I should look at?  also any tips on shopping for used tires is appreciated.

thanks
dan

Answer
Dan,

While there may be other tires sizes that may fit on the rims, there are 2 considerations:

1)  The tire has to have enough load carrying capacity.   This means that the tire has to have at least the same load carrying capacity of the original size - and for these kinds of tires, that is pretty much driven by the size.

2)  The tire has to clear all the bodywork, suspensions, and frame parts.  rubbing can not only cause a noise and wear in spots that weren't designed for this, but also rubbing may result in a catastrophic pressure loss - which at high speeds could result in a dangerous accident.

The only way to be sure that both of those are taken care of is to use the original tire size.  Besides, your size came on quite a few vehicles and there ought to be plenty of tires to choose from.