Tires: tire sizes, exact load, tire failure

Question
my truck has 265/70 16 on it getting pretty worn . i was given a set of very good winter tires size 215/65 16 . can i put these on my truck no problem . its a 2 wheel drive and i don't drive it hard. I'm afraid if I ask at a tire dealer they will say no just so i'll buy new ones .

ps. winter is coming

Answer
Chris,

Do not use these tires.  They are smaller in load carrying capacity.  Using a tire with less load carrying capacity increases the risk of am overloaded tire failure - which sometimes has tragic results.

Read the sidewall to get the exact load carrying capacity differences.