New tires...need some input

[AquaMan]

OK, I can't stand the tires on my truck anymore. I have been doing a ton of research so that I don't get the same problem again.

First off, the truck is an F250 SD Crew Cab. The current tires are General Grabber AW 235/85 16 E 3600 pounds, 80 psi. 10 Ply heavy duty tire. At 80psi or even 40psi, these are much more tire then I need or want. Ride is INCREADIBLY rough. Poor traction in snow, too.

Now, before you say anything about rough rides on all 3/4 tons, I test drove several of these trucks with C and D class tires that were much gentler. Not looking for a cushy ride with a big loss of load range, just a little less kiddney damage and less wondering.

3 choices so far:

-Michelin LTX A/T 265/75R16. 2470#, C, 50 psi. @ $157 ea

-Pirelli Scorpion A/T 265/75R16. 2470#, C, 50 psi. @ $102 ea

-Goodyear Wrangler GS-A 265/75R16. 3000#, D, 65 psi. @ $129 ea

This is just for a goof, but a REALLY big tire:
-Yokohama Geolandar A/T Plus II 285/75SR16. 3308#, D, 65psi @ $100 ea

Don't bash these because you "heard" from a freind, let me know your actual experience. These are in order of their rating on several survey sites with similar vehicle users.

I am not closed to others tires, but have not had good luck with Goodyear Wrangler ATs, Bridgstone Dualer ATs. I have head good reports on the Coopers but can't find any stats and facts on them.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Crawfish...not just for bait anymore!

[Reels]

The Michelin LTX's are great tires. Put some on about four months ago and love them. Great traction, quiet, and am told, the wear like steel.

<{{}}><

[Reels]

PS-

They are on a YukonXL 3/4 ton running at 55psi. They replaced the factory firestones wich were awfull tires. Loud, rough, and traction sucked.

<{{}}><

[hgmeyer]

Hey Agua...

For the money...I would go with the Goodyears. Have them on my Ford and like them. Good compromise between ride and toughness. Man, don't know if I could take the 80 PSI "ride" myself...The F250 w/D class (typically at 60-65) is "solid" enough...My nephew's truck is running similar E series...but he's already got "store bought" teeth...

[TK_551]

Hey Auqaman, have you considered BF Goodrich? I use the Long Trail T/A's on my Tahoe. They ran about $110.00 each. The All Terain T/A's are good as well. They are about $130 each. Not too familiar with the vehicle you have, just throwing ideas at ya.

Tom
#551

[fishhunter]

Put the white lettered BF goodrich 285's on. ride is a lot better and they look really good Unless you are doing some heavy duty pulling the c/d ratings are the way to go

[Paul Dickson]

I used the Michelins on my previous truck and they made a major difference in handling and were really quiet. They were LTX/AT's in 265/16 size and replaced Goodyear which were an aggressive tread tire which came on the truck. My new truck has -believe it or not - and they have been fine for the 20K miles I have on the truck.

Paul

[tahoej]

buy bfg radial all terain. Got a 2000 tahoe and they hook on the ramp oerfect. In past have used Brigestone, Goodyear and Michelen. BUY BFG!!

[Thordog]

I would have 2 agree with the BFG A/T's. Excellent tire. I had put them on a 2wd dodge (or should I say 1wd) and traction was much improved in snow esp. I now have a set on a 4wd expedition and have had excellent luck with them. They are quiet and the tread seems to hold up well. 25000 miles on them and look like new.

[Fred_G]

I highly recommend the Goodyear Wrangler Aquatred. I'm on my third set on two different vehicles. I've got 30,000 miles on the latest ones and they still look like new. The ride is great, excellent traction and they're quiet.

Fred

[k.dahl]

Aquaman, Cooper tires has a website www.coopertire.com. I will suggest the Discover A/T for the snow and highway or Discover H/T for highway and long life. I use the 6 ply H/T on a Chevy Tahoe and pull a 620 Ranger. I have 60,000 miles and they still have half the thread left. Nice comfortable ride, no noise and the price is right.

[TAHOEJ]

WHATS THE POINT IN HAVING 4 WHEEL DRIVE WITH QUITE TIRES???? MUST BE OLD!!

[Yeah, OK]

Old enough to know better and young enough to open a can of whoop a$$!

Some people enjoy a 4x4 for it's utility and do not require the loud BMF tires that some peole think are required.

Chill out and enjoy your rig for your style and let others enjoy their rig for their style.

Fool!

[Suzuki]

I also give a thumbs up to the BF Goodrich All-Terain TA Radials. It's the only tire I will use.

[Turk]

Speaking from experience, I would go with the Michelin.

I've had the Goodyear Wranglers and they don't even come close to the ride and durability of the Michelin. I put a set of Michelin's on my rig 20,000 ago and the tread is still like new.

If you are a Sam's member, then check out their prices on Michelin's...best in town!

Turk

[TiReGuY]

Hey its a free country, get whatever kind of tires you want.

[_-=-_-=-__-=-_-=-__-=-_-=-_]

Keep the tires and get a new truck.

[ChuckD]

I have Goodyear Wranglers and I hate them! They ride great, but they are terrible in snow, gravel, mud, everything but dry pavement. They are on my '97 F150 4x4.

I have owned BF Goodrich All Terrain 30" tires on my old Ranger and I loved these tires. They went 65,000 miles and were still legal when I sold the truck. Never, ever had a puncture or leak. I am definitely putting these tires on my current truck after my Good Year's burn up. The AT's had a good ride and very low noise for the traction rating.

[Jer]

Go with the Michelins BFG AT's are hard as rocks after the first half of the tread is worn off. I had a set of my 3/4 ton SD and they worn very quickly. You will have to use 4-wheel drive all the time when there is snow on the ground once those BFG's are half worn out.

[JMC]

Defiantly the Michelin. My latest 4X4 came with Goodyear , I switched to the Michelin LTX M/S, a lot better in all categories. Quiet softer ride, yet still handles snow & off road.

Joe

[Dodge1]

I just switched my OEM Generals for a set of Michelins and couldn't be happier. If you have a Sams Club nearby, they have great prices.

AquaMan, you going up to Leech again this year?

[MLD]

I think with a Ford you're supposed to use Firestones :). Actually that's what I have and I'm kinda scared...

Mike

[Fried Chicken]

Hey Aquamoon,

Keep the tires you have. 3/4 tons all have horrible rides. The problem is with your truck. You may have test driven similar trucks with different tires and THOUGHT the ride was better, but the grass is always greener when you are in someone else's ride.

[firebird]

I agree with k.dahl I put Cooper Discoverer HT on my truck and really like the ride. Much better then the Goodyear Wranglers that I had before.

[AquaMan~~~~~~]

Yeah, bud. Are you in this year? How's that boat of yours doing? I heard it calling you in the middle of the night..hahaha.

See you there. Dates are usually the same, the weekend after Labor day. Same bat time/channel.


AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just add water!

[AquaMan]

Naw, I tried several same model/year F250's and highway tested all of them. I picked this one because it had features I wanted, the price was right and financing was perfect.

It's the tires bud!

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just add water!

[DuraMax]

Are you sure those other ones you test drove weren't Chevy's?

[Triton]

OK, Lets play this game...Hmmm, nope, they were Fords

Next?

[Mr Nailz]

I bought yokohama tires a little over a yaer ago and have been very pleased. I got the super diggers. They are not the nobby tire the name implies, but do have good traction in snow and mud. They are relativly quiet and have a good ride. The best thing about them was the price and the road hazzard warranty. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the tires you listed.

[DuraMax]

You will have to play with yourself cuz I was asking Aquaman

[Ladybug]

Aquamen,

Maybe stop by your local garage or ask someone who knows about cars and trucks.

Tell them you are looking for a better ride and you don't know much about tires. They should be able to help you out. There are so many opinions here, it is hard to wade through them.

[Tirekicker]

Hey Bud

Thats the price of living in a free country, folks.

[Dave in Mpls]

No offense, but if he stops by the local garage or tire shop, aren't they gonna try and sell him a brand and model THEY carry. Kind of like someone asking which rod to buy and telling the poster to go to the local tackle shop and ask them. We wouldn't need the board for much other than to share a few lies :)

Regards

[Ladybug]

I see your point Dave. It makes sense, especially in the world of cars and car repair.

I guess I was thinking of some good experiences I have had when I don't know anything about the subject I'm delving into. Your right, stopping at the local tire store or garage probably isn't the best advice for Aquaman. I'm just worried Aquaman will get confused and be back to step 1 with all the suggestions listed here.

Maybe he could just put on a few MORE pounds and the extra padding will make the ride problem go away. he he!

Seriously, good luck Aquaman I hope you find the tires that fit you just right.

[Andyeye]

Aquaman, I have the same rig and tires, I want to switch my tires for something else also. Please post again after you get your tires and let me know what you think. I have had good luck in the past with the B.F. Goodrich tires on my old Ford, I hope that all the GM folks would lighten up. We all have our own tastes, I had a Chevy truck ONCE!

[EyePokeher]

Ya lighten up GM'rs! I got da same rig to. It was real bumby till I got some of them tires made outta recycled condoms. They seam ta fit the truck real good and she rides like a dream now.

[AquaMan]

Thanks for the ideas LB, but confusion won't be the big problem. I have done a lot of research on tires through the years. The biggest reason for the post was to find out if those three tires listed had any highway time from our fellow posters. Feedback from respected equals was the goal. I think that the Michelins are the choice. I have never seen a bad post about them.

No, I don't need to add any more #. In fact the opposite is currently under way. But thanks.

As for the guys that can't resist the Ford-Chevy thing..relax. They are both great trucks. They both have -'s and they both have +'s. Just enjoy them for what they do for you and let the other guy do the same. Why you feel it necessary to impart your opinion when it is not asked is beyond me.

Have a great weekend. The weather WILL get better and I hope you attitudes will, too.

Regards.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just add water!

[LIZRD]

BFG ,, i'm buying another set next fall. got 50k on mine now and
beat the ##### out of em (4 wheeling) as far as low tread drop the pressure to 35-40 for snow.pick up an 4x4 magizine and check out
what those trucks are using, alot of BFG. i know a guy who just
bought a new S-10 4x4 (his problem) it came with BFG a/t

[spooled]

check out Dunlop Rover AT tires. I have and the ride is smmooth. They are a 10 ply tire. I have consistently recieved 80,000 miles on them on a 3/4 ton suburban. I bought them from tirerack.com for 96$ Great price for a 10 ply tire.

[Red Ruffandsore]

<img src=http://www.national4wd.com/images/nationaltire/tire/sbogger.jpg>
nuff said








Stay off the pipe...and don't forget to wipe.

Red

[Equal?]

Like what is a respected equal? someone high and mighty like yourself?

dh dh dh

[sad]

Aquachunk,

It seems to me Ladybug was just trying to help and then you jump all over her with the high and mighty "respected equal" stuff. Not only that, it looks like she was just joking with the comment about your weight. She probably had no idea you're fat. Lighten up.

sad
-

[Frankie J]

Got rid of Good Years (junk) went to Coopers

[fishy1]

>Aquaman, Cooper tires has a website www.coopertire.com. I
>will suggest the Discover A/T for the snow and highway or
>Discover H/T for highway and long life. I use the 6 ply H/T
>on a Chevy Tahoe and pull a 620 Ranger. I have 60,000 miles
>and they still have half the thread left. Nice comfortable
>ride, no noise and the price is right.
I bought the cooper ht on a 2500 chevy 20000 miles now im on the on the wear bars but i just put new shocks on today might make a difference it is a nicer ride i pull a smoker craft 172 millentia my friends think the trailer is welded to the truck thats the price difference from the ranger to the smoker just a weld

[Red Ruffandsore]

Most vehicles have far too much air in their tires and therefore have a rough ride. The "max" rating is just that...the maximum rating. Drop the pressure and you will have a much better ride. If you are going to compare tires...do so at equal pressure.

A $60K 4x4 rides like a "beater" if the pressure is unequal. I'll bet most posters here only check their air if the tire looks flat. Try checking every 2-3 fillups at least. If you are really as discriminating as you think you are, go out and buy a real tire gauge, not those crappy pencil type that may or may not be accurate.

I have two vehicles with Wrangler GS/A's...a great unidirectional tire that cannot run well at 30psi. Yes it loses traction at that pressure, but it carried me through a 5 rated trail (22psi) in my stock TJ where 33" tires got stuck. Back off the torque and run it at 26-27 and you will not get much better tires. I do think the rubber in the Wranglers is harder than it used to be though...that defeats a lot of the purpose.

Daimler-Chrysler did not put the Wrangler GS/A on all their Jeeps because they got them cheap....they got them cheap because they put them on all their Jeeps. They picked the right tire.


Stay off the pipe...and don't forget to wipe.

Red