What tires do you prefer on a big truck?

[HCJ]

I will soon be in the market for tires for my 06 F 350 SRW, 4 WD. Size is 275/65-20. Looks like its either Michelin LTX A/T II, or Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2, Dunlop Rover MT, or several versions of the Goodyear Wranglers. BF Goodrich does not make this size, so I would have to go up one size if I choose that brand. Like most, I uses it mainly on the highway, but as this is my hunting and towing rig, I need traction off road as I use it frequently on muddy roads. Not serious 4 wheeling, just getting around the dirt roads on my property, which can be pretty slick. As this is not an everyday driver, I don't need the finest long distance road tire, as this truck is not my primary vehicle. I always have been partial to Michelin, since their headquarters is in my city, and I like to support them. But the Michelin is the least aggressive thread, and I worry about its performance off road. It is also the most expensive. Any of you have experience with any of these or have an opinion? Thanks.

 

[6dog]

I will soon be in the market for tires for my 06 F 350 SRW, 4 WD. Size is 275/65-20. Looks like its either Michelin LTX A/T II, or Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2, Dunlop Rover MT, or several versions of the Goodyear Wranglers. BF Goodrich does not make this size, so I would have to go up one size if I choose that brand. Like most, I uses it mainly on the highway, but as this is my hunting and towing rig, I need traction off road as I use it frequently on muddy roads. Not serious 4 wheeling, just getting around the dirt roads on my property, which can be pretty slick. As this is not an everyday driver, I don't need the finest long distance road tire, as this truck is not my primary vehicle. I always have been partial to Michelin, since their headquarters is in my city, and I like to support them. But the Michelin is the least aggressive thread, and I worry about its performance off road. It is also the most expensive. Any of you have experience with any of these or have an opinion? Thanks.

I've had good luck with the Revo's on a 1500 Silverado. Good wear, fairly quiet on the highway, and decent offroad traction (definitely not full blown mudders though).

 

[HCJ]

yes, I have heard many positive comments on the Revos. It does look more aggressive than the Michelin however.

 

[Skyco]

I've also always been partial to Michelins, its all I have bought for quite a few years. I'm not far from their Lexington SC plant. Don't know anyone there but like supporting them, even though that plant mostly makes the $50,000 huge earthmover type tires.

I've had really bad experiences with both Dunlop and Goodyear on my personal vehicles although the Goodyears on my company SUV have been good.

I wish Michelin made a slightly more aggressive tire also, I have an F350 4x4 too. I really wish they made trailer tires with all the crap ones out there

 

[tractorski]

Try Nitto Terra grapplers, they are an e rated tire that has a great tread pattern that isn't loud. I have had them on several of my trucks and have liked them.


Nitto Tire - High Performance Tires for Car and Truck Enthusiasts

 

[Reg]

I have also heard that the Revo's are (relatively) quiet on the highway.
If you are doing 500 or 600 miles a day, day after day, as in "Coast to coast and back" then road roar can be a major fatigue factor.
It was my opinion (some small number of decades ago) that Michelins were the best and worth the money.
These days ??? The best "value" tires are probably the no-name Chinese tires.
(Yeah, THAT comment alone can start a whole fire storm)
If you aren't driving at 85 fully loaded you probably don't "NEED" the very best anyway, so it can be worth saving some bux.

This will not be a popular thought, but I AVOID the use of wide tires.
{Forget about wall stiffness for the moment}
Given that pressure equals force per unit area it follows that for any given tire pressure on any given vehicle the tire's foot print will have the same area regardless of the width, i.e. wide tires do NOT "put more rubber on the road".
If the area is the same it follows that the contact patch will be shorter for wider tires.
Anyone who has water skied more than just a little bit knows what anyone who has hydroplaned knows, which is that short and wide gets up on the water a lot easier (at lower speeds) than long and narrow, e.g. wake boards and knee boards vs slalom skis.
So, I am running around in a 1 ton with most of the weight of a diesel on 215 front tires and it does not hydroplane at sane speeds.
I suspect that on 275 it could plane out at legal speeds on standing water - just a sense I have from previous vehicles that have planed.

Tread pattern ?
I think use of words like "aggressive" are largely marketing hype, not that racing slicks would be ideal around the barn yard, but for mostly highway, a little bit of fire roads, wet grass and SOME mud, the highway tire, 4WD and limited slip rear axle will get through anything it is reasonable to get into.
I know, reasonableness is subjective and turning back goes against machismo, but if the testosterone can be suppressed for a few minutes the truck can usually get back to the black top, even if it does mean having to use reverse (-:
For getting around your OWN property, you know where the really wet spots and sink holes are.
They're best avoided, or ...Hey, if you have a TRACTOR you could use THAT !
(-:

 

[Diamondpilot]

I give my nod to the Nitto and Coopers. Not sure if they make them in your size but I love the Hankook MT's that came on my new Nissan Titan. I run the Nitto on my F-350.

My neighbor has the new Goodyears on his Dmax. He had the Dunlop and they did not make it 30K.

Chris

 

[rus_geek]

I'll be shopping for tires for my '03 F250 soon, too. They run a narrower tire at 235/85R16. The Dueler Revo set I had on this truck only went 30,000 before I hit the wear bars. I'm on some no-name tires from Fleet Farm now and am just about 45,000 and nearing the bars. My best tire yet was the factory set of General Grabbers that I put 55,000 on. I'm going to seriously consider going back to those for the next set.

-rus-

 

[JSUnlimited]

I would upsize and go with the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A's. This is my second and I'll be honest I'm not easy on tires either! These pics are from a couple of weeks ago when I got the new ones. I went from a 265-75-16 to a 285-75-16. In my opinion, the best truck tire there is.

 

[sld]

I will be in the same boat soon and I will not make the same mistake of buying the Goodyear Silent Armors. These have been the worst tires from day 1. They must have some quality control issues because it took 7 tires to find 4 that were somewhat round. To this day they have never been balanced right. Just watching them on the balancer you can tell they are not right.

I got tired of going back and having them mount and dismount tires I just gave up. I hope they wear out fast.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I will soon be in the market for tires for my 06 F 350 SRW, 4 WD. Size is 275/65-20. Looks like its either Michelin LTX A/T II, or Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2, Dunlop Rover MT, or several versions of the Goodyear Wranglers. BF Goodrich does not make this size, so I would have to go up one size if I choose that brand. Like most, I uses it mainly on the highway, but as this is my hunting and towing rig, I need traction off road as I use it frequently on muddy roads. Not serious 4 wheeling, just getting around the dirt roads on my property, which can be pretty slick. As this is not an everyday driver, I don't need the finest long distance road tire, as this truck is not my primary vehicle. I always have been partial to Michelin, since their headquarters is in my city, and I like to support them. But the Michelin is the least aggressive thread, and I worry about its performance off road. It is also the most expensive. Any of you have experience with any of these or have an opinion? Thanks.

I had both Michelin LTX's and XPS's on my Dodge dually. I don't know that the XPS is available in your size. My Dodge ate tires but both were about similar in traction and wear. The XPS was king of any tire I ever ran on the dually for weight capacity and loaded handling. I never compared but they must weigh near double most similar tires.

I also ran a set of Revo's. Probably the first generationl as I bought them four years ago or so and no longer have the truck. The Revo's had really good wet road traction far longer than either Michelin. Overall, I was satisfied with the Revo's but to be honest, at the time I was working for Bridgestone so I got a slight break on them else I would have stuck with Michelin.

I don't know that either the LTX, XPS or Revo's will provide the traction that you indicate is the "driving" factor.

 

[crashz]

I've had Goodyear, Kellys, and now the Bridgestone Revos on my 1/2 ton and the Revos have been by far the best all-around tire. I put a lot of highway miles on, and they are smooth, well balanced and quiet. Yet are pretty aggressive off-road. At least for the gravel roads and few fields I find myself in occasionally.

My dump has Coopers on it, and they are acting as the best part of the suspension right now. Seem to be holding up to the whooping 130 miles I've put on the truck so far. Also, they seem to be another tire that looks mild, runs quiet, and yet gets good traction in mud and snow.

 

[burnetma]

Looks like you are in a tough spot with those 20" tires, however, according to the BF Goodrich website, they do make their All Terrain T/A KO in your size. I have tried just about every major brand of tire on my 3/4 & 1 ton trucks and I will tell you that the BF Goodrich T/A's are the best tire I have ever used. They have tough sidewalls, good sidewall rigidity for towing and heavy GVW capacity, good traction, good wear and reasonable road manners. The only downside to this tire is price and availability. When they changed over from the T/A to the T/A KO, there were no tires to be had for a couple of months. This is why I had to look for another tire, with NY winter coming on, bald tires just do not cut the mustard.

Through all of my searching for tire alternatives, I found only one suitable replacement for the BF Goodrich's and they are made by Cooper Tires. Currently I am running Cooper ATR's on both of my vehicles. I consider them a second best option. They are made in the USA. The quality is on par with BF Goodrich. Traction and road manners are very good. Sidewall stiffness and toughness is just not as good as the T/A's. This is fine since neither of my trucks do any serious off roading anymore so bruising is not much of an issue and with duals, the sidewall stiffness becomes a non-issue. Unfortunately, they do not make a tire in your size. SORRY! If they did, I would 100% recommend them to you without hesitation.

Another good source for tire information for your Ford is:
thedieselstop.com

By the way, I would rank my truck tire experience this way:
1. BF Goodrich T/A
2. Cooper Tires Discoverer ATR
3. Cooper Tires Discoverer HT
4. Michelin XPS
5. Cooper Tires Discoverer M+S (Studded - not applicable to your climate)

DO NOT BUY recommendation:
1. Firestone (Ford original equipment on both my F250's. 6 of 10 (including spares) suffered sidewall blow-outs!
2. Goodyear Wrangler ATS - marshmallow ride due to tread configuration. Great sidewall stiffness.
3. Goodyear Wrangler - Very poor tire wear and noisey

 

[Reg]

I agree on the "tough spot" point.
I would SERIOUSLY consider reverting to "regular" wheels, but I'm not into the dressy truck thing.
I probably wouldn't have bought the one with wide low profile tires on large diameter rims anyway.

Something in the 235/75R16 vanilla, generic, widely available class would suit me just fine when shopping for the truck.

You could probably pick up such a set of "take offs" for short money (-:

 

[Hookblock]

Another vote for BF Goodrich T/A They handle snow,mud, and rain very well. Ride is good, and quiet.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Go Michelin but DO NOT use the LTX go with the Michelin RIB.

It's a heavy duty tire E rated.

Michelin was just rated #1 with consumer affairs.

Currently Available Prices and Sizes

If you want mud and snow go with the Good year Wrangler Silent Armor

Goodyear Street Tires 748511189 - Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor Tires - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

[NIdaho]

I think there are a number of "sub-models" of the Michelin LTX's. I have run the LTX M&S and thought that they were a great tire. I know at the time they also had LTX A/S and LTX A/T versions. I wanted the Mud and Snow version as winter type roads are a big part of the year in North Idaho and Western Montana's mountains. Like I said, they were great tires and that is what i will be looking for as soon as the stock tires on the new pickup are ready for replacing.

 

[FlaDon]

Looks like you are in a tough spot with those 20" tires, however, according to the BF Goodrich website, they do make their All Terrain T/A KO in your size. I have tried just about every major brand of tire on my 3/4 & 1 ton trucks and I will tell you that the BF Goodrich T/A's are the best tire I have ever used. They have tough sidewalls, good sidewall rigidity for towing and heavy GVW capacity, good traction, good wear and reasonable road manners. The only downside to this tire is price and availability. When they changed over from the T/A to the T/A KO, there were no tires to be had for a couple of months. This is why I had to look for another tire, with NY winter coming on, bald tires just do not cut the mustard.

Through all of my searching for tire alternatives, I found only one suitable replacement for the BF Goodrich's and they are made by Cooper Tires. Currently I am running Cooper ATR's on both of my vehicles. I consider them a second best option. They are made in the USA. The quality is on par with BF Goodrich. Traction and road manners are very good. Sidewall stiffness and toughness is just not as good as the T/A's. This is fine since neither of my trucks do any serious off roading anymore so bruising is not much of an issue and with duals, the sidewall stiffness becomes a non-issue. Unfortunately, they do not make a tire in your size. SORRY! If they did, I would 100% recommend them to you without hesitation.

Another good source for tire information for your Ford is:
thedieselstop.com

By the way, I would rank my truck tire experience this way:
1. BF Goodrich T/A
2. Cooper Tires Discoverer ATR
3. Cooper Tires Discoverer HT
4. Michelin XPS
5. Cooper Tires Discoverer M+S (Studded - not applicable to your climate)

DO NOT BUY recommendation:
1. Firestone (Ford original equipment on both my F250's. 6 of 10 (including spares) suffered sidewall blow-outs!
2. Goodyear Wrangler ATS - marshmallow ride due to tread configuration. Great sidewall stiffness.
3. Goodyear Wrangler - Very poor tire wear and noisey

I've not had problems with the Firestone Transforce which were originally known as Steeltex. But I definately will agree on the Badyear Wranglers. 2 sets for the dually ( 12 tires ) went egg shape. Dealer had to replace them the first time. Second time saw the switch to Firestones.

 

[burnetma]

The Steeltex are the exact model that I am referring to. My experience was 1990 and 1997. I never bought another set.

 

[mattman]

One day I will have to buy me some new truck tires I will buy an American made tire. Tire plants here in the states are not doing to well with all the import tires coming over. I will spend a few extra bucks to support an American job. My 2 cents