Difference in tires

[dodge man]

I own a 2007 Ram 1500 4x4 and when I first bought the truck, I just didn't think the tires that came on it looked that great for the snow. It came with Wrangler HP on 20 inch rims. I bought a set of Wrangler Silent Armor tires on 18 inch rims, but the overall diameter is the same. To get these in that size I had to go with E load rating. This is kind of a bonus but also a curse since it doesn't help the ride. I bought these mainly as a snow tire, but they aren't really a true snow tire.

I switched back to the factory tires a couple of weeks ago. I don't normally drive in the mud, but a couple times a year, it seems like I end up doing it for my job. Today I did some driving in the mud, and the mud wasn't that deep, just slick on top and the Wranglers HP tires that came on the truck are about useless. I couldn't believe the difference and how much better the Silent Armor tires are. Last year I got into some real deep mud with some really bad ruts with my truck. There is no doubt in my mind that if I had the factory tires on, I would have been stuck.

Just thought I would pass along my impressions and post a link to the Goodyear sight, where they rate the tires on noise, ride, snow, offroad ability etc. Based on my experience, the numbers (1-10) they rate the tires by seem pretty accurate.
Goodyear Tires | SUV and Truck Tires

 

[Diamondpilot]

I hear ya. My 06 PS F-350 4x4 came with Continentals on it and even in 4 wheel dive it would get stuck in 6-8 of snow. I put a set of Toyo Tires and what a difference.

Chris

 

[kenmac]

I own a 2007 Ram 1500 4x4 and when I first bought the truck, I just didn't think the tires that came on it looked that great for the snow. It came with Wrangler HP on 20 inch rims. I bought a set of Wrangler Silent Armor tires on 18 inch rims, but the overall diameter is the same. To get these in that size I had to go with E load rating. This is kind of a bonus but also a curse since it doesn't help the ride. I bought these mainly as a snow tire, but they aren't really a true snow tire.

I switched back to the factory tires a couple of weeks ago. I don't normally drive in the mud, but a couple times a year, it seems like I end up doing it for my job. Today I did some driving in the mud, and the mud wasn't that deep, just slick on top and the Wranglers HP tires that came on the truck are about useless. I couldn't believe the difference and how much better the Silent Armor tires are. Last year I got into some real deep mud with some really bad ruts with my truck. There is no doubt in my mind that if I had the factory tires on, I would have been stuck.

Just thought I would pass along my impressions and post a link to the Goodyear sight, where they rate the tires on noise, ride, snow, offroad ability etc. Based on my experience, the numbers (1-10) they rate the tires by seem pretty accurate.
Goodyear Tires | SUV and Truck Tires

Just put a set of A/T'S on my Dodge 2500 4x4. I like them.Don't know Why the factory would put street tires on a 4x4

 

[Diamondpilot]

Just put a set of A/T'S on my Dodge 2500 4x4. I like them.Don't know Why the factory would put street tires on a 4x4

For looks. Guy down the road has a Hemi Dodge with 20's. He said his old Expidition would stomp all over it in the mud and snow and even his wife's little
Subaru Outback all wheel drive car does better in the snow.

Other big issue with 20" tires, especially on a 3/4 ton and up, is they have low load capacity. I know a guy with a GM 2500HD Dmax who put 20's on it because it looked good. I looked at the load capacity then compared it to his spare and he was shortchanging himself quite a bit. He was actually over weight on the tires with his 5th wheel trailer on the truck because of the pin weight. Not smart of safe.

Chris

 

[Ryan03]

Just put a set of A/T'S on my Dodge 2500 4x4. I like them.Don't know Why the factory would put street tires on a 4x4

Same here. Every time I see those big wheels with rubberband street tires, I think of those goofy looking low riders with hydraulic suspension and bass boat metal flake paint jobs. Just not my thing.

 

[kenmac]

For looks. Guy down the road has a Hemi Dodge with 20's. He said his old Expidition would stomp all over it in the mud and snow and even his wife's little
Subaru Outback all wheel drive car does better in the snow.

Other big issue with 20" tires, especially on a 3/4 ton and up, is they have low load capacity. I know a guy with a GM 2500HD Dmax who put 20's on it because it looked good. I looked at the load capacity then compared it to his spare and he was shortchanging himself quite a bit. He was actually over weight on the tires with his 5th wheel trailer on the truck because of the pin weight. Not smart of safe.

Chris

Mine came stock with 265 -70- 17 highway tread tires. I went with 285- 70-17 A/T'S . E rated Of course. I've talked to alot of guys that run D rated. Only about $60.00 difference in price

 

[chevy292]

My 3/4t Dodge came with Michelins.....useless tire....couldn't drive a straight line in the snow with 4X4 engaged. I switched to a set of BFG A/T and wow what a difference. The thing is a tank now.

 

[mustangsallysdad]

For looks. Guy down the road has a Hemi Dodge with 20's. He said his old Expidition would stomp all over it in the mud and snow and even his wife's little
Subaru Outback all wheel drive car does better in the snow.

Other big issue with 20" tires, especially on a 3/4 ton and up, is they have low load capacity. I know a guy with a GM 2500HD Dmax who put 20's on it because it looked good. I looked at the load capacity then compared it to his spare and he was shortchanging himself quite a bit. He was actually over weight on the tires with his 5th wheel trailer on the truck because of the pin weight. Not smart of safe.

Chris

Spinners! I believe you can attain a higher load capacity if you run your 20's with spinners on your wheels.

 

[daveinnh]

I would agree. I bought a 2009 GMC Sierra with Goodyear Eagle LS-2 tires on 20" rims - about useless in the mud.

Last truck was a 2002 Chevy Silverado - the last 2 sets were LT rated Bridgestone Dueler A/t Revo that shed mud & snow and didn't pick up stones. Tread wore evenly (sp?) Two thumbs up.

 

[chevy292]

The only problem that I have found with the better winter/mud tires, they don't last at all towing and hauling. I was burning through tires in 15K miles. I tow and haul heavy loads very frequently. I have now put a set of BFG A/T on a second set of rims and run them winter only. It was getting WAY to expensive replacing tires every year. Now I'm just trying to find a nice heavy duty towing tire the right size that doesn't cost my first born.....