13 replies to this topic

[Alberto]

I'm due for tires on the tow vehicle - 2002 Ford F250 diesel. I could use some input from those of you who have more experience with trucks and tires. Whenever I search for truck tire reviews, I wind up reading comments and discussions from people who can neither spell or seem to have passed high school English so their comments either don't make sense or are not credible. Some seem to judge a tire's performance by how aggressive the tread looks....

I'm looking for Highway tires so no all terrain tires.
I've been looking at Tire Rack and reading the very few tests they have, Surveys and Reviews and the results are all over the place.
I'd prefer not to spend $225 per tire for Michelins.
I am considering the General Grabbers or Kumhos due to price and Tire Rack reviews.

I don't drive the truck much (7k miles per year) so having a tire that will do 90k miles is irrelevant to me as they'll probably be dry rotted before they wear out.

Any input you have would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Ron Alan]

If they make it in the correct size and rating look at the Yokohama Geolander...I think they actually call it a AT but it really doesn't look like it. They are on my Yukon XL(D range)and have over 50k...still going strong. I was going to put these on my F250 but I didnt want to wait a day(was leaving town)and the guy at wheel works sold me the Michelin's for the same price($160)2 years ago.

[Michael Novak]

Michelins---They are a better tire. For all that is spent on the sport and the members riding in the tow vehicles, the small difference doesn't really matter. I work in the vehicle testing world in Detroit and they are hands down the best tire for what you are asking to do with it. I hate the price as well.

[Alberto]

I thought about the Geolander also. Thanks Ron.

Michael - how are the Michelin's "better"? Are you able to describe that? What is it in vehicle testing that makes you feel that way?

I'm looking at $157 for the Generals, $161 for the Kumhos or Yokos vs. $225 for the Michelins.

[trekkor]

Nothing but good success and wear from my BFG's on my F350.


KT

[Panic Motorsports]

I'd stay away from the Generals. My Dodge had them on it, so I went back with them. 2 of the 4 I put on the back took 10+ ounces to "balance" and had to be replaced under warranty. Tire Rack made them good, but it was a PITA I didn't need at that time. As the fronts are nearly done now, Michelins for me.

[Michael Novak]

I thought about the Geolander also. Thanks Ron.

Michael - how are the Michelin's "better"? Are you able to describe that? What is it in vehicle testing that makes you feel that way?

I'm looking at $157 for the Generals, $161 for the Kumhos or Yokos vs. $225 for the Michelins.

Basics: Wear, Noise, and least amount of flats(Not sure why this is but they are great until the last 10% of life)

Safety: Good in rain--not the best, heat control with a load is the number one reason. We have not had any fail when used within the proper load range in 115F weather. I have run them on personal vehicles over the correct weight ratings and have had excellent luck.

They are NOT good in snow and decent on ice.

[pat slattery]

Michelins came new with my Dodge 2500 diesel and lasted 80K. When I put on Generals because they were cheaper I immediately lost 2 miles per gallon. Now at 35000 miles they will need to be replaced in another 10K. I will be putting Michelins back on the next time.

[Jim Drago]

Michelin is really the only way to go, definitely worth the extra money. Everytime I didn't go that route, I regretted it.

[Adax]

Same recommendation for trailer tires?

[Kevin Edens]

Michelin LTX M/S2 -Full depth tread sipes so you will have better wet weather traction throughout the life of the tire. Michelin also uses a multipiece mold system to be able to have full depth sipes and this also makes the tires rounder. Look at the new tires side by side and you won't see any shaving done on a Michelin. Smooth, quiet ride.

General Grabber HTS- Decent wet weather traction. Will not last as long as Michelins. Good ride. Consumer reports best buy 2010. Our only real issue with this tire is availability. Continental/General builds a good product, just not fast enough!

BFGoodrich Commercial T/A- My second pick behind the Michelin. Excellent tread wear on bigger 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. decent wet weather traction, and no balance issues. BFG had a recall earlier this year in this tire, but it was handled quickly and they took care of the customers by even upgrading some to Michelins at no charge!

As far as trailer tires go.......It's really hit and miss. We sell multiple brands and have had issues with all of them! On our own trailer we run them for two seasons then put a new set on and sell the used ones to one of the many lawncare businesses in town. I have had just as much good luck with the chineese brands as the others. Plus the Goodyear Workhorse trailer tire is built in China as well. Age and neglect (air pressure) are the majority of trailer tire issues.

Kevin
Sherwood Tire Pros

[Armando Ramirez]

"Michelin LTX M/S2 -Full depth tread sipes so you will have better wet weather traction throughout the life of the tire. Michelin also uses a multipiece mold system to be able to have full depth sipes and this also makes the tires rounder. Look at the new tires side by side and you won't see any shaving done on a Michelin. Smooth, quiet ride."

These have been my choice for 3/4 ton, 1 ton and duallys.
Expensive but the peace of mind is worth it to me.
Not a single failure thru the years.

[Killian]

Many times the brand becomes the make/model/size for opinions on tires. “Oh I had the Potenzas and didn’t like them or I really liked the Ecstas.”
Obviously, each make/model and application matters.
We purchased the General Grabber HTS in the 265/75/16 size this past season for our ’08 SRW 2500HD, gasser, hauling a 40’ aluminum gooseneck (~17k for the whole rig). The General Grabber HTS is also one of the few LLR (low rolling resistance) tires. We had a worn set of the venerable Firestone Transforce HT in the same size on the truck.
Did we gain mpg over the previous tires? Yes (8.5 vs 7.8 mpg) Were we hauling more weight with the Generals than when using the Firestone TF/HT? Yes. We do not know the overall miles that the General tires will last. The number of years the tires will be on the truck trumps the miles spent on the set (~4-5k/yr).

[steveracer]

I like the Michelins too, but hate the LTX M/S2.

3 times I've been stranded in wet grass! Also, they suck in the rain.

Last set was the ATS/2's, I like these much better. Noticeably more grippy in the wet.