Community Forums

Akibase · 03-19-2012, 05:46 PM

It is time to put new tires on my truck (F-250 Ford). I was wonder what rating of tire other TT owners are using on their trucks. I always run a light truck tire, but am wondering if I should be using an 8 or 10 ply tire rather than a standard 6 ply, as most standard LT tires are. The loaded weight of my trailer is around 8500 LB. I use a Reese Duel Cam weight distribution hitch and my tongue weight is not that heavy. I know I should get everything weighed, but haven't as yet. I don't want to loose ride quality, if possible. I will probably put on Michelins. I have a way of getting good pricing on this brand. Brother in law works for them. I wait for your guidance. THANKS

davidjb · 03-19-2012, 06:38 PM

load range E

SmokeyWren · 03-19-2012, 07:05 PM

Does your pickup have 16" tires? or 17" tires> or 18" tires? And some of the new ones even have 20" tires. :(

If it's a 2004 or earlier, it came with LT235/85R16E. And Michelin makes the perfect replacement: XPS Rib or XPS Traction in size LT235/85R16E. That's what I ran on my '99.5 F-250 diesel for several years. Expensive, but DW is worth it.

If your 2005-up F-250 has 17" or 18" tires, then stick with the stock size - probably LT265/70R17E or LT275/70R18E. Michelin doesn't make the XPS in that size, so I would go with LTX in your choice of tread - all season (A/S), mud terrain (M/S) or all terrain (A/T).
Shop for Light Truck Tires | Michelin Tires#

mga60tw · 03-21-2012, 03:32 PM

I would go 10 ply for safety. At least it makes me feel better.

Rednax · 03-21-2012, 05:58 PM

"Ply" is an outdated term and no longer has meaning. "Load Range" is a bit closer, and in common use, but Load Index is the mandated comparison to check (higher the number, the higher the load factor). See tech articles on TIRE RACK.

There is no good reason to run a tire with a lower weight range than what the wheel can carry (and the truck, up to AWR). And MICHELIN is pretty well a no-brainer (with maybe a couple of others) for longest life and highest reliability.

Mine came with the LTX A/S and the first set still had 4/32's or better at 120k miles. Second set may last me until 250k miles at present wear rate. The single comparable I've come across so far is the BRIDGESTONE Duravis m500. Both of these are closed shoulder highway rib tires. For a bit more traction, the comparable LTX AT/2 and the r700, respectively, may not last quite as long but have very good reports.

As always, with tires, check anything by JIMNLIN.

How to set correct pressure is a whole 'nother thread.

.

Cat320 · 03-21-2012, 06:16 PM

If you don't exceed the GVWR of your truck, use that number to get appropriate tires.

TXiceman · 03-21-2012, 06:24 PM

just make sure that the load rating is sufficient to carry your axle load. PLUS ONE for the Michelins. I run the LTX A/S on my F350.

Ken

gundog · 03-22-2012, 12:16 PM

Each to their own. If you want tires that will hold up to heavy loads get E rated and if you also want to avoid most flats get Ten ply, they are very stong.