Tires

[Travelers]

My '05 has 48k and the BFG's are getting a little thin. They're the All Terrain style with a size of LT265/17 R17 121/118R. I would like to go up in size and maybe a bit wider. About 50% of the time it has one of 3 trailers on it. The heaviest is the 5'er. The tag is 12k# and the boat is 2k#.

Now I haven't bought tires in 15+ years so I'm a little green in the selection department. Any recommendation would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[bigbunkhouse]

go on tire rack.com, you can view different brands and even up size. The best part is you can see all the tires and compare the important numbers ie: load rating, diameter, width etc. For my trucks I have always used BFG all terrain T/A from 30 in tires to 35x 12.5's but on the Dually I went with Firestone Transforce for a smoother quieter ride plus it will never need the BFG's like the work trucks do.

[Chief409]

Stay with a street tread. A set of All-Terrain BFG's on my work F250 4X4 knocked off almost 2 mpg, but I needed them for all the off-road mud, snow, etc. I have 35k miles on my personal F250 4X4 and the original tires. I plan to stay with the stock size and tread BFG tires when they're replaced. Most of the 35k miles has been towing, and they are still in good shape. Also, going to a larger tire is the same as going from 4:33 gears to 3:90 for example. You end up losing pulling power doing that. And you'd see a decrease in gas mileage due the needing more throttle at a given speed while towing. I learned that the hard way.

[Travelers]

Matt & Jeff,
Thanks for the advice.

[BMullins46]

If you are not in an area where the extra traction of the BFGs is needed you might consider the Michlin LTX MS they provide decent traction in mud and snow, wear well, and give a smooth ride. Sam's carries them as well as your local tire store, Sears has their version of them as well. Price will probably be comparable to the BFGs and they are available in Load range E in the 16" size. My new Ram has 17" wheels and they are not available in a load range E for it. Not sure about the 18" and 20" sizes on some of the newer Fords.

[Travelers]

I looked at the BFG's AT and they are aggressive and I bet noisy. I did find a set of 285 70R 17 Nitto in load range E. About $250 a set less. Not as aggressive. The 285's should knock down my 4.10 a little bit. Anybody with Nitto history on trucks?

[rvthereyet]

I HAD THE MICHELIN LTX/MS AND I DIDN'T LIKE THEM I just purchased bf goodrich 265/65R17 and love them and they are not noisy at all i can't even tell the difference. between.

[BMullins46]

Did you have the LTX MS or were they the LTX AS? I haven't been able to find the LTX MS in a load range E for a 17 inch wheel. I have the LTX AS now and I agree I am not real pleased with them. Which BFG did you get?

[rvthereyet]

I had michelin LTX/ms on 16 inch rims. upgraded to 17 inch rims bf goodrich at 265/70R17.