Okay, here's the situation. I have a 2007 F-250 CCSB 6.0L 4x4 that I just bought back in October. Currently, the truck has the factory 17" alloy rims with LT265/70R17 tires that the previous owner installed Goodyears (I forgot the name) that are very noisy when driving at or below highway speeds. I love the factory 20" five spoke rims that some Lariat models are equipped with (mine is only an XLT), which I plan on purchasing eventually as funds permit and provided I cross paths with a set that the owner is willing to part with for a reasonable price.

I have already researched what tires are available in that particular tire size, that being LT275/65R20. Unfortunately, the choices seem to be extremely limited from the research I've done. Being a big fan of Michelin, it would have been a no-brainer for me to source out Michelin for four new tires. Unfortunately, there is only one tire available in that size from Michelin, that being the AT2. I have seen other trucks running with that particular tire, only to have it wear out very quickly or wear unevenly. Tires are already extremely pricey in this tire size, so my priority with the set I intend to choose are, VERY quiet while cruising at highway speeds and a LONG tire tread life along with good performance. I don't plan on off-roading or driving through rough terrain. My eventual plans are also to purchase another set of four five spoke steel wheels to mount a set of snow tires on, to use during the winter months.

I would appreciate all honest feedback from my fellow F-250/F-350 Super Duty owners on which tire you feel best suits my needs/desires. I don't like Continental or General. And BTW, if you happen to know of anyone looking to part with a set of rims like I've described above, let me know. Many thanks.

 

I guess I have to ask what you have against Generals, because I LOVE those tires. I have General Grabber AT2's on my truck (03 F350 CCSB 6.0), my wife's truck ('03 Ram quad cab Hemi), and her Durango that we are selling. The tires on the Durango have been on their 2 years and 50,000 miles, and still have well over 70% treadlife. These tires get used, too, in all sorts of terrain and weather. They are far and above the best All-Terrain tire I have ever found, and will stick by that until they stop making the tire. They are quiet, sturdy, and give great performance in all situations, and I have never needed snow tires, even in 14+ inches of snow. Heck sometimes I don't even need to use 4WD.

Just saying...Don't rule anything out, because you may miss out on a good thing.

 

I have had 4 F250/350's now with almost every tire in the world on them. I put 100k+ on 3 of the 4 trucks. I truly don't believe there's a tire out there that has a "long tread life". Especially if you're working the truck.This is a reality. These things cost us a ton and I've never gotten 50k miles outta a set of anything. Now that being said, honestly with your needs pick the tire that suits your needs best, in your case would be a highway tire. For noise, my choice would be Michelin or Goodyear highway tire. Those are the only tires in my experience that will stay quite for plenty of miles.

 

This guy on Craig List in Las Vegas want $1,850 for the 20" set of2012, F350 wheels with Michelin LTX AT2 load range E, LT275/65R20 tires

NEW Super Duty Wheels/Tires

 

Funny enough, those are the very only version of Michelin tire available in that particular size. Unfortunately, looking at that tread pattern leaves me wondering how noisy that tire would be, riding on the highway not to mention its susceptibility to uneven wear. This is despite the fact that I am a big fan of Michelins due to their reputation for excellent all around performance, quality of tire and most important of all, their longevity. The last vehicle I just got rid of had a set of Michelins on them that had lasted for seven years and about 180,000 kms. When I got rid of it, it still had better than 50% tread life left.

But it seems everyone is shooting for BFGs which I know is also a very good brand. And by looking at the tread pattern of the only BFG tire available in that particular tire leads me to believe it will be the wise choice.

It's either that, or settle for LT275/70R18s on factory 18" five spoke rims.

 

What about the price he wants, is it a reasonable price? couple weeks ago, there was a factory 275-70-18 for sale for $1,000. It didn't really spell out the whole set of four, I was thinking of getting it but it since gone. The price of the tires alone would cost more than that.

I know this is not the topic you're asking, just saw those wheels while I am looking for my V/B codes springs

 

I'm running the AT2's on 18" ford rims. They run very quiet, work well in the snow and work fine for towing. These tires have proven themselves in heavy duty use. A snow plow can be rough on tires - these seem to have no problems with that sort of use. My last set of tires were BFG ATs which worked OK but wore out faster when put to tough use. The Michelins tires seem to wear like iron.

These are the stock LT275/70R18 size on the 5 spoke alloy rims. My personal preference is for 18" rims instead of the 20" size. Both work fine.

There are less expensive tires out there, but these seem to work. They would probably be just fine in a 20" version.

Lou Braun

 

If I were you, I would keep your 17" OEM wheels for the snow season and install snow tires on them. Your truck won't know the difference whether you are running 17" wheels or 20" wheels. This will save you $$$ in having to purchase two sets of 20" wheels. Just make sure that the overall diameter of the 17" snow tires equal (or is close to) the overall diameter of the 20" street tires.