well,

It's that time again. I am currently running 315/75/16 Duratracs on the stock 16X7 wheel. My F350 is stock with a front end level. I love the look of these and they have been great tires overall. I do have some crowning wear because of the rim width. But, that was expected when I bought them. They are starting to get a bit loud though. Iv'e gotten about 25K so far and have about 40% tread left on them. Just wanting to try something new and possibly down size. Plus, I can still get a decent amount out of them on craigslist with the current tread. I would love to stick with the 315's. I had some Milestar 285/75/16 on it before and they just didnt fill the wheels wells enough for me. I know the Duratracs run big compared to AT's. There's a guy down the street running 315/75/16 BFG AT/KO's on the stock wheels and his measured 1/2 inch shorter and 1/2 skinnier. So that has me wondering if they would fit without rubbing. But I dont know if that's necessarily the best thing for safety(sidewall strength/handling) to run the 315's again on the 7" wide rim.

I am looking to downsize for the following reasons:
1. Fuel mileage
2. Stability
3. Road noise
4. My current tires rub the leaf springs at full lock
5. wet traction

The three sizes I am considering:
1. 305/70/16 (33.X12.50)

2. 295/75/16 (33.5X11.50) This tire would fill in my wheel well best of the three listed, but it's kind of an oddball size and most of the tires are Load range D, but they do have a 3495 lb rating which is close to load range E, so I'm kinda curious on this one.

3. 285/75/16 (32X11.50)



I am looking at the following tires

General Grabber AT2(great price with great reviews, at least from tirerack)

BFG AT/KO's(little pricier)

Kelly Safari TSR AT's(decent price, just dont know a whole lot about them. great looking too. Got good reviews here: Reviews - All Terrain AT Tire Reviews Reviews by Offroaders.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Review Engine Powered by ReviewPost

Kuhmo MT/KL-71(decent price, heard these were really quiet for a M/T)

Super Swamper M-16's(great looking tire, but pricy)


I'm open to all suggestions guys on size and brands. Please chime in and help me make the right decision!! I'm going crazy surfing the net!

 

I ran m55 toyos for years on my 75 f-250 a little noisier than some,currently running toyo open country AT 265/75-16 10pr on vehicle in signature, there quiet,little softer riding than m-55 but my 4500lb camper pushes them to the limmit ,next set of tires I will be looking for stiffer side walls.

 

I have run both Bridgestone Dueler AT's and Michelin HT's both in the 265 or 285 size. Can't remember and am not going out tonight to look. I will post in the morning. I am currently running the Michelins and love them compared to the Duelers. They are quieter and get about .5 to 1 mpg better mileage in my case. But I liked the Dueler's as well.

 

if i had the $$$, FALKINS.

 

Another vote for Toyo's here... I ran my last set of m/t's 37x13.50 over 55,000 and they still had about 25% tread...

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Tires/LT3...t_pn=TOY360110

 

Michelin will give you the best wear and least amount of trouble.

 

Treadwright.com

You really should look at these. OUTSTANDING reputation and quality. Price can't be beat. I know other people running them, and we all love them. 4x4 mags also rave about them. Can't beat the price either, and they stand behind their product.

 

Have had good service, ride and customer care from my Michelin's last 6 yrs. Have and will buy again.

 

One more vote for Michelins. I have had very good luck with LTXMS and LTXMS2 series, they are quiet, they last and they stay balanced. Snow and wet traction are very good. .....(Mud traction not so good, only down side.)

 

I have been running Yokohoma Geolander ATS for years now 285/75/15. Just put my 3rd set on a couple weeks ago. I got right at 64k on the last set and I think closer to 70k on the set before that. I pull an enclosed trailer probably 90% of the time. I thought about trying something else this time, but I am satisfied with the 65k for $780 cash a set. mounted and balanced out the door.
Just put Falkins on the navigator found a place on line for $620 shipped +$40 mount and balance. Switched to them since Michelen stopped making the Pilots for it.

 

Transforce A/t's do well on our trucks too. They ride and wear good.

 

A couple months ago, I picked up a set of Michelin LTX 285/75-16's in load range E. Great tire. Outanding wet traction, (top priority here in Seattle), quiet ride, balance well, and feel really stable at highway speeds. I have Michelins on all of my vehicles. My opinion is pay a little extra for something you're going to have for a few years, and be happy with them. If you 'amortize' the added cost over those few years, it really isn't that much more for a quality product.

 

Michelin 265/75/16 load range E on dually OEM alloys (i did have to purchase two more alloys since the truck only came with four from the factory).

 

Michelin A/T's. Great for throwing small rocks!!! Just kidding, I like em.

 

Michelin A/T2s 285/75/16. Great tire for mileage and wear. Not impressed with the snow & ice performance. bought dedicated snow tires for the cold weather ( i hunt alot). If cold weather is not an issue then i highly recommend them.