So, I've had my 2008 F250 for 3 years. Don't know how old the tires were when I bought it, but they are showing signs of cracking (not uncommon in Florida with the UV rays pounding them all the time).

Truck is 2008 F250 XLT SD, 8 foot bed, Super Cab, v10 Vortec engine, 4x4. Tire size is LT265/70 R17 121/118R M+S Load E


I maybe put 4000 miles on it a year. Never go offroad, never use the 4WD. I haul two different boats, one about 2000 pounds and the other about 6000-6500 pounds. Mostly short hauls (5-10 miles) with the occasional longer haul and about once or twice a year take the heavier boat to the Keys (1000 miles round trip).

I'm looking for really good, quiet, comfortable tires that are reliable, will hold up to the sun (going to buy covers for them, too), decent traction (I never launch at crappy boat ramps, but want good hydroplaning performance).

Money not really an object as the price differences in the long run aren't a big deal to me - I want quality and will pay for it. So, looking for the best value.

Had read some initial good reviews of Hankook Dynapro ATF tires but then saw where a lot of people with the heavier trucks that are hauling said they were soft and began wearing quickly.

Initial internet research and Tire Rack reviews are pushing me towards:

BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

Michelin Defender LTX M/S

Kumho Road Venture AT51

Firestone Destination A/T

 

i have been looking in ot this recently also
i think KO2 to radical for what u want
i think Michelin in general is known to have smooth quiet, long lasting tires and the M/S is a good fit

i have run the michelin LTX A/T's for 8 years and they have been great also, but i u may want to choose between the MS and A/T

 

Thanks - I went back to Tire Rack and searched for reviews by people who own the same type of truck I do, which makes sense because a tire MIGHT get great reviews by people who are driving 1/2 ton trucks and SUVs, but crappy reviews by people driving 3/4 ton trucks. Once I did that I discovered that so far, the Michelin LTX A/T2 tires are very highly rated for my applications and needs. Might go ahead with those.

 

No scientific research has been done and the statements below are just my opinion


BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Because of the tread design, these tires are bad about tossing rocks. Small rocks/gravel will catch in the treads and sling out at higher speeds. You will begin to see your rocker panels look like a three year old took an ice pick to them.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Michelins tend to be stiffer. They use a harder rubber compound which gives them a little rougher ride, but the trade off is the lifespan.
Kumho Road Venture AT51
No experience with this brand
Firestone Destination A/T
Never personally owned any Firestones, but had some friends that hated them. Not sure if they were Destinations or not.


If you have a Costco in your area, they are running a special on Bridgestone Dueler Alenza's. Its an 80,000 mile tire (not sure the load rating). We just put the exact same size on my wifes Yukon for under $700. That included mounting, balancing, lifetime rotation and balance, disposal, tax...everything.

 

I went with Michelin LTX M/S, very quiet and good traction in the the sand. Discount tire had the best price.

 

Slightly different application but these (and their predecessor) are the go-to tire for all the 3/4-1 ton commercial vans in the Chicago area for 9 months out of the year. It their application they are wearing through a set in about 4 years and their load is rarely from towing. Most of the vans for the fleet manager I know do about 20K miles/year so probably 16K a year on these tires...no one can sneeze at >60K miles on a set of truck tires.

 

Would you believe NO Discount Tire locations in the Tampa area?

 

LTX AT2 is a classic great tire
been around for some time, i would narrow it down to the MS or A/T based on your driving habits and rig. u can't go wrong with either. possibly the MS is a newer design if that matters

 

Theses a discount tire in lakeland on North 98.

 

I wouldn't buy anything with the Firestone name on it.
Normally I recommend the BFG's over the Michelin's but in your case, I think the Mich's will serve you better.
Khumo is a good tire, but has a fairly short tread life.

 

I have the dynapros and have nothing bad to say about them but I agree that for your application the michelin was a good choice

 

Great people, bought mine there.

 

I put the BFG TA KO2s on my truck in November last year. I'm not experiencing any rock throwing to speak of.

 

Well hello from plant city neighbor

 

Take a look at some Cooper Discoverer AT3s. I put a set on my '05 SD CC 4x4 LB about 3 yrs ago, I have apprx 40k miles on them and they still look good. They're quiet, feel responsive, treated me good when I had to go to work up North in ice and snow, they're American made (in Arkansas I think) and you don't pay the "big brand name" premium for them. I have run Continentals, Toyos, Michelins and Nittos on this truck and I like the Coopers best.