Tried searching but couldnt find the correct answers. I have a 99 e350 v10 that i use to haul my race bike to the track. It is pretty much 90% highway miles and 10% city. Currently it has LT225/75r16 on it and they are very very noisy because of an aggressive tire pattern so i plan to replace them soon. So what are my options? Im assuming i have to stick to the LT tires.

 

I'm running Michelin LTX tires, 245/75 R16's on two different E250's, absolutely love 'em. Costly for sure but I know they'll last at least 60K miles without any concern they'll hold up. FWIW my E250 extended body weighs 7,800# as a daily driver.

They're what you might call "standard" LT tires with a seven rib design that's relatively quite, aggressive enough for the driving we both do. Great in rain or wet roads, not stellar in snow BUT not horrible either.

The newer E250 came with a set of Firestone Transport tires I think they were called---absolutely the worst tires I've ever owned. Very LOUD, worthless in all but completely dry roads---terrible.

Because you have the E350 chassis you're best advised to stick with the LT tires, mine are load range E rated---I'd have nothing less for that chassis.

HTH

 

That series was part of a recall a couple years ago, might check to see if yours are listed? jim

 

The Michelin or Firestone?

I did check the recall issues when the newest set were purchased just about 3 years and 35K miles ago. They did come from a highly reputable tire shop so any issues and I would have been notified----I think.

Of course they have called several times asking how they're holding up blah blah blah---mostly a sales call, trying to get me back in for other services, those I DIY. Each call I ask them to check if any recalls are in effect---so far all's good.

Good heads up though Jim----thanks for the reminder!

 

Rats, forgot the link. (Now, where did I leave my shoes?) Thanks for the catch, JW.

Michelin Recalls 1.3 Million Tires for Increased Risk of Tread Separation - Tire Safety Group

 

More days than I care to admit I too struggle to keep everything in my mind organized and readily retrievable!

Thanks for the link Jim---reading it now---might have to make my own phone call today.

 

Thanks for the reply. I like the tread design(I was a auto mech for 10 years) but they are definitely not the cheapest tires lol. I can't remember what tires are on it but they look almost like a winter tire. I have to have the radio turned all the way up to hear it. Closest race track is 2.5 hours away and listening to the tire noise that long drives me crazy.

 

That same tread design is pretty common with the LT tires so you should have a lot of choice price-wise.

Honestly I can ride at 75MPH with windows open and its "quiet" now---with those Firestone P'sOS it was like a constant growl even the radio couldn't drown out.

 

I have Dunlops on the front, got them from dad when the Coopers started coming apart, I warn everyone of that brand, I have Sailun on the rear, not loud at all, but then again, I have Flowmaster 40 with 24" x 4" exhaust tips, so not sure I'd hear the tires.

 

I'd go to the optional 245/75/16's.

 

I love that size, but many go with the narrower one for less rolling resistance, as if it would impact MPG.

 

If there was a difference it wouldnt be much. Definintly opens up more options for me though for what tire i want. Michelins are a little pricey for me right now(motorcycle racing is stupid expensive).

 

My E250 is getting about 15 MPG consistently driving mostly on freeways, cruise control almost always engaged @ 65 MPH. As a reminder I'm running the Michelin LTX's in 245/75-R16 tires, loaded to 7,800# as a daily driver.

The wider footprint is mostly my preference and I don't think that alone affects the MPG significantly either way.

 

X2 on the Michelin LTX. I run 265/75 R16, Load Range E on my 03 E-350. I get mine at Sam's Club when they run a buy 3 get 1 free promotion. Makes the price easier to handle! Plus they last longer than most others. The recall was only on some of the 225 size LTX. My MPG's at 70 mph went up with them too!

 

I agree.