Does anyone have suggestions for a replacement 18" tire? I have a 2009 4x2 SCrew 6.5' with the XLT Chrome/Max Tow packages. The truck came stock with Michelin LTX A/S P265/60R18s.

I have a very strong preference for Michelins but am willing to consider others. The OEM tires weren't very exciting... 27K on the clock and they're barely legal.

I'm also considering upgrading to a heavier tire. My truck is about 1000lbs. over standard curb weight with my added equipment, commercial topper, etc. The OEM tires always seem to have significant amounts of sidewall deformation, even sitting still.

Michelin has a similarly-sized LTX M/S2 275/65R18 in load range E, but I'm concerned about the effect on ride quality. Any thoughts? I'd like to find a D load range tire, but I haven't found many.

Suggestions welcome. Thanks!

 

Best A/T available IMO is the Toyo Open Country A/T. I have 18" 10 plys. Last set went 70,000m and I drive some gravel too. Look Great!, quiet. The "new" Michelin A/T 2 is a good tire as well but I found it didn't look as good as the Toyo. My second choice is the Bridgestone Dueler Revo but(I've owned many sets over the years) but they don't have the mileage the Toyos have.

 

The Michelin LTX AT2 is what I have currently on my 07 Chevy 1/2 ton in a 10 ply. I have ordered an F-150 to replace it as it has 113000 miles on it. Those tires have about 65,000 miles on them and they are around 1/2 tread or better. I drive long miles and live on a gravel road. They have been great. When my new truck comes in, I will trade this truck off and the dealer has no issue with the tread left on the tires.
I think the Ford is going to come with 265/75R17 Michelin LTX AT2 tires from the factory. I am getting the XLT without the crome package. That is what all of the trucks on the lot had on them with the 17inch rims.

 

Power Kid - how much harsher of a ride did you get once you went to the 10-plys? I presume you had the standard Michelin P-metric tires initially?

F-1Fiddy - I definitely like those mileage numbers better. Unfortunately, you will probably be getting 6-ply P-metric tires, not even LTs. That's what I have, and my truck is as heavy as you can get in an F150, excepting 4x4.

I'm not really in need of an all-terrain tire... something mid-range like the M/S will work for me.

 

Totally depsnds on PSI. When I pull our heavy RV I have em up over 60 psi, its harsh. When its below 50 its quite soft. Depends what you want.

Toyo also makes a H/T.

 

Power Kid is right on. Air Pressure is the key. I run my 10 plys at 30 psi on the rear of this pickup when empty, and it rides great, and I run 36 in the front. If I pull a trailer or haul heavy in it, I air the rears to 50 or so and you can tell it for sure.

TVSJR. I never thought of that, but you are probably right. If Michelin makes that size in p metric version, that is what will be on there and not the 10 pyl or LRE. That sucks. I like the E rated. I know I will never overload it, as long as I remember to air the tires for the load.

 

i have 10 plys on mine and at 35 psi they ride just like stock and wear just fine

 

Wow 10 plys @ 35. Mine would slosh around like a old water bed.

I though that was too low for a 10 ply! Won't that shorten the lifespan? Sure to drop MPG. But would take bumps nice. Like a trampoline.

I drop mine below 45 and even the wife comments somethings wrong with the truck.

 

I have never changed the front tire pressures on my Michelin AT-2s. The backs I have aired to 50psi to haul some rock in the back, but other than that, they run at 30 to 32psi. Never had an issue with it hurting them. I have 65,000 miles on them and they are better than half tread. They should go 100,000miles.