Best size tire with heaviest load range for 1989 F-350 SW
 

I have a 12' camper to haul (about 2k lbs) and want to replace my aged tires.

I would like to get the best tire with the heaviest load range so I can haul safely.

The truck is a 1989 F-350 Crew Cab 4x4 460 engine w/5 speed stick. I believe gross weight is 9200 lbs.

Also plan on beefing up springs and/or adding bags.

Suggestions very much appreciated

Rick

Your truck won't even notice a 12' 2000lb trailer is behind it. (without -any- suspension changes)

The stock size -235/85 R16 Load range E- rated tires are more than enough.

As for "best" that is very subjective.
Tire noise, wet weather traction, highway tracking, cornering and tire life are all factors that don't necessarily point in the same direction.

If you were dragging around a 32' 20,000lb camper I'd be careful.
I've done that with my 250 without issue. (though I don't advocate it)

Hello,

You are confusing "camper" with "trailer" ... a camper is what you put ON the truck, a trailer is what you tow...

That is why I'm asking for the highest load rated tire.. Michelin used to sell one rated around 3600 lbs or more, can't remember, but it was the highest rated.

Rick

The Load Range E is pretty High, If you are unsure about load range look in tirerack.com as it list load ranges for tires and explains them. But the standard OEM tire size was the LT235/85R16 in a load range E. I really havent seen the tires in another load range except for C but that is more for a half ton not for a 3/4 or one ton. The best tire is one that stops fairly well in any condition, i.e. high ratings in all weather conditions but may not be the best for getting moving in snow, or mud. This is where tire rack helps because it lists the tires out for you to look at and pick what you think will work for you.

With the 2K pound camper, it would be maxing "average" E load range tires...I already know this...
That is why I'm asking...
Maybe someone that has knowledge about this can answer?


Rick

I don't have an answer. I just wanted you to get that little notification thingy in your e-mail so you'd come and look again. You sound sarcastic so I wanted to bug you.

:)

:-X25

I had a "slide in" that hung over the sides 1' and out the back 30" or more for 7 years.

My truck came with the 'towing package' that included a large rear sway bar and 4.10 gears.
I never had issue with the correct tire (as stated on the door jamb sticker) inflated to 75psi.
Sure it is a little top heavy, but body roll and carrying capacity were not a safety issue, in fact it never came close to the 'helper' springs.
(and this is a -250)

An LT235/85/16 in the E range flavor is going to handle 3,042lbs. I would go with the Dueler Revos as I have had very good luck with them. The camper only weights 2,000lbs so I don't think you are going to have a problem at all.

Cmon guys...
Obviously no one so far has a clue, and further more, I hope that I don't drive near some of you on the road, as there is not much of a thought process I have seen in any posts as of yet.

My truck wet, and with passengers is about 7,200 lbs., add 2,000 for camper, then a few couple hundred for gear, food ect. and lets just say we are at around 10,000 pounds... which is now 600 pounds over my load limit.

When calculating what the load on the rear tires are, with a camper, I would use 65% of the total load which would be 6,500 pounds.
Divide that total in half, which would be what each rear tire roughly will see, with "smooth" driving, no bumps, swag, or other rough pressures...each rear tire is seeing 3,250 pounds.

Now, add in potholes, rough terrain, etc. and you can see why I'm asking for heavy load rated tires.

It's sure funny how many people "assume" that because they are driving a truck, if it can "fit" it's safe...

Scary... very scary.. please, do some research on your own trucks, and be safe for all of us

Rick

just so you know, an E-rated LT265/75-16 tire can handle way more load on it than an E-rated LT235/85-16 tire of the same make and model. Both sizes have the same outer diameter, so they will not affect your overall gear ratios like a larger tire will.

M.L.S.C., THANK YOU!

I now have something to work with... I will look up some tires at that size and see what I can find for load ranges...

Again, thank you!


Rick

Haha, well to throw some more oil in the fire - they make F-rated LT235/85-16 tires too, that's what you find on them big dual- and tri-axle heavy-duty flat-deck and car-hauler trailers. Not sure on F-rated 265/75-16s tho...

Strangely enough tire rack would have helped you find your load ratings you were looking for in your tires. Information mining on the internet requires using your resources to find the information you desire, such as google, tirerack, et la. If you would have looked at the suggested web site you would have found your information rather than wanting people to give you the information by hand feeding you.

a buddy of mine has a tonner and used to haul a 2000lb camper around all the time and he was real safety minded. anyway he alwyas bought cooper discoverer a/t in the LT295/85/17 he loves those tires and they seem to do well in all conditions.

I run 235-85-16s load range E on my F-250 with 2,600lbs of 9 1/2ft Lance cabover camper in the bed.....................Never any problems, add 700lbs of gear, 4 people, 3- 100+lbs dogs.