Another tire advise thread
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,155
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From: Southern Louisiana
I'm happy to hear the positive reviews on the Discoverer AT3, they are right inline with others I have talked to who had run these tires.
I've got about 100 miles on them now. I noticed last night that they took bumps pretty hard. I checked the pressure this morning and they all had between 46-49 psi in them. I aired them down to 36 and all is great now. Dry traction I great, no rain yet to tell wet, and I will likely never know how they do in the snow lol. They ride good, a bit more noise then the LTX that was on there before, but I expected that. You have to listen for it but it's there. Passengers will probably never know the difference.
I did get the truck cleaned up yesterday. No pics but these tires look downright mean on it. I'm digging the looks.
I've got about 100 miles on them now. I noticed last night that they took bumps pretty hard. I checked the pressure this morning and they all had between 46-49 psi in them. I aired them down to 36 and all is great now. Dry traction I great, no rain yet to tell wet, and I will likely never know how they do in the snow lol. They ride good, a bit more noise then the LTX that was on there before, but I expected that. You have to listen for it but it's there. Passengers will probably never know the difference.
I did get the truck cleaned up yesterday. No pics but these tires look downright mean on it. I'm digging the looks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 80
From: New Jersey
Good info! 
The BJ's here has to order tires for my truck as they don't stock many of the 265's. They probably won't be offering me my money back because they're taking 235's off and replacing them with 265's. The 265's are an OE tire size. So if I have issues with BJ's then I'll go elsewhere to get what I want. These 235's have got to go!
The BJ's here has to order tires for my truck as they don't stock many of the 265's. They probably won't be offering me my money back because they're taking 235's off and replacing them with 265's. The 265's are an OE tire size. So if I have issues with BJ's then I'll go elsewhere to get what I want. These 235's have got to go!235s doesn't compute LOL! My Explorer is a P245 and is the smallest tire I have owned in a long time maybe back to 98 when I owned a car. Those I think were 225s. I am surprised they are not stocking 265s as a 265/70 17 is a pretty popular size in the light truck and SUV classes. I know they are OE but I had two places locally (Walmart and Sam's Club) that said it has be the door jamb sticker size. This was went i was checking out tires for my F150 about 2 years ago. 235 just seems small for the 1/2 ton truck.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
235s doesn't compute LOL! My Explorer is a P245 and is the smallest tire I have owned in a long time maybe back to 98 when I owned a car. Those I think were 225s. I am surprised they are not stocking 265s as a 265/70 17 is a pretty popular size in the light truck and SUV classes. I know they are OE but I had two places locally (Walmart and Sam's Club) that said it has be the door jamb sticker size. This was went i was checking out tires for my F150 about 2 years ago. 235 just seems small for the 1/2 ton truck.
Where's the logic? If it comes down to it, I'll place the entire truck on jackstands, load the wheels in my Expy, carry them to the tire dealer and have them mounted that way. I'm sticking with BJ's for two reasons. 1. they're cheaper than all the other local tire dealers and 2. they have the same great lifetime tire package that Sam's has but they waive the $15.00 per wheel charge with a coupon and certain advertisements.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 80
From: New Jersey
The 235's ride nice, gas mileage is great and they've handled all of my loads just fine but they look hideous. There are about seven 235 offerings for my truck where as there are dozens of 265 selections. One of my customers has a 4x2 F-150 that came with 245's on it. He did buy it used. Where's the logic?
If it comes down to it, I'll place the entire truck on jackstands, load the wheels in my Expy, carry them to the tire dealer and have them mounted that way. I'm sticking with BJ's for two reasons. 1. they're cheaper than all the other local tire dealers and 2. they have the same great lifetime tire package that Sam's has but they waive the $15.00 per wheel charge with a coupon and certain advertisements.
Where's the logic? If it comes down to it, I'll place the entire truck on jackstands, load the wheels in my Expy, carry them to the tire dealer and have them mounted that way. I'm sticking with BJ's for two reasons. 1. they're cheaper than all the other local tire dealers and 2. they have the same great lifetime tire package that Sam's has but they waive the $15.00 per wheel charge with a coupon and certain advertisements.
I had Ford do the tires on the Explorer a few months ago. It worked out to be about 150.00 a tire mounted and balanced for around $600 before tax. The tires from Tirerack were $500 before shipping and tax, then I would have to take them to a shop for mounting and balancing. Which is more money. The nice thing with the Ford deal was the fact it was 6 month financing at the time. I had the bill paid off in a couple of months. It might be worth it to see what the local Ford dealer has to offer as well.
New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 16
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Here is a useful site that I consult when in the market for tires:
Tire Recalls - Dunlop, Pirelli, Bridgestone & more - Tire Recall Notices
It not only lists what tires have been recalled, but also how many tires a manufacturer has had recalled.
Tire Recalls - Dunlop, Pirelli, Bridgestone & more - Tire Recall Notices
It not only lists what tires have been recalled, but also how many tires a manufacturer has had recalled.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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Likes: 1,518
From: Maine, Virginia
^^^ The good thing is, none of the BFG recalls include the P265-70-17 in any terrain configuration. That makes me feel better since the BFG's are likely where I'm going be.
The Michelin's simply ain't happenin. Even the X Radial which is a club exclusive bargain tire is $211.00 each at BJ's plus tax and the tire package. The LTX's are $239.00. The X Radial carries a 70K mile warranty while the BFG Long Trail, a pure highway tire carries a 60K at $165.00 each. The Rugged Terrain has a 50K mile treadwear and is $159.00 each. The Mich may be a better tire over all but I'm convinced that it's that much better. I bought a set of X Radials for my Expy from Sam's club and only got 31K miles out of them.
The Michelin's simply ain't happenin. Even the X Radial which is a club exclusive bargain tire is $211.00 each at BJ's plus tax and the tire package. The LTX's are $239.00. The X Radial carries a 70K mile warranty while the BFG Long Trail, a pure highway tire carries a 60K at $165.00 each. The Rugged Terrain has a 50K mile treadwear and is $159.00 each. The Mich may be a better tire over all but I'm convinced that it's that much better. I bought a set of X Radials for my Expy from Sam's club and only got 31K miles out of them.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I have to concur with you Tim. BF Goodrich is owned by Michelin for whatever that's worth, and I've had great luck with them in the past. I put the Rugged Terrain tires on my Excursion and liked them a lot. Of course they gave a dealer a convenient excuse for a vibration noise I was trying to get them to track down, but rest assured it wasn't the tires!
They have a good looking tread that functions as an acceptable highway tire, all at a good price with a good treadlife warranty.
I'll be probably going with the Firestone Destination LE2 whenever the time comes to replace mine. I have a set on my wife's Sienna and they seem to be wearing well and they do a fine job in snow, slush, and rain. They come with a 60,000 mile treadlife warranty. They also happen to be of the cheaper tires out there, and I'm a cheap guy!
They have a good looking tread that functions as an acceptable highway tire, all at a good price with a good treadlife warranty.
I'll be probably going with the Firestone Destination LE2 whenever the time comes to replace mine. I have a set on my wife's Sienna and they seem to be wearing well and they do a fine job in snow, slush, and rain. They come with a 60,000 mile treadlife warranty. They also happen to be of the cheaper tires out there, and I'm a cheap guy!
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
I have to concur with you Tim. BF Goodrich is owned by Michelin for whatever that's worth, and I've had great luck with them in the past. I put the Rugged Terrain tires on my Excursion and liked them a lot. Of course they gave a dealer a convenient excuse for a vibration noise I was trying to get them to track down, but rest assured it wasn't the tires!
They have a good looking tread that functions as an acceptable highway tire, all at a good price with a good treadlife warranty.
I'll be probably going with the Firestone Destination LE2 whenever the time comes to replace mine. I have a set on my wife's Sienna and they seem to be wearing well and they do a fine job in snow, slush, and rain. They come with a 60,000 mile treadlife warranty. They also happen to be of the cheaper tires out there, and I'm a cheap guy!
They have a good looking tread that functions as an acceptable highway tire, all at a good price with a good treadlife warranty.
I'll be probably going with the Firestone Destination LE2 whenever the time comes to replace mine. I have a set on my wife's Sienna and they seem to be wearing well and they do a fine job in snow, slush, and rain. They come with a 60,000 mile treadlife warranty. They also happen to be of the cheaper tires out there, and I'm a cheap guy!
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,155
Likes: 0
From: Southern Louisiana
I visited a Firestone store when I was looking for tires for my truck. I was quoted $1300 for the Destination A/Ts, same as your experience, no negotiations accepted. I just walked out shaking my head. This is a tire I could buy for $170 online and have mounted and installed and still come out roughly $500 ahead. I dont know how they stay open.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 660
Likes: 61
From: Southeast Kansas
In 1980, I bought a brand new F-100 single cab FORD truck. It had the dreaded Firestone 721's on it. I had "2" of them come apart in ONE DAY. Matter of fact as I recall within about 3 hours of each other.
After the hassle I went through, (never did get taken care of by Firestone), I said NO MORE Firestones.
I tried Good-for-a-Year, and that did NOT work out, SO, i wnent to Kelly Springfield. (Which as we all know, is a part of the Good-for-a-Year company).
I actually like Kelly's.
Then I ended up with Coopers. I've had good luck with them so far. The first set of AT3's actually, got 87,000 miles out of. BUT, i check the air EVERY week, and rotate every oil change. ALSO, keep the front end aligned.
At about 78,000 miles, you could tell they were worn. The truck kinda wanted to hydroplane. FWIW.
After the hassle I went through, (never did get taken care of by Firestone), I said NO MORE Firestones.
I tried Good-for-a-Year, and that did NOT work out, SO, i wnent to Kelly Springfield. (Which as we all know, is a part of the Good-for-a-Year company).
I actually like Kelly's.
Then I ended up with Coopers. I've had good luck with them so far. The first set of AT3's actually, got 87,000 miles out of. BUT, i check the air EVERY week, and rotate every oil change. ALSO, keep the front end aligned.
At about 78,000 miles, you could tell they were worn. The truck kinda wanted to hydroplane. FWIW.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 369
Likes: 16
From: Pleasant Grove, Alabama
You didn't list them, but one other responder mentioned them.
Bridgestone Dueler Alenza. THE best tire I've ever owned, Michelin's included. I've had three sets on various trucks. $155/160 ea in your desired size from Tirerack. When the Michelin's on my 2012 157" Super Crew give it up I'll be buying set 4.
Bridgestone Dueler Alenza. THE best tire I've ever owned, Michelin's included. I've had three sets on various trucks. $155/160 ea in your desired size from Tirerack. When the Michelin's on my 2012 157" Super Crew give it up I'll be buying set 4.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 1
From: Hattiesburg, Ms.
I am currently in the tire shopping phase as well. 37,XXX on my stock Michilins and they are at 6/32s as well. Although they are a few months from needing replacement, I like to explore my options and analyze them to death.
My stock tire size is 265/60/18. Due to the terrain that I drive on at work (crushed limestone and mud), I prefer A/T tires as the limestone tears highway tires up. I have found that in my stock size, A/T tread designs are far outnumbered by highway tread. Of the A/T designs available, some I just will not use such as General, Goodyear, or any Chinese branded tires like Nankang. Moving up to the next available size, 275/65/18 doesnt allow for any more options, just different branded options so I will stay with the stock size.
That said, my current choices are the BFG Rugged Terrain (new tire, really slick looking, good reviews although limited), Cooper Discoverer ATP (DTD exclusive) or its brother the A/T3 should I not purchase from DTD, and absolute last is the Firestone Destination A/T.
My stock tire size is 265/60/18. Due to the terrain that I drive on at work (crushed limestone and mud), I prefer A/T tires as the limestone tears highway tires up. I have found that in my stock size, A/T tread designs are far outnumbered by highway tread. Of the A/T designs available, some I just will not use such as General, Goodyear, or any Chinese branded tires like Nankang. Moving up to the next available size, 275/65/18 doesnt allow for any more options, just different branded options so I will stay with the stock size.
That said, my current choices are the BFG Rugged Terrain (new tire, really slick looking, good reviews although limited), Cooper Discoverer ATP (DTD exclusive) or its brother the A/T3 should I not purchase from DTD, and absolute last is the Firestone Destination A/T.