I actually do have E's. I typed incorrectly, and edited.

 

Michelins all the way for me. I've run the Bridgestone Revo's Michelin AT/2's, and now a combo of A/T2's and M/S2's... all in the 285 size on stock rims. Bridgestones road excellently, but had significantly lower wear life (for me, anyway) and were almost the same cost. ONLY Michelins for me now!

The Michelin A/T2's are no longer available in 285's, which is something I discovered this a couple months agao when I went to get two of them. Had to go back to the M/S2's. Soon, the M/S2's will become the M/S2 Defender which is Michelin's newest formulation that is supposed to deliver improved wear life and road "grip".

All of my tires have been the 10-ply E-rated versions.

 

Looks like we all agree on the Michelin as the best choice and at the same time we are missing the OP's point.

Given that the next set of tires are not going to see the same amount of mileage (specifically, are more likely to age-out rather than wear-out the treads), does anybody have experience with / knowledge of a tire that does not cost as much as the Micheline and yet are Ok to use?


Toward the original question, I am personally considering Coopers as I too am not looking to put that many miles on the 250 over the next set of tires. Have read that Coopers have a good reputation on similar rigs. To compensate, I will probably expect a shorter life (4 - 5 years) and base my decision off of whether it makes sense to get another set of Michelins.

 

I used to run Cooper Zeons on my F150 and liked them a lot. They seemed to wear well and performed well everywhere I took them. If I had to, I would not hesitate in buying Coopers again.

 

If the truck is stored outside cover the tires to prevent UV damage. I found covers made for this purpose are overpriced, and plain trash bags rot since they are not UV stable. Eventually I found some BBQ covers at a great price that are UV stabilised, make good tire covers for the 5er.

Another source of cracking on tires is ozone generated by electric motors. It's not a major effect unless in a confined space with frequently operating motors.

Another tidbit I'll throw out there is check the date of manufacture of the tire via the DOT code on the sidewall. A while back I saw a great price on some Michelins for the wife's Subie, but the "new" tires were actually 3 years old. NOS tires ain't a good thing for a car driven with sporting intentions.

I currently run Bridgestone Revos, these can handle off road and on, surprisingly grippy on smooth flat surfaces, overall very happy with them. But similar to Pete above at 40k they are about done. Less than I'd like but given my driving style maybe all I can hope for. Recently eyeballing BF Goodrich AT KO2s, worth a look. Have Coopers on the 79 Mustang and like them, but not sure that's apples to apples.

 

Regarding the apparent tread life versus length of ownership quandary, I am also one of those people who put a very low miles per year on my truck. I am quite certain that the tread life on my Michelins will outlive the safe service life of the tires. (There's no way I'll make it to the rated 70,000 mile treadwear rating before I'll feel the need to replace them. At my current pace, I'll be at around 35k miles in 4 years)

Looking around, I figure I paid about $35 more per tire than some less expensive brands. I paid $195 each. The way I look at it, over the course of 5 years, it's costing me $28 per year more to run the Michelins. Not really that much more for what I consider a superior product.

 

Another thing to consider. I bought mine from Discount tire and used their certificate program (always do and it has helped several times in the past). I was talking with the manager at my local store about vehicles that do not run that much and how that affects the certificates. He told me (and this just may be his take on the rules) that as long as I meet the treadlife requirements, he does not care how old the tire is, he would replace it.

Obviously, I cannot say how true this will actually turn out to be until I have to try and put a claim in, but it was worth a shot, especially as I was going to buy the certs anyway.

 

Very well stated...

I was told the same exact thing and the manager showed me the warranty. That has been two years ago at this point.

 

I run Toyo Open country MT on my obs and the wear has been somewhat ok 50% in 20k. On my wifes excursion I run Mastercraft AXT AT 75% with 30k
My work truck has Cooper Discover AT 75% with 20k
Over all im satisfy with both the discover and axt even though the discover are on the truck and has always ssone kind of weight on it.

 

That's pretty much the boat I am in. Tires have always been a pet peeve of mine, don't scrimp.

 

I also am considering how they will withstand towing an 8k lb trailer. Most of my driving is highway, duck blind and some minor off road for deer and elk. But that's only to where I'm going to get out and hunt. No crazy stuff anymore, I learned my lessons at an early age. I'm thinking I'm going with the LTX M/S2 in the 265/75r 16, OEM size. That's the size I run now anyway.

 

Went with the Michelin LTX. So far the ride is great. Way smoother than the BFG's

 

Good to hear!
I am currently running Cooper ATP's but I don't care for them much. They are wearing like iron but sure are noisy (I rotate every 5k).
I am debating on selling them on CL and buying a set of michelin's. The other thing that kind of bothers me is the Michelin's look like car tires.... Love the look of BFG's..... Too many decisions...

 

. . BFG KO2 . .

 

I've always ran the BFG's and was happy with them. But I have to say the michelins offer a better ride. I also was concerned with street look but, call me old, I was looking for a better ride. So far I got what I was looking for. The look isn't much different from the side. Straight on is where the big difference is. Wishing I made the move sooner.