I've been running 285/75 BFG Rugged Terrains on my original 16" rims and have been somewhat happy with them save for a couple tread separations. We go to the beach every April in a somewhat undeveloped part of Mexico and they have been great for that, but I never tow more than a light boat. We are now looking into a bumper pull travel trailer, most likely a 25 foot Airstream. It's time for tires and maybe rims. I don't have a lift, and now that I am going to be towing I don't want one for safety reasons. I am wondering if I should go back to the stock size tires. What have some of you found regarding tire size when towing? Also I have considered bigger rims, like 17s or 18s, but again no lift so I won't want a tire size too big, and I definitely want the 10 ply rating, or load range E. I really like the 285s but if the safety margin were considerably better with OEM 265's I would consider going back. Also wondering if 285s on a bigger rim would still clear up front.

Planning on a decent equalizer hitch with sway control, maybe even a Hensley design. Looking at Airsafe as well. Fifth wheel is off the table, it'll be a bumper pull with a properly set up hitch.

So basically looking for real world experience from those towing with and without OEM tires/wheels.

 

I run 285/75-16 Michelin LTX MS2 10 ply on the Lariat rims, and could not be happier. With our camper fully loaded and pulling our boat, I am at around 16,000# gross combined weight. No discernable tire squirm at all. The tires perform so well, they're the least of my concerns. At highway speeds, lane changes, braking, surface irregularities and the like, are all handled with complete confidence and ease. I keep them at 80psi when towing heavy. I also have air bags, and keep those at 80 as well. Hard to imagine it could be better.

 

I run Cooper ST MAXX and there has been some talk about them recently at the link below.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-s-t-maxx.html

I used to tow a 10K lbs travel trailer, now we tow the 5th wheel in my signature.

 

Are they the original Lariat rims? Got a pic? Thx

 

Yes, the original alloys. Here is a pic of when I first bought my PSD. It came with a brand new set of Goodyear Wrangler MT/R's and I couldn't wait to replace those things. Luckily for me, they wore down in about 20k and I got the Michelins.



F250 Superduty 002

 

Just be sure your tires are E rated.

 

As long as they are 10 ply you should be good

 

I run Cooper AT/W which is Coopers year round snow tire. My truck is an F350 DRW 2WD. If anyone is looking for a tire that hooks up in snow/ice and can be run year round this is that tire!!! I've been incredibly impressed with them in all conditions. 50K warranty.

Since you're in AZ, I'd look at the Mickey Thompson ATZp3 it's a hybrid AT/MT. A buddy has them on his 1 ton, 6.0L and loves them. Lot of guys I rock crawl with run them also, I've been very impressed with them, both on and off road. The link below is the ATZp3:

 

I ran 285 Goodyear Duratracs load range E on stock Ford rims. Loved them, were great in the snow(which I know you have no worries there) and sand or mud. Tires were very stable when I towed my camper or my 16 ft cargo construction trailer.