Tire recommendation please
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New User
Joined: Aug 2019
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Tire recommendation please
I just purchased a 2012 F250 gas with 48,000 miles on it it came with trail guide all terrain lt285/70r17 In these tires need to go they are not towing tires looking for the best miles per gallon I only do highway any help would be appreciated
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,687
Likes: 12,812
From: Wyoming
If they're LT tires and load range E then they are towing tires. Look at the tire label on the driver's door frame to see what the tires ratings for that truck should be.
What tire you need depends on how much you tow. Keep in mind that the heavier the tire, the lower your MPG will be.
What tire you need depends on how much you tow. Keep in mind that the heavier the tire, the lower your MPG will be.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4,667
Likes: 1,455
From: Muskogee, Ok
I'll weigh in on the mpg part, as the highway tread vs offroad/mud tread should be obvious with your goals. I don't know why all the cool kids are slapping 315s on and then complaining about mileage, but narrower tires get better mileage.
All things equal ratings wise on the tire a 235 will give you better milage than a 315. That extra 80mm wide contact pad per tire adds up the rolling resistance and eats into mileage. How much is debatable. A wider tire may help you stop 10 ft faster, but may also help you hydroplane. Going from a 285 to a 335 in my Corvette that first rainstorm was an eye opener in how much easier it was to hydroplane at 40mph by only changing tire width.
Higher psi in the tire will yield lower rolling resistance = better mpg, but dont exceed the tire manufacturer's pressure rating, do the chalk test
Big tires may look cool, but i sure wouldn't use them towing heavy
All things equal ratings wise on the tire a 235 will give you better milage than a 315. That extra 80mm wide contact pad per tire adds up the rolling resistance and eats into mileage. How much is debatable. A wider tire may help you stop 10 ft faster, but may also help you hydroplane. Going from a 285 to a 335 in my Corvette that first rainstorm was an eye opener in how much easier it was to hydroplane at 40mph by only changing tire width.
Higher psi in the tire will yield lower rolling resistance = better mpg, but dont exceed the tire manufacturer's pressure rating, do the chalk test
Big tires may look cool, but i sure wouldn't use them towing heavy
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
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From: Frederick, MD
I am running Coopers AT3. That would be too aggressive for you I think. The work very well for heavy towing.
For the best mileage you will probably need to go with what the truck originally came with. Consult your owners manual maybe that is in there.
Continental has been a favorite of Ford out the factory door. Good towing hwy tire. Not good for much else.
For the best mileage you will probably need to go with what the truck originally came with. Consult your owners manual maybe that is in there.
Continental has been a favorite of Ford out the factory door. Good towing hwy tire. Not good for much else.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
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From: Media PA
I have been running Nitto Dura Grapplers (Highway Terrain Tread) on my dedicated tow rig EX for the past six years, they have proven to be an excellent tire for me. The are wearing great, are the quietest truck tire I have ever used and the feel very solidly planted with no wiggle or squishyness while loaded to over 6K on the rear axle. I have just over 30K miles on them with over 25K of that towing a 11,500lbs TT and they look to have another 20K+ miles left in them. Mine are oversized at 305/70R18E (35X12.8) but even with that, a 4" lift and 4.88 gears our 8K wagon gets some of the best loaded (7.5 to 9.5 MPG) and unloaded (14.5 MPG) mileage of the V-10 tow rigs around here, I give these great tire's some of the credit for that.
Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,509
Likes: 902
From: Home Base Nebraska
If you are towing and not running in the snow regularly go with a HT (highway tread ) tire, they will run quieter and give you better mileage and wear. Ive been running Firestone Transforce for years with good results.
Denny
Denny
