hi. 99e150 xlt. i got 60,000 miles out of the original set of Michelins. Replaced with Pirelli Scorpions, and all new KYB shocks and alignment. well, i'm just over 90,000 and these pirelli's are just about bald. I was told by a tire dealer that i will never get 60,000 out of a tire again because vehicles get old and parts aren't new anymore. i think this is a crock of you know what. the tire dealer said that all new vehicles get great milage on tires because all the suspension parts are factory freash. i spend 500+ bucks on tires and great shocks for 30,000 miles. bull! i have heard that Pirelli Scorpions are good tires but i can't help but to hate them! My next set is going to be Yokohama Geolanders series. have any of you experienced fast tire wear like this? do you believe this tire dealer? what tires do you use?

 

I had a similar problem on my 89 E-150, after the first set they wore out fast. I learned that it was because I was buying the cheap tires (35K miles), went back to 50K tires & they're wearing fine.

 

Keep in mind that the original set of OE tires are designed specifically for the vehicle. OE tire suppliers go through up to a 3 year engineering development program to qualfy the OE tire on the vehicle. The tire must meet a multitude of performance criteria including treadwear.

Even thought the Pirelli Scorpions may be decent tires, they were not designed for the vehicle. Also keep in mind that the E-vans have a tendancy to eat tires. I personally think that your tire dealer is full of s... I mean poop. My suggestion would be to stick to the OE fitment. Make sure that if you decide to go with the OE Michelins, that you specify the OE fitment for the van. Your dealer should be able to provide you with the correct tire DOT code. Also keep in mind that the tire pressure has alot to do with how the tire wears. Check it monthly and make sure that you are running what the vehicle requires (mine requires 41 psi, I think that all E150's do that came equipped with P235/75R15 XL tires)

I currently have Goodyear Wrangler HT's on my E150. I have about 40k on them and I am getting close to the wear bars.

Also keep in mind that when you buy a higher mileage tire (50k plus) you will usually lose performance in other areas including wet and dry traction.

 

Check out BF Goodrich Commercial T/A's.
I had replaced my Wrangler HT's with them and for the 20K mi I put on them, until I bought the new truck they wore like steel.
BJ's and Costco sells them. I have never seen a tire with so much tread on it and they have a 50K warranty.

 

thanks for the response everyone. i would love to keep buying michelins but they aren't cheap. i guess when you think about it, the extra cost in the beginning is better than having to buy new tires in 18months. i post what type of tire i end up with and my tire wear stats as i get them. thanks for helping out this newbie to your forum.