I presently have BFG Load Range "E" tires. 44K miles on them and they are probably good for at least 6K more. I like to have some tread on my tires when driving in the rain or snow.

I have no real complaints about these tires, but wonder if other brands may offer a bit more road feedback or directional stability. How about Pirellli? Does Michelin offer a suitable 16" "E" for the Ex?

All those with experience / opinions welcome to chime in.

 

i heard the michelin had steel side walls and really helped the sway.

 

Bridgestone Dueler Revos. Great tire. IMO, better than the BFG in rain/snow.

 

I've just installed a set of the Hankook "E"'s and they are awesome. Great traction in snow, dispels puddled water and noise free.

 

I have Pirrelli Scorpion STRa on my F-250 and they are not good for anything off pavement. They are the worst stone throwers I have ever had. These tires will pick up and sling rocks as large as 3/4", the underside and lower paint is taking a beating. Smaller stones lodge deeply in the tread and the tires always ride unbalanced.

The are being replaced with BFG All-terrain K/Os as soon as the tire shop get them in.

 

I replaced my BFG's with REVO's and never looked back.. great tire in heavy rain, slush and snow. They are even reasonably quiet on the highway in the summer whether at near max psi for towing or softer for non-towing road trips
Bill

 

This thread caught my attention because I'm considering very soon trading my current tires for Bridgestone Revos. My current setup is the Firestone Steeltex LT265/75/16 Load range E on my 2000 Excursion with 4.30 gears. I would like to go a step taller tire, LT285/75/16, however I would have to settle for load range D in the 285. The 265 is available in the E range. I'm in the construction business, carrying mainly my basic tools inside, but pull a medium size trailer (locally) for the larger and/or heavier things on occasion. Total trailer and load is usually under 5000 lbs. My highway traveling is usually for family hauling and camping (without trailer). My thinking on the taller tire is that I could possibly lower the highway cruising rpm's just a little bit and possibly increase gas mileage slightly (and still not sacrifice trailer towing). The original tire load range recommendation for the Excursion was for load range D, but the replacement tire, after the Steeltex recall, was for load range E. Does anyone have any experience with going to the 285/75/16 in the load range D in the Excursion? Is the tire as responsive as the 265? Does the increased tire height actually increase gas mileage, or is the savings nil? Is the load range D now considered to be an unsafe tire in the Excursion? Any input would be appreciated.

I appoligize if this seems like I'm highjacking someone else's thread. However, that was not my intention as I believe I'm just expanding on the original question.

 

i have a set of michelin ltx and like them well.
they are very quiet and good traction.

 

I replaced my original equipment tires with Michelin XC LT4, which are "E: rated tires. They give me a fantastic ride and I'm very happy with their performance. They are not an aggressive tread, but do the job for me as most of the off roading I do is on the beach. Just a great tire, no matter where they're made or who owns the company.

Big Mike
'00 Limited V-10 4x4

 

If you are only occassionaly pulling that trailer a load range d in a quality tire will do nicely. 99% of Excursions won't ever be loaded to its maximum anyway. If it is a concern go to the tire mfg.website in question. Most have a chart of tire diameters and actual weight ratings. A 285/75/16 will only net you about 1/4 to a 1/2 inch in additional height though. Not really enough to matter.

 

Thank you for your input. I have now visited some of the tire websites and some of them have even calculated tire rotations per mile. I figure that, at best, I might gain only 1/2 MPG in fuel savings (if any gain at all). That wouldn't be enough for me to lose the safety margin of the E rated tire. If I were only toodling around town, never fully loaded, I'm sure the D would be OK. However, I do use this as a work truck and load it up occasionally, therefore, the desire for the margin of safety. I have seen posts of other X owners that are using the 285/75/16 tire. They must be using the load range D tire and I was just wondering about their experiences concerning fuel mileage and handling characteristics of that size tire compared to the 265/75/16.

 

i've had 285 revo's on since the recall, great tire,(i rotate every 6)
mom's taxi, we are upgrading camping equipment i'm sure they will be fine
i'll let ya know!

 

I changed my Firestone's at 42k to Michellin's LTX M\S load rated E. The online dealer recommended them at this load rating stating the load rating of D is not enough for the truck in the real world. I've never looked back. These tires are so superior to the stock Firestones, it makes the firestones look and feel as if they were "Flintstones". No comparison, hands down! After 12k miles I can't see any wear, especially on the side walls where the old ones were self destructing. I stayed with stock sizing, but I would go with these in any size. Good Luck.

 

Those of you with Michelin LTX "E"--what did you pay for them?

 

We have 285 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S on the 00 PSD 4x EX. about 50,000m fill the wells nice. Rolls a little better over our rough roads in the North. No issues. Also check the weight rating on the tire with the load code. Some D ratings are weighted almost the same as an E. The 03 has Michelin's 265, very round tire easy to keep balanced and quite. 265 LTX great all round tire also.