Looking for some advice. My Navigator is stock and used only on the highway with some light to moderate frequent towing. Stock Contis have lasted 67K - one is bad now and can't be balanced. I have searched this forum and read extensively. Looks like Revos and Michelin are highly recommended. However my size is P255/75R17. That limits my choices - no Revo and no Michelin LTS M/S. Also want to maintain the raised white lettering.

Since the spare Continental is brand new (on steel wheel) I really want to stay with that size. But looking at Tire Rack that limits me to Michelin Cross Terrain, Dueler H/L Alenza, and Goodyear Fortera Silent Armor. I can find nothing here about the Dueler and the GY--maybe they are new?

However what is the wisdom in switching to P265/70R17? Now my choices are much greater and tire diameter is pretty similar. I really don't want to buy 5 tires---so want to stay close to the spare diameter in case I need it on a 1000mile trip out east which I do all too often.

Looking at Michelin Cross Terrain a P255/75 has diameter of 32.1 whereas the P265/70 is 31.9. My stock Conti is 32.4in diameter---so that would be the spare. I have no idea how much two tires on one axle can vary in diameter before it creates problems on a long trip. Anyone know?

What do I gain/give up switching from P255/75 to P268/70?

Anyone have some comments/advice. This is expensive and don't want to make a mistake!

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

I got a set of Coopers right now and I just love em for mostly Hiway travel, towing a big camper and a horse trailer frequently..

 

I just put a set of Michelin tires on ours and they are a great tire. The ride is much better than the Continentals. I hated the Continentals anyway because of tread separation. Get the Michelin's you'll be glad you did. I had a set of coopers on my 99 SD and they lasted forever but the ride was no where near as good.

 

Thanks for the reply. FordGuy--which Michelin did you put on? Cross Terrain or LTS M?S?

Thanks

 

Yoslick can you tell me which Cooper you put on?

Thanks

 

Hi,
The difference in diameter is about 1% so I think you should go with the 265/70s if that gives you better choice. If you have to replace a flat I don't think 1% will make any difference until you can get the tire repaired. If you are concerned just put the spare on the front since those wheels are not engaged when you are not in 4WD mode so it won't cause any problems.

PS check out tirerack.com for available tires and ratings

 

Mine are Cooper Discoverer H/T P265-70R17's M+S No noise, and no squealing around corners like most Michelins..

 

I have Toyo Open Country's on my 2000 EB. They have been great so far.

 

I just got the Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors and have been very pleased. Did alot of research and was originally going to get the Bridgestone Dueler Revos. I kept reading about poor traction in snow though and switched to the Goodyears which are rated for Snow. It's all in the tread the Duelers have diagonel lines like my GS-D3's and the ridges fill with snow making the tire horrible in snow. Also the Goodyears are pretty damn quiet for an all terain all weather tire.

 

why would lincoin put on a thinner & taller tire on than what comes standard. I just bought Kumho Venture and so far so good.

 

I'm shocked nobody said "REVOs"... oh I just did!

Clint

 

Clint---they don't make Revo's in my size---that's why I asked about Dueler H/L Alenza----unless I go to the P265/70's

Have you used the Revo's in Snow? See one of the posts above

Thanks

 

I will need tires before winter. So I am looking for tires also. I have found BF Goodrich All/Terrain T/A KO tire that I like. Anyone have an opinion on these tires? Also I'm going a little bigger with 285/70/17. I like the wheel well filled in. I understand from searching the site there is no clearance problems going with this size. 95% of the driving will be on asphalt. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks.

 

I had Toyo Open Country 265/70R16's on my Explorer and had no problems at all. They performed excellent in the winter on snow and ice. Now that I have my Expedition (with the Conittrac on it) I am jonesing for another set of Toyos. These Conti's are terrible. They slide on wet pavement under light braking. And they are new tires. I really don't want to try them on snow and ice. And my town is in and around a valley system. Lots of climbing and decending hills.

I recommend the Toyos. Mind you, the Explorer was half the weight of this new Expedition.