Tires for 7.3L Diesel Excursion w/ 2" Lift
 

I finally wore out my original (yes @ 68k miles) BFG tires, so looking for new tires.

Since I'm lifted 2", the original tire size look ridiculous (LT265/75R16/e), so I'm looking for a larger tire. I'd like an All-Terrain tire, same width (265=10.5"), but taller (85 series would get me 33.5" versus original 33.5") in load range E, but there is no such tire.

So, I'm looking at:

• Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor ProGrade Lt285/75R16/E,
• GoodYear DuraTrac ProGrade Lt285/75R16/E,
• GoodYear DuraTrac ProGrade Lt315/75R16/E WRANGLER DURATRAC
• Dunlop Rvr M/T Maxx Traction 126P E OWL Lt315/75R16/E.

BFG's options in large E-load tires are all Mud ties, which I don't want.

Any input/ideas?

I am pretty sure you can get BFG AT's in 285s in Load range E. Have you not seen them? I am pretty sure I am getting a set of those, in 265s, also thinking about those Nitto Dura Grapplers, but they are unproven.

yeah, discounttire.com has BFG ATs in 285s, load range E

I have had the Nitto Dura Grapplers for over a year now and 16,000 miles on them. Absolutely LOVE them! Quiet, wearing perfectly and better traction than I expected. Awesome towing performance, good solid feel all around. That being said, they are not Off-road tires. But I don't offroad my X, short of driving on the beach when I travel to the coasts. They do great in sand BTW.

Just my 2 cents since the Dura's were mentioned. I think they are overlooked on this forum or just too new as Studawg mentioned. All I ever hear about around here are BFG's, Silent Armors and Michelins... To the OP, not sure if they have a size for you or not but give them a look if you want a great towing/street/all around tire that is built for heavy duty and still looks great IMO.

Yeah they make the Dura Grapplers in 285s, load E. One thing that I like about them is you can mount them with the smooth side out, or the riveted metal-look side facing out. I like the smooth side.

SC-Ex, go to 4Wheelonline.com if you want the Nittos, lots of info, and free shipping. If you want the BFGs, they have them on eBay right now from discounttiredirect for cheaper than the discount tire brick and mortar. You would save on tax through eBay, too.

I have never been a big fan of Goodyear tires. I am either getting these Nittos or BFG ATs.

OK, did find the BFG All-Terrains KOs 285/75R16 in D and E load ranges: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO

$189 @ TireRack. Then I guess I pay shipping and have to find someone to balance and mount them locally - seems like I could do better just buying them and getting free mounting locally. No?

285/75R16 v 315/75R16?

No thumbs up on the Goodyear Duratrac?

I'll check out the Nittos (theTerra Grapplers look nice). I'm 98% pavement driving - no off-road stuff really. I tow several boats (largest is 26' about 5,000 lbs + trailer).

I do like BFGs (these lasted 68k miles), but can't get anything larger than 285/75 in the 16 ...

I've heard the Duratacs have soft sidewalls and can wear quickly, but they look awesome. Do a little searching, I think the 315's will rub.

Just an FYI, once you step up to 285's you don't need to look at only 'E' rated tires. There are two ratings a tire gets, one is that letter rating, the other is a lbs rating. The difference between stock 265 E rated tires and 285 D rated tires varies by tire, but it is very little lbs. A 315 D would likely be rated for more lbs than the stock 265.

Then there is the argument that 10 ply sidewalls are stiffer than the 8 ply. Sounds fair, but tires like the 10 ply Duratrac are said to be softer than many other 8 ply tires. Talking to people with the tires is you are interested in is your best bet.

I have no idea how many hours I spend reading about tires to come to the conclusion that those ratings don't mean much, LOL. About all that matters is make sure the tires are rated for enough lbs. I ended up with Nokian Vativa A/T 275/70/18 E tires. Since they were only 275 wide I needed E to get the lbs rating. The tires are animals in the snow and slush. I only have about 1k miles on them, but they are very nice so far. I also can't really compare them to anything since I put them on my truck when I bought it. Good luck on your search!

Wanted to add a couple other comments about the Dura Grapplers:

SC-Ex, I noticed you were trying to find a narrow(ish) width. My obsevation on my Dura Grapplers is that even though they measure out to be roughly 35x12.50's (35.2x12.8 are the specs listed by Nitto's website) the tread width is considerably narrower at around 10.75". So possibly their 285's are constructed similarly.

Also, I tow mostly boats as well - FWIW :)

Mine are 305/70R18E for the record

Well, if you have someone that will mount and balance them for "free" then you are one step ahead of the game. But, yes, I ordered tires from tirerack before and they just come in a bundle and then you take them somewhere and get them mounted.

I have used Discount Tire everytime for the last several sets of tires. They will rotate and balance them free for life after the initial install.

I plan on ordering a set off of eBay from Discounttiredirect, shipped for free, pay no sales tax, and then take them to the store and have them mount and balance for $16 each.

I would stick to 285s, any bigger is gonna put a dent in gas mileage, and also turning/parking/maneuverability.

But, thats just me!!

How does DiscountTire rotate and balance them? Do they have local stores or what? $16 mount/balance isn't bad at all.

Yeah they do here and in Cola, I'm assuming they have them in Charleston too

None in Charleston ...
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LOVE the NITTO Dura Grapplers so far!!! 285/75/16E Stock wheels. Prolly a 'lil more than 2" of lift with v-codes.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...n/IMAG1393.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...n/IMAG1389.jpg

Look good - noisy?

Dif between Dura Grappler and Terra Grappler?

I'm running the Dunlops and am very happy with them. I towed with them 4,000 miles out to Utah and back with zero issues and great handling characteristics. They not too loud and track nicely. I would definitely buy them again.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...9005Medium.jpg