Tire Help

6wapiti6 · 10-24-2003, 09:27 AM

I'm thinking about putting a new set of tires on my truck this weekend. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a good on road/off road type tire. I'm looking for something with a decent pavement ride, but that will hold up on dirt roads as well.
Thanks,
Matt

lost_sailor · 10-24-2003, 09:32 AM

I'm on my second set of "Wild Country" tires from Mr. Schwab. Reasonable price, and they wear quite well. Last time I bought some heavier tread (thinking snow) - next time I won't, too rough and noisy.

That's the only $.02 I have

Artwo · 10-24-2003, 09:48 AM

Les Schwab and Wild Country's all the way. Good tire for the price and great customer service/warrenty for the company.

1pump · 10-24-2003, 10:02 AM

I run only Goodyear Wranglers on my 4X4's. I've had 6 sets on 4 different rigs and have always had great luck with them. Quiet ride, excellent in snow, and I get at least 60,000 miles out of a set.
I usually get a less agressive tread design (because of noise and wear) so I have a little trouble in thick mud, but that's the trade off if you want a good highway tread.

Mr. Carp · 10-24-2003, 10:59 AM

BFG Mud Terrain is the way to go. Awesome offroad and they have a good life as well. Not too loud either. Excellent tire and look cool too.

Don't get a Wild Country. They are poor tires. Weak sidewalls and get punctures easy when on bad logging roads. Won't go back to one again unless it is their agressive offroad one. That one isn't too bad. (Traction RVT)

Small Fry · 10-24-2003, 12:21 PM

I have to agree with PDX Kevin all the way.

I have run just about all the suggest tires listed. Sipeing is a great way to increase traction and milage of the tire. They are considered as a legal traction device in Oregon. Insterad of running studes or chains.

I recently bought a set of 285/75 BFG T/A off road tires for my F250. I really like how quite they run. The tread design is great for both on and off road. The are rated as a approved
tractions device. No need to buy chains.

just my 2 cents

fishuntr2 · 10-24-2003, 01:16 PM

Just put on a set of Nokian vativas...WHAT?? Available at Tire Factorys....Siping standard...on/off road design, quiet, excellent wet and dry traction and stable at high speeds and cornering. 265/75 16 on my lifted Toyota. So far..so good. Supposed to be a SAFE tire. They drive great with a feeling of excellent control. Developed for good all around handling and are supposed to be good for ice and snow. Coming from Norway...it figures.

Mr. Carp · 10-24-2003, 01:56 PM

StinkyH is exactly right about the siping, it just allows the tires to go to pieces. They chunk like crazy. All depends on if the so called "4x4" in question is a pavement pounder or actually gets off the asphalt.

[ 10-24-2003, 02:57 PM: Message edited by: Mr. Carp ]

FISH HAWK · 10-24-2003, 11:04 PM

TOYOS are what I just purchased. The best tire around. Schwab's has them.
Make sure to change out the valve stems.

Matt

freespool · 10-24-2003, 11:17 PM

Nobody can beat Gene Lovely,at Lovely Tire&Wheel located on 82nd ave.

StinkyH · 10-24-2003, 11:17 PM

YMMV but I would suggest to not get them siped. Les Schwab had brochures there ****** this treatment to tires to increase traction and longevity of the tread but it's not always the case as I've expereienced. I had a set of siped 33" Wild Countrys on my 78 FJ55 and had chunks of the tire tread rip off. Just put on the 35" Mickey Thompsons and there was no way I was going to sipe them. Depends on your driving habits too I guess. :grin: If they're just highway miles siping would be the way to go. Although my lead foot didn't help my siped tires much. :grin:

StinkyH

[ 10-24-2003, 12:25 PM: Message edited by: StinkyH ]

pdxkevin · 10-24-2003, 11:35 PM

Since you said dirt roads and not off-roading, I would suggest getting the BFG A/Ts or the Fortera HL.

Here is an online Tire selector that might be helpful. Here is another. I like the way the first one will compare the tires you choose.

Siping will help your handling on icy and wet surfaces as well as cut down on the tire noise. It isn't the best for hardcore off-roading when not done correctly. I know several people who had theirs 'mudder' tires siped too deeply and lost chunks when off roading. The larger lugs would tear under the pressure. Part of it was the driver not properly deflating the tire for the off-road conditions. In general, siping by machine will help you and is worth doing, IMHO.

Freighter Bait · 10-25-2003, 05:16 AM

Look at the Toyo Hyperadial ST, if your gonna do a lot of dirt or rocky roads. I've gone places in 2 wheel, would have required 4-wheel with most. And pulled a F350 with loaded 10,000 gross trailer out a mud hole, and slipped one tire, on dry grass, starting the pull. Oh, I drive a '97 Dakota :grin: . Not bad for highway. Sype only if your gonna stay on the pavement. Trust me, I've done both, and seen the good and the BAD. Just gives a spot to tear or rocks to find a way thru.

Day Late · 10-25-2003, 11:42 PM

Replaced the factory tires on my 2000 Silverado Z71 with Wild Country APT's. Been on there 3 years with 37,000 miles. M&S rated -smooth, quiet on pavement and great on wet/slushy pavement too. Not too much time off pavement except during hunting seasons and they have never let me down. I do not get in situations where I might get stuck just because I have 4-wheel drive though, been there, done that and am way to old to take those kinds of risks anymore :grin: . A great light truck tire for the price. :smile: Good Luck!

Day Late

Day Late

6wapiti6 · 10-27-2003, 12:01 PM

Thanks for all the help went with the BFG All Terains. (295/75/16's) Had to put a 2" leveling kit on there to make it work, but it should look good. Through on a full 4 inch exhaust along the way. Can't wait until Tuesady to get the finished product!