Tire options. 33" on 18's

MX442 · #1 10-07-2009, 07:05 PM

It is time to replace the stock tires on my 04 Supercrew with factory 18s. I'd like to go to a 33x11.50. I can't find a 33 that is not 10 ply load E. Every where I get quotes they say "are you sure you want 10 ply? They ride rough."

So I've come to the conclusion that anything larger than stock size is about 10 pounds heavier and a 10 ply. I'm afraid of getting worse gas mileage and a rough ride over stock.

Does anyone know of a 33" All terrain tire that is lighter weight, maybe 6 ply, and quiet? Maybe I'm asking too much. Right now I'm undecided with BFG KO's 285/65/18 (over 60 lbs), Open Country 285/65/18, or stick with the stock size 6 ply Open Country 275's.

Thanks

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John_Deere_Man · #2 10-07-2009, 07:39 PM

when you go up to bigger more aggressive a/t like the BFG, don't know of anything that is not 10 ply. sacrifice looks for mileage. I went with the 305-65R18 BFG A/t and they are 10 ply and 65lbs. I lost about 3mpg in the city and about 2 highway. Just gotta make up your mind looks or mileage. Its a tough decision.

jdruzik · #3 10-07-2009, 11:36 PM

10 ply tires are not just for looks... They will hold up better while towing and carrying heavy loads... Tire inflation is up to 80lbs. max... As far as offering a harsher ride, I have been using 10 ply tires for over two years and they ride great... I will never chose anything less for a truck that works like a truck and is not a street machine...

MX442 · #4 10-08-2009, 11:40 AM

Ouch... Since I only get 13.5 mpg city driving now, I'd hate to see 11 mpg.

I can find 6 ply 33's on 17", but not 18". I rarely haul heavy loads and don't need a 10 ply tire.

JohnDeere, what truck do you have that you lost 3 mpg? What is your gear ratio, and do you have a tuner?

I'm wondering if I won't lose a whole lot of mpg with my 3.73 gears, and if I could get it back with a tuner.

wandell · #5 10-08-2009, 01:17 PM

Keep this in mind. A lot of people install taller tires and then figure their gas milage and freak out. But, if the speedometer was not corrected when the taller tires were installed, the odometer will also be off. This will cause the truck to register fewer miles than were actually traveled which will throw off MPG calculations (making the MPG worse than it really is).

donbeeler49 · #6 10-08-2009, 07:37 PM

I'm with jdruzik and Wandell makes a great point. Of course if you want to make the leap to larger tires you will pay a price. The choice is ultimately yours.