Tire selection recommendations sought

Thumper3 · #1 10-11-2009, 01:24 AM

I have a 2004 FX4 Super cab with 5.4 V8, 3.55 LS axles, stock alum wheels. I do 95%+ paved-road driving, with occasional off-paved (native soil trails, no intentional off-road, mainly for hunting). Shouldn't matter for tires--but also run with a Troyer performance pkg, chip programmer/exhaust/intake. No lift or stance enhancements. Rarely do any towing and since retirement, usually run without any load weight. Mainly in the Maryland and lower PA driving area so normally don't see any deep or dry snow, just plenty slush / wet snow and re-freeze ice/ some mud.
I dumped the OEM Generals at less than 8k miles and have been running Goodyear Fortera Silent Armor 255R75/17 (Wrangler Silent Armor weren't out yet). It's been an OK tire. Not overly impressive, but no big complaints except wearout. At 32k miles they are right down to the warning bars. Even wear across the tread. These were actually rated higher for traction at the time of purchase than the current ratings given by Goodyear.

I am currently looking at the Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor or the Fortera Tripletred in 265R70/17 as replacements. I am pulled between the higher on-road traction ratings of the Tripletred vs the better off-road rating of the Wrangler. I once had a set of decent road tires on a 4x2 that would leave you stranded on a wet lawn. Seems both would be noisier than my present tires. If I would go with the Wranglers, should I get the P or the lighter of the two LT's?

Any user experiences with either tire would be appreciated, especially comparative use on a single or similar vehicle. Thanks.

I did search first and found a lot about the Wrangler Silent Armor tires but not much on P vs TL, or comparative about the Tripletreds.

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wandell · #2 10-11-2009, 09:48 AM

The Silent Armor series seems to be getting good reviews. I would definately go with an LT tire on your truck. As for tire size, I'd go with a 285/70-17 (33x11.50).

Thumper3 · #3 10-11-2009, 05:12 PM

Thanks for the Silent Armor vote. I like the added height for roll distance, but wouldn't a 285 give too much float (reduced ground pressure) for good winter traction or tend to hydroplane too easily in water with a normally empty truck? That's 30mm - nearly 12% - over stock width. Any input on whether this could be a problem would be appreciated. Thanks