Hey, there:

I'm getting a jump on thinking about changing my tires. I have an '01 XLT 4x2, 4.6L, 3.55 LS, with factory 17" rims, 30,000mi. The tires I have now are the BFG Radial Long Trail A/T from the factory, P275/60R17. I really like the look on these tires. They are pretty fat without making my truck look like a mudder (not my thing). The problem is very few tires come in this size, and I'm not sure what to change to. My criteria are: Smooth & quiet ride, white lettering, good ice and snow traction (NW Ark hills+ice=tow truck to retrieve you from ditch), cool look, ability to tow some (Light trailer, no boat, etc.; I still need to add hitch receiver/tranny cooler). I've been thinking about Michelin LTX M/S P265/70R17 or just more of what I've got. How will these look compared to what I've got? (I understand what the numbers mean; they should be pretty close, right?) Any more suggestions? The Michelin's don't come in an LT 17", only P. Is this common among brands? I just got my truck last Friday, so this is all pretty new to me. Here's my truck.
here
Thanks in advance.

 

Are you sure you understand what the numbers mean? 265/70 vs. 276/60 is 2.5" in diameter larger. That is a big difference that you will notice in acceleration, speedo error, and the look.

Tirerack shows 16 tires in 275/65R17. $89 for the Kumho STX which has the highest rating. Unless you tow near the limits of your truck, this tire will be fine without an LT rating.

 

Thanks for the replay, APT. Yeah, the 265/70's will be taller won't they. I was doing the math in my head, and I thought it ought to work out close. Let me make sure I've got this right... 275/60R17 means 275mm wide w/ 60% of that for sidewalls (165mm) and 17" wheel diameter. Right? So the 265/60R17 would be 1cm narrower but 2cm (265*70%=185.5) taller. Oh! Wait, you would double that since it's the sidewall and has a top and bottom. So it's really 4.1cm taller. Gotcha. Hmm... I'll have to think about whether I want that. Let me know if I'm wrong about this. Thanks again.

 

265/70/17 = 31.6 inches
275/60/17 = 30 inches

 

Flytrap:

I have the same set-up as you, the 17" factory rims and the BFG's. I too love the look, has a fat meaty look to it.

Question, you seem to like them so why don't you replace them with the same? I have seen them online for about $125.00 a piece plus shipping.

BFG's

 

You got the math right, Flytrap.

I kinda of agree with XLT Sport. If you like what you got now, why change? Believe me, there are a lot of bad tires out there.

 

Yeah, I thought about that. I went to tirerack.com. Thanks for mentioning that place, BTW. I'm interested in the Goodyear Forteras (b/c of the great reviews and you can get them at Wally World) as well as just swapping my BFGs for new. A couple of more questions. The Forteras are rated highly, but does anyone know how they wear yet? I guess they're a pretty new line. Also, what's the treadlife on my Long Trail A/T's? Here's the warranty. No tl rating. How long do these things last? Thanks alot, guys.

 

My comparison didn't work (didn't realize it was cookied). Try this:

BFG Long Trail A/T

Goodyear Fortera HL

Also, the reviews are pretty interesting.

Thanks again.

 

Flytrap,

I was looking at tires to meet the same objectives, smoth & quite ride ect. I ended up going the the Michelin Cross Terrain. This is the best ride I have had out of four tires I had on F-150s. The traction is great dry and in the rain.

The Michelin LTX M/S is a similar tire, but I'm not sure if it has the silicone or not, as the Cross Terrain does.

I put Rancho shocks on at the same time and I feel confident in the way this truck handles. The Cross Terrain cost more than the LTX M/S and I have never had the LTX on any of my trucks.