I have a 98 F150, 5.4L, 4x4 Extended Cab with 16" stock rims and bald tires I need to replace. I use it mostly for commuting but often haul odds and ends and sometimes tow light load trailers. I also drive through snow in the winter. My goal though is to try to maximize my MPG while still allowing me to haul heavy things on occasion and go off road sometimes.

I would even consider getting new rims if a larger rim would help any (but I suspect from reading other posts that larger rims won't help me). What is the ideal tire size and/or brand+model tire that will help me maximize the MPG that I get? Any tips on what I should buy? Thanks.

 

A 265/75-16 (32x10.50) would probably be your best choice.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but what are the advantages of the 265/75/16 over the tires I've been using 245/75/16? I know nothing about tires and don't trust the salesmen at the mall. From what I read on the boards it sounded like the 245's would do better on gas mileage? Also, am I correct in assuming I shouldn't get 17" rims if my goal is to maximize MPG?

Oh yea, one other thing. One salesman yesterday told me to get E-load tires? What's that all about? Do I need them?

Thanks,
Matt

 

My advice - A 275/60R16 is 275 mm wide, while the 60 means its height above the rim and below the rim are each 60% of the listed width. For best fuel economy and snow traction, go with a smaller first number, i.e. less width. Also, don't go with too tall, as this gets your truck up higher and causes more wind resistance and also has bigger tires, which require more horsepower to turn and reduces fuel economy. For your mud style off roading, you want wider tires. Snow vs. Off road mud? It depends on how much you do of each. And as far as Load E tires, he means Load Range E, which is a 10 ply tire. They can be inflated to higher pressures for better towing and a stiffer ride, which also helps with fuel economy. However, they are heavier which goes back to the "more horsepower to turn the wheels". They will last longer and will buck potholes much better.

It all depends on what you want. I say a LT rating (meaning Light Truck instead of P for passenger) medium width, 245, a medium height, 60-80, and load range C (6 ply) is probably your best bet. Nokian Tires makes a tire called Vativa, which is very popular in Alaska for snow and ice conditions and it comes in a convenient 245/75R16E, which is what I ran on my old 92 F150. I am hoping Nokia produces the Vativa for an 18" rim in the near future.

Cheers!