I have no knowledge of the technical terms for tire sizes and types. Can you guys explain them for me?

For example, what does 235/70R15 mean?

Also, I want to do a search for some all-terrain tires larger than the ones I already have on my truck, but I need the Width, Aspect Ratio, and Diameter...how do I go about figuring out how all that is determined?

Right now I have these tires on my truck, but I want to get these, but the all-terrain tire looks smaller. How can I find all-terrain tires that are larger than my normal tires I have now?

Also, would that be a wise change or a downgrade from the tires I have?

By the way, my truck is a 2000 F-150 Lariat SuperCab 4x2 with a 5.4L Triton V8.

Thanks a lot and sorry for so many questions.

 

First read Tirerack's info page for an understanding of the size. Simply, the first number (235) is the width of the tire in milimeters. THe next is the percent of sidewall to the width. 70% of 235mm = 164.5mm. The last number is the diameter of the rim in inches. Why does the standard mix SAE & metric sizes? I don't know.

The two links you listed are for two different sizes of tires, neither will fit on your truck. I believe you have 275/60R17 sized tires. I recommend 265/70R17 for 2wd owners who want AT tires. 285/70 fits, but IMHO looks stuffed. There are a lot of choices in that size. I also recommend Tirerack at least for browsing. The BFG AT KO is a good tire, but the Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo is better.

 

The Bridgestone Dueler is a very good tire!

 

Thanks a lot.

Do you think that changing my tires is a mistake?

 

The Bridgestone Dueler may be a good tire, but all of the tires made in the sizes we use, 17", are P rated tires, not LT tires. They only have LT tires in the 16" range. For that reason alone, I wouldn't use them on my truck.

 

The Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo has a LT265/70R17. That's the one I'm getting. It's 31.6" high, just the right size, has great looking tread, great on and off the highway, great in the snow, and they last forever!

 

I see that one now. A load range E. A bit much on an F150. I have had LR E's on a 150 before, they do ride rougher. Not as much give in the sidewall.

 

But they weren't Revo's. People seem to really like the Revo on Tire Rack. Getting the correct tire pressure will be key.

 

Hopefully you can get the ride right without getting the pressure too low. On a LR E, I wouldn't run them much below 50. That is what the ones I had were run at, and tire wear was perfect. Ride was just a bit too stiff.

 

That may be a problem you had with your old tires, non-Revo's. I've never heard any have a problem with the ride quality with Revo's.

 

There are several LT 265/70R17 tires, but LT is unnecessary for 95% of truck owner, 99.9% of 2wd truck owners. Also, note the load ranges for the the P tires, plenty enough for F-150's.

 

I was talking to one of my teachers today at school who is a truck enthusiast like myself (except he drives a Dodge Ram and I say boo to that), and I showed him the tires I am interested in: the BFGoodrich All-terrain KO in the size 265/70R17. He told me that it's a popular tire, but he has had many all-terrain tires in his life and none were as good as the ones he has now. I asked him what they were and he went on the internet and went straight to the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo. He said it it the smoothest, longest-lasting, highest quality all-terrain tire made. I told him I had a feeling those were the ones he would go to because you guys all said that. So, if I do get some A/T tires, those will be the ones (they're cheaper anyway). My only problem with them is that they don't visibly look as tough as the BFGoodrich KO. I dunno...the Revo looks more narrow or something.

In your honest opinion, what should I do? And, does my spedometer need to be recalibrated?

Thanks again.

 

here is a good link to alot of info on tires as well as a calculator to help you determine which size is good with percentages and even tells you whether your speedo will be fast or slow.

http://www.1010tires.com/tech.asp?type=tires

Some threads and reviews I have read state that the BFGOODRICH is a very popular tire. It seems that they are vehicle dependent, meaning that some claim they are the worst tires in the mud, and wear prematurely and others claim they are the best tire they have ever had and lasted over 50,000 miles. We all drive differently and the tires have a specific load rating so maybe someone who put this tire (for the sake of Having it) istead of Because it's what the truck will allow may not be as happy. Bridgestone dueler REVOS have had very good reviews by many and have also been rated as the best all terrain tire on TIRERACK.COM. Good luck with your choice.