Time to replace the tires on my 01 4x2 supcab. I am thinking about replacing the 255/70/16 with 215/85/16 ( remember those?) The narrower tire is better on the snow and from what I'm reading is better on fuel economy. I'm sure the cornering won't be as good but I don't get in a big hurry anymore. I don't drive off road either

Any experiences with going narrow? Any negatives?

 

It will look goofy.

 

I'm 51 and I'm allowed.
I could hang some rubber bull nuts from the trailer hitch and spit tobacco juice all over the drivers side of the truck. Would that help ?

 

 

That automatically turns it into a chevy

 

I would look into it a little more first. It could give you better snow traction but be almost dangerous on dry pavement. Also, I bet the gas savings would be minimal in the long run.

 

You'll probably lose fuel economy with those tires. In order to get a load rating in that size for a 1/2 ton pickup, you need Load D which means heavier tires.

I wouldn't worry about the size as much as tire itself. A crappy 215/85R16 tire will be much worse than a great 255/70R16 tire. The difference in sizes for the snow would liekly be unnoticed give the same tire. If you were thinking about a dedicated set of snow tires, I'd say go for the skinny ones. But you never know when you'll be in an situation to want better dry/wet road handling.

 

You are probably right about the minimal fuel savings, I'm not too worried about the dry pavement performance since this tire has been used on both Ford f250 and Dodge 2500 trucks in the past. However I am leaning toward staying with the 245/75/16

I emailed Michelin and this was their reply this morning:

The overall diameter of the LT245/75R16 and LT215/85R16 sizes are very
similar. The LT215/85R16 size has less load capacity in the load range D
size. You would need the LT215/85R16 load range E size for the correct load
capacity. This size requires a 5 to 7 inch wide rim. It appears that this tire would work on your vehicle. We would recommend contacting Ford to make
sure the new size will work with the vehicle systems such as ABS and the computer.

 

Hands down the best tire I have ever owned on a vehicle.
After 30,000 miles they look incredible!!!!!!! You just wouldn't believe it. I have to slap myself every time I really look at them. I have the guys at work tell me how much they like my "new tires".
I am not sure how they are rated for snow, but they are quiet, durable and handle incredibly well. I get better gas mileage with these tires a little over sized than the stock BF Goodrich tires or the piece of crap continental contitracs I had. Those were crap. Hands down.

 

lol RKrough you crack me up, nice reply with the tabacy.

I second Malaxander with the Geolander HTS's. They are a great tire for your money, last a long time and aren't so heavy either if you look at the P245.75.16's- they are a 4 ply (I believe). Narrower is better for the snowy conditions, some tire companies will sipe them for you too if you want additional snow grip.