Help me pick a tire
#1
Help me pick a tire
Hey folks,
Time to replace the lowest-end OEM tires on my 2005 F-150. Just rolled 56k!!!
I have a regular cab 2wd, and for the longest I thought I wanted to replace them with BFG ATs. After seeing the price, I'm thinking twice. Here's the thing: I'm an outdoorsman and every once in awhile will be in a field for deer or waterfowl hunting, or on the river chasing the flatheads. I would like more grip than I have now, but I've gone this long with the cheapies (plus I don't exactly have the best off-road truck), so I'm thinking until I get my next truck, the BFG ATs are a little much at the moment.
What tires would you all recommend for year-round use, the occasional muddy field, and lots of snow in the winter? Most definitely willing to buy quality tires, so something better than my OEMs and not quite as aggressive as the BFG ATs will be just fine.
Thanks much.
Time to replace the lowest-end OEM tires on my 2005 F-150. Just rolled 56k!!!
I have a regular cab 2wd, and for the longest I thought I wanted to replace them with BFG ATs. After seeing the price, I'm thinking twice. Here's the thing: I'm an outdoorsman and every once in awhile will be in a field for deer or waterfowl hunting, or on the river chasing the flatheads. I would like more grip than I have now, but I've gone this long with the cheapies (plus I don't exactly have the best off-road truck), so I'm thinking until I get my next truck, the BFG ATs are a little much at the moment.
What tires would you all recommend for year-round use, the occasional muddy field, and lots of snow in the winter? Most definitely willing to buy quality tires, so something better than my OEMs and not quite as aggressive as the BFG ATs will be just fine.
Thanks much.
#2
#3
I was surprised at their very low price in this particular size. TireRack is asking $109 and my local Ford dealer gave me a quote including M+B that couldn't beat the TR price once shipping and M+B is considered.
These tires straddle the line between a passenger car tire and a truck tire very well, probably leaning closer to a truck tire due to the puncture and cut resistance built into the tread and sidewalls and especially because of the relatively firm sidewalls and limited "squirm" which will make them good for towing without causing a harsh ride. They track very precisely for an A/T tire. Best of all is their grip. I like to push the limits sometimes when it's really slippery but these tires continually amazed at their ability to grip on all types of slippery surfaces whether accelerating, braking or cornering.
I doubt I'll get 65,000 miles out of them (even though they show no appreciable wear yet) but would be happy with 40,000 given their performance and relatively low cost. I have heard they wear very well.
This size geared me up by about 4% and brought my speedometer to within 1 mph of dead on. Because they remain relatively narrow I have not noticed a decrease in drag or fuel economy although they are bigger and heavier than the stock tires so they will impact stop/go MPG slightly. I like the way they look, they fill up the wheel well better. Do make sure they will fit a 4x2, I suspect they will but have not confirmed.
Last edited by Real; 10-30-2009 at 02:34 AM.
#4
#5
Here is a page that sorts 21 all-terrain tires according to any of 14 different categories (dry traction, wet traction, snow, ice, road noise, etc.):
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ll&sortValue=0
I notice there are 4 different Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires represented and 3 of them have consistently poor marks in most categories (as well as overall ranking) while the Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmors consistently rank at the top or very near the top in every category. This goes to show that one should not rely upon general names or brands when selecting a tire.
The Wrangler SilentArmors scored best in class in all of the winter categories (light snow, deep snow and ice traction) while maintaining 5th position (of 21) in treadwear life. I still haven't had a chance to try them out in winter conditions but I don't think they would have won best in all three winter categories if they didn't perform.
Stay away from all the other Goodyear Wrangler models, they are rated quite low.
#6
#7
Yes, BFG AT KO's are expensive, but with tires you usually get what you pay for. I'd suggest a quality all terrian tire like the BFG AT KO, Nitto Terra Grappler, Toyo AT, Mickey Thompson ATZ, **** Cepek FC II, Bridgeston Dueler AT Revo or Pro Comp Xtreme AT. As for size, I'd suggest a 265/70-17 or add a leveling kit with some 285/70-17's.
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#8
Yes, BFG AT KO's are expensive, but with tires you usually get what you pay for. I'd suggest a quality all terrian tire like the BFG AT KO, Nitto Terra Grappler, Toyo AT, Mickey Thompson ATZ, **** Cepek FC II, Bridgeston Dueler AT Revo or Pro Comp Xtreme AT. As for size, I'd suggest a 265/70-17 or add a leveling kit with some 285/70-17's.
#9
I recommended the Wrangler SilentArmors because the OP said he would be dealing with a lot of snow and also some fields, etc.
And prices can be strange. Look at the prices TireRack has for the full size range of the silentArmors:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....er+SilentArmor
You will note that one size is much less than all the rest (and it's far from the tire with the lowest load rating or smallest size/lightest weight). I'm guessing this is their lowest profit margin Wrangler SilentArmor. But I am guessing it is not built to a lower standard than the rest of the line.
It just so happened this was the size I wanted (regardless of price) and I am extremely pleased with their performance so it looks like a got a great deal.