I'm replacing the stock Goodyear Eagle GTII's (275/60-R17's) While I consider the GTII's to be a fairly good looking tire from the sidewalls, the wet traction on these tires is pretty rough! About the only tires I have been able to find in this size are the Dunlop Sport Rover GTX, the Yokohama AVS S/T's and the BFGoodrich Comp T/A HR4's. Anyone had any expierence with any of these tires, or recommend anything else you consider to be better?
Also, does anyone have any pictures of any of these tires mounted on your truck?

thanks in advance guys...

 

I like the Bridgestone Dueler H/P's. The Tire Rack gives them a four and a half "Star" rating and they look really good from the picture. You should check in to those maybe. Of course they are twice as much as the GTII's.

 

I checked that tire out aswell - the only thing I didn't care for on that tire (with the exception of the fact it was made by Firestone) is the tread wear rating (300) which is on the verge of being a little low.... Other than that, they look great.

 

Yeah, that's true. You probably want something in the 400 range. I can understand that. If you're going to spend that kind of $$ on tires, you want them to last at least 50K miles. That's why I went with the Michelin Pilot LTX over the Yoko and Pirelli Zero. The Mich was more expensive but with the 400 tread rating vs. the 200 on the P. Zeros, I would have gone through two sets of P. Zeros compared to one set of Mich's.
Just my $.02.
Also, I wouldn't get the Yoko's. When I talked to Dis. Tire Dir. they said they were getting a bunch of them back due to Mfg defects. I also hear they are very loud tires on the road. Don't mess with them. Sure you could get a good set. That's possible but I wouldn't take the chance. I know some people here have them and love them with zero problems.

 

Check out the Toyo Proxes ST or the new Falken SUV performance tire. I think the Falken has a 50,000 mile warranty and a 400 treadware rating. Cost is very competitive on both of these and are some of the meanest looking tires around.

 

I had never heard of Falken tires before but found there site and those Falken S/TZ01 look fantastic, and as you said has a 420 treadwear rating. If I could find these and there under $175 i'd definately try them out for a set. Any idea where to get them? I don't think Discount Tire carries Falken (atleast there Direct Order site doesn't.) Heck, it's been ten years since I went anywhere else

 

Falken's are good name brand tires. You should definitely check them out. Toyo's are excellent tires too. You know, maybe even Nitto might carry the size you are looking for.

 

Yea, Nitto has a tire in that size aswell... I believe it is the NT-450... between Nitto, Toyo, and Falken (all foreign brands) would anyone out there recommend one over another? The Falken's are by far the cheapest (I saw a set for as low as $88 plus shipping)

 

Couldn't give you advice on that one Chris. I've never owned any of them. I would just wait for more feedback and if not then go with the best life/tread/temp/looks for the $$$.

 

If I may say so...
I work in a tire shop, sales/intallations. A commen mis-understanding I find is that most people don't really understand the Treadwear system. UTQG Rating tests are performed by the Manufacturer. Treadwear and traction tests are done under strict guidelines but are not done by an independent source. What I'm trying to say is that companies use the treadwear index to compare various lines of their own tires (ie a performance tire to a passanger tire). The point is, treadwear ratings can not be compared between brands with the possible exception of company famlies (Michelin/Bfgoodrich, Bridgestone/firestone)

Back to the topic, if you're really looking for a great performance truck tire, I have two recconmendations, both Michelins. If you are looking for performance while still being able to "use" your truck, I'd reccomend the Pilot LTX. It is made with at least an "h" speed rating so your cornering will be great. Excellent wet weather traction due to high silica tread compounds and best of all, still good in light off road (dirt path, gravel trail). If you're looking for a supremely smooth and quiet ride, go with the Cross Terrain SUV. In the 275/60/17, the tire also has an "h" speed rating. Great tire if you just use your truck to commute but can't really take the heavy load that you may or may not require.

I hope all of this has helped, the reccomendadion and the little education.

 

Thanks for the info BJay.
I have the Michelin Pilot LTX's on my F150 right now. I put some '99 Lightning wheels on and put 285/55/18 Pilot LTX's with them. The handling had improved and they are quiet on the hwys too. I'm impressed with them so far. We'll see how they handle in the snow and rain soon.

 

Here is a pic of my old truck with Firestone GTA's 275/60hr-17

 

I'm Running the Dueler HP's in a 275/55 17. By far the best perfoming tires in water that I have ever owned. As for the Firestone claim.... They are made by Bridgestone not Firestone. Yes Bridgestone does own Firestone, but these tire are made in Japan. I am on my second set. Had to pry the wallet open, but it beat the Firestone GTA and Goodyears By a mile!

 

chris 316 i had a 98 stx and i put the proxilles st by toyo on and they were great the performed well all around they had low road noise and they were pretty reasonable to buy too i paid 550$ for them mounted and balanced



old truck
98 stx 4.6 auto
tinted windows
cowl cover
single chamber flow master exhaust
lowered 2 and 4

new truck
2000 F150 sport 4x4
5.4 3.55 ls
tinted windows 5%
cowl cover
sigle chamber flow master exhuast
torsion bars raised
33 12.50X 17 pro comp mt

 

The Yokos AVS's get very noisy at about 10K miles and wear quickly. Unidirectional tire.
The Michelin Pilots are great.