D rating versus E rating

[Qualey]

Well. after getting stuck 3 times today in this fantastic wet, heavy New England snow, my 3500 with only 20k is getting more aggressive tires. Here is my dilemma...



1. I want to go to a 255, but the only one I know of if the BFG MT which is a D rating with no siping. However, being a larger tire, the carrying capacity in pounds is slightly higher than that of my 235 E rating. Will I notice a difference canging weight classes? This truck is primarily my tow vehicle, but my stock tires couldn't even get the trailer moving due to traction woes this morning.



2. Will I hate the BFG in the rain and snow? I've had these before on smaller vehicles and admit that they have their faults, but they are aggressive and available today.



3. Expected treadlife with a GCWR of 23k?



Any other suggestions in the 255 size? I really don't want to shell out for the Rickson's, nor am I too keen on their look. Also, what has everybody decided for the best way to correct for speedo on the 24valve trucks?



Thanks in advance, this site is worth its weight in gold!



Matt Qualey

 

[kchristopher]

Originally posted by Qualey

Any other suggestions in the 255 size?

Here are five from tirerack.com



I have these

 

[athompson]

If it were me...

I'd get the 235 MT/Rs. But if you're stuck on the the 255s, I'd get the BFG MTs.

 

[Roy1]

You can get a Blizzak in a E and you won't have to worry about getting stuck again. Only thing is that they are a dedicated snow tire and you will wear them out quickly if you use them in the summer.



Roy

 

[bmoeller]

Have BFG M/T 255-85-16 on my Ford. After about 20k miles they are still like new. Never really had any problems in snow. Great in mud.

 

[Gifford]

255 MT's

I have the BFG MT's in 255-85-16, and have run siped and un-siped (been through 3-4 sets in my 160k miles on the truck) having the tires "siped" (is that a verb?) makes a noticeable difference in snow traction but I quit doing it cuz we just dont have that much snow here in California. (I do travel alot in the Sierra Nevada in winter though, but siped tires dont last as long it seems to me, in the summer at 100 degrees) That being said, I think in your situation siped mud-terrains might be a good choice as you probobly spend more time in serious winter conditions than I do. They are load range "d" and they have a much larger diameter than the stock 245-75's so unless you have 4. 10's your gearing (considering you tow all the time) would be quite tall, mebbe too tall...



I just happened upon a set of 4 pristine Dodge chrome rims with new looking hubcaps and 305- goodyears with mebbe half their tread life left for 200. 00, so what I plan to do is put *real* snow tires on that set, and put milder All terrains on my other set for summertime. Perhaps thats an option for you?

 

[David Wheeler]

Love these!

Try the Michelin XPS Traction. Went through the last two snows like a tank! Very pleased with their overall drive-ability and traction. Should last 85K+ A little pricey, but so far they have been worth every penny. BTW, owned two sets of the Dunlop radial rover RVs on my last PU. Was not impressed with them in the snow nor did I get any treadwear out of them (less than 30K each time).



David

 

[Qualey]

Gifford--I would be interested in trying a siper version, but have no idea what the proper way to apply the grooves would be.



David Wheeler--Any idea if the XPS Traction is available in the 255-85 size?



The concern I have with the BFGs is that even though they are weight rated the same as my current Es, I wonder if they will feel unstable laterally under load due to the different sidewall construction. Any thoughts?



Thanks for all the info



Matt

 

[Ted Constantine]

Qualey,

Take a look at the cooper discoverer ST. It is suposed to be a great all around tire, great in the snow and comes in 255/85. I was looing at a set in december but the wheels I was going to buy fell through and a 255 looks weird on a 8in wheel. Check um out. I have run 255 bfg mts and liked them very much. the new KM, I guess not so new any more, is supossed to be even better but they are a mud tire and leave a lot to be desired on ice.

Ted

 

[kevincook]

Another tire is the Nitto Grappler AT. I have had good luck with them this winter, lots of snow no problems!



KC

 

[Hollywud]

Qualey and others,



You guys need to read the thread I started: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=65983



I have BFG MT 255's and will most likely be switching to BFG AT 285's. Read the other post and if you still have questions, shoot away.

 

[David Wheeler]

Qualey,



Sorry, the Michelin XPS Tractions only come in the 235/85. Here is the link to the tire's page at Michelin so you can check them out for yourself. These are commercial grade tires, so they are rugged, but you pay for that when you buy them!





http://michelinman.com/catalog/tires/xpstraction.html





My best wishes,



David

 

[Josparkz]

I can't say for sure , but I have heard that there is a problem putting 255's on a one ton cause the sidewalls on the back ones rub against each another and go boom.

That being said, years ago I ran Dunlop mudRovers in 255 on another truck. No complaints. I went thru a couple of sets of Kelly MSR's in 255 on this truck. Real good traction , and pinned for STUDS. Magic word there for winter.

The Kelly's seemed to have an abnormal share of mysterious road hazard related deaths. More than I cared to afford. I put a set of Dunlop Radial Rovers on about 15 months ago . Then I got a set for the other end about 3 months ago. I think in reality they may be a little shorter than the Kelly's.

Any how , they seem to be a pretty decent tire. Maybe not quite aggressive as i would like and you can't get STUDS in them. But , so far so good.

 

[CLorox]

Another vote for the Radial Rovers

I put on a set of 285/75/16 Dunlop Radial Rovers (D rated) and have not had a problem, but I don't tow. Have had some decent weight in the back though. They seem to be wearing well, had them for about 15 months also.



I haven't been stuck with them yet, more than I can say about the stock 245/75/16 michelins, which required a lot more 4x4 use for minor sticky situations. In fairness to the Michelin in those sticky spots, they were pretty worn when replaced at 50,000 miles.