Need help selecting tires

[JAllen]

I just purchased a 1998 3500 12V, and it needs tires. I have looked at tires at my local tire dealers and get a lot of recommendations.



I have narrowed it down to the following based on needs and price:



Mastercraft Courser R/D

Dunlap Rover A/T

Kelly Sufari CSR



All are 215/85/16 Load E and range between $733 to $794 for 6 tires, mounted, balanced, and taxed.



The main use of the truck is pulling a 22ft Car Hauler. With car and other things in the trailer it all comes to about 7000 lb. About 95% of the miles will be on the highway. The other will be just running around hauling stuff for projects.

 

[DHawthorne]

I perfer the 235x85x16 (E) for my 3500. I like the Michelin LTX M/S.

They are great in the snow (need some weight over the axle) and really good in heavy rain down south.



If your not going up north and going stay south of I-20 you might want to look at Michelin XPS Rib. Thats about the best mileage tire on the road. No good in the snow and sometime they move around in real heavy rain. Last set I had on my 96 Cummins went almost 90,000 miles.



Your going need about a grand to put them on. Biggest problem with any of these tires is getting a good balance when installed.

You gotta almost stand on them, since they hardly ever get the tire centered up on the spindle and they really don't care. I tell the guy ahead of time want I'm looking for and will stand there and watch the tire spin. Sometimes it takes 4 times to get it centered.



Air pressure in rears is real important, two much and the center of the tires will wear out first. Got to have alot of weight over the axle before you need to go above 65lbs. I've been running this set at 60lbs and I pull a 5fver with 2100lbs over the axles. I wore the centers out on the last set running at 75lbs.



Dave