Shopping for tires

[Radshooter]

Hi all..... I didn't want to hijack NScott's thread, so I started my own. I still have the original tires on my '03 dually. Goodyear GSA. I really like them, but can't find them anymore, unless I want to pay $$$$$$ for them. I still have lots of tread left, but starting to dry rot and crack on the sidewalls.

I haul an 18K fiver pretty often, so want to stay with at least E rated tires. Also, with my job, when the phone rings, I have to go, regardless of mud or snow. So I need something in the Mud Snow rating or better. Don't necessarily want gnarly off-road tires, because the majority of my time is on a highway, and I don't want something that howls like a banshee at 60 mph.

Also, we travel all over the western USA, so would like something with a nation-wide warranty capability. I can't afford new rims, so need to stay with the stock tire size.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I look forward to your suggestions.

 

[Grizzly]

Michelin is a good place to start. They make one of the best tires in whatever tread you want to fit your needs. Discount Tire Dealer is also a good place to get them and they have about the best prices.

 

[Regcabguy]

Michelin and Costco

Costco's got great Michelin prices also. They don't allow the workers to blast heavy metal like my Discount Tire does. Pay scale is above average and all work is signed off. They offer a $60 cash card currently with Michelin purchase.

 

[seafish]

I do reall y like my Michelin LTX a/t2. I got them from my local tire guy, though they cost me $15 each more. He mounts a lot of tires, mostly cooper and BFG, and was very impressed that ir only took 2 wheel weights for the entire set to balance them on my stock rims. I have always bought Michelins, but these are my favorites yet (except for price). They ride quietly, handle extremely well, and got me through a week of snow in Tahoe soon after I mounted them. I hope to get at least 40k miles on them, but only time will tell. Next time, I might get the Toyo Open Country in a 285/75/17r cause thesy also seem to be an excellent tire.

 

[JHardwick]

Don't forget the Mastercraft C/T or even A/T. Pretty agressive feeling in mud or snow, E rated, and close to 100,000 miles ... ... ..... for $800 a set.



PS, I've never had a tire failure with these tires like I did the GSA's. I've got 400,000 miles on my truck now.

 

[MMeier]

Michelin LTX M/S's on my dually, have 90k on 'em now and still look great! Most of that hauling the GN with something heavy on it. If interested, I have a set of take off General Ameritracs with only miles on them from dealer on home, on new black steel dually wheels, (off '08 truck) PM me if interested!

 

[BHolm]

I had very good luck with the Cooper ATR's on my dually. I never liked the GS-A, and I tried one other set I can't remember between the GY's and the Coopers. Anyway, very pleased with the Coopers in the snow and the on highway use. If your GY's dry rotted, maybe you do not put on enough miles to justify the extra expense of Michelins. They will outlast the GY's wear wise, but will age crack just the same.

 

[Grizzly]

Costco's got great Michelin prices also. They don't allow the workers to blast heavy metal like my Discount Tire does. Pay scale is above average and all work is signed off. They offer a $60 cash card currently with Michelin purchase.

In October 07 I purchased 5, 16" Michelin XPS Ribs for my 5er from Discount Tire. As much as I like Costco, Discount Tire beat the Costco price even with the Costco $60 coupon, plus I was given a $40 mail-in rebate. Discount Tire prepared the rebate form. I received the check in three weeks. In addition, I would have had to take all 5 wheels to Costco in my truck for them to mount the tires as they will not mount them on the 5er.

 

[steved]

I have a set of Pirelli STRa on my 2500... I really like them for an all season tire.

I would guess around 50k/set. They handle snow OK, wets roads really good, and ride good/quiet. They also handle weight really well...

I would definitely buy another set of these... they also make/made them in a 235/80r17 flavor... I'm running the 265 version.

 

[Andy Morrison]

My vote is also for the Michelin AT2. Good grip on slippery surfaces. haven't noticed any highway noise. Got mine at Discount Tire---NO regretsOo.





Andy

 

[BHolm]

I remembered which others I had, the General Ameritracs, hated those! I think you can also get the cooper in a 245/75-17E which is the size I wish I had gone with. The 235's just seem so skinny for the wieght up front. These are 1/4 shorter but wider and carry 110lbs more per tire.

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks everyone!! Lots of stuff to think about. Some good suggestions too. Next time we get to Flagstaff, I may have to look up a Michelin and Cooper dealer.

Thanks again..... Steve

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I ordered a set of Michelin LTX M/S from Discount Tire in Flagstaff. They had them priced at $220 ea. , but I told them about a competitor ad on the internet for $182 ea. and they said they would match that price if I brought a printout to them. Saved $40/tire X 6 tires, so I paid for one tireOo.

Thanks again... ... . Steve

 

[Matt400]

I see I am too late but for anyone else looking. . this site: Home Page @ Tire Deals 4 Less has pretty good prices. No Michelin's though.

 

[RDHamill]

You might also try Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels

shipping might be an issue depending on where you are.

good luck

 

[SBeretz]

The Toyo OC AT's are pretty good tires, I have 20K on them and they are still in really good shape. They are great in snow, good in mud and handle weight very well. Plus they have about any size you would need. My 285/75's are rated at 3970lbs per tire and handle my toyhauler really well. Scotty