2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Time to buy tires.

[AlSmith]

Perfect tire?

The tread on my tires are getting thin and I'm in the market for new tires. I have enjoyed the Pro Comp All Terrain 265/75R16 but only got a little over 35K miles out of them eeven though they are 50K rated. I'm looking for the same good ride, tracking and stability that I got on my Pro Comps, but longer life. Hopefully, something reasonably priced. Anybody got the perfect tire ?



1996 Ram 2500, 12 valve, Club cab, 8' Bed, Basically Stock and Rattles Good

Bought new in April 1996

 

[Joe Mc]

I'm on my second set of nittos, I got 50 k out of the first set of Terra Grapplers, I run 305's but here's a link to the size you're looking for Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct



I'm running the Dune Grapplers now Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct, mainly because I thought they look cool with the flames on the sidewall and thread, I've got about 15 k on them and they're still looking pretty dang sweet.



You could bump up in size without any rubbing issues or lift needed. . . .

 

[Grizzly]

I like Michelin and Toyo.

 

[SFPADGETT]

We run the Firestone Transforce A/T's and always get at least 50k per set. We rotate them at 5k. Great prices, good traction off the road (new construction job sites).

 

[dresslered]

I may be a bit different in my choices because of the dually, but I was really happy with the Michelin XPS Traction's though they were pretty pricey. I have since switched to the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo's on both my truck and wife's Durango. I have been extremely happy with them. Get mine at Tirerack.com.

 

[Rattler]

Don't forget the option of a set of take-offs. I bought a set of third gen takeoffs with low wear for 300 bucks, that was wheels, tires, and center caps. It always pays to keep your eyes open for a deal. Randy

 

[bromano676]

I 48000 miles on the procomp at. love these tires. I want the goodyear duratrac next. but only for the weight rating

 

[LVJUNIOR]

The tread on my tires are getting thin and I'm in the market for new tires. I have enjoyed the Pro Comp All Terrain 265/75R16 but only got a little over 35K miles out of them eeven though they are 50K rated. I'm looking for the same good ride, tracking and stability that I got on my Pro Comps, but longer life. Hopefully, something reasonably priced. Anybody got the perfect tire ?



Wow that is a loaded question.

I love and will not run anything but BFG all terrains on most of my trucks. I have never ever gotten stuck or had to use a winch with them on a truck. But if you are going to be off-roading where there is a lot of mud expecially gooey clay mud, I wouldn't recomend them. I get well over 50k out of every set.



I have found myself hunting more and more in areas with red clay that is like axle grease when it gets wet. So, I have switched to BFG KM2 mud-terrains and like them a lot. I have 30k on the set on my truck now and have 65% tread left. the only place I don't like them is on ice.

 

[BarryG]

I had very good success with the bridgestone dueler revos. Got 58k and 62k out of two sets. I then felt I needed a more aggressive tire for the mud and put on some toyo m55's. The revos were great in all conditions with the exception of mud they were ok but not great. Got approx 55k on the toyo m55's. While they were great tires all around they made too much noise for me, though many dont think they are noisy. I also went up in size to 285's with the toyo's. Just a few months ago I put on some Michelin ltx A2's. I wanted to stick with e rated 285's otherwise I would have went back to the revos. So far they have been very good and am pleased however way to early to tell if they will last.

 

[sfritts]

Unfortnunately the amount of milage for a given set of tires is directly related to the use of the middle and righthand pedals and what's hooked to the back

 

[AlSmith]

I know it is a loaded question, asking about tire preferrence, but, it is good to get the advice of other Ram Dsl owners because these trucks are heavy on the front end and that has a big impact on tire wear. From the post it sounds like they have several choices in common. My truck came stock with 245/75R16. I have been running 265's. Would going to a 285 make much difference overall?

 

[WestTN]

I got 91,000+ miles on the original Michelin's and 60,000+ so far on the second set. I never run a tire on this truck at less than 60 psi for any reason.



The second set was bought at Sam's Club, so were named Michelin X Radial LT instead of Michelin Radial XLT as the originals were. It is just a way for Sam' to know they sold it.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Al, if it's a 2wd, the 285s will rub at mid turn against the rear plastic fender liner. I run Yokohama Geolander ats on the front of my 96 2wd, but they don't rub, as I've removed the plastic fender liner. They used to barely touch the plastic in the rear when turning. Many of my customers really like the Michelin's for mileage. I don't reccomend them if you're not going to run the tread off in three years of less, or they will dry rot and want to separate. The BFGs are the best for the money, in my opinion. Toyo's are excellent, Goodyears are junk. Avoid any Goodyear other than the MTR, including Ridge Runner's and Kelly-Springfields. Dunlop tires tend to wear reasonable, as do the Generals. The BFGs, Michelins, and Firestone/Bridgestone get the best mileage. I don't like the Firestone rubber compound, in that it gets extremely hard after a year or so, and easily losed traction on wet roads. They wear extremely slow, though.



All just my opinion from 9 years of being an independent tire dealer, and over 20 years ranch and off road work.



God bless,



Casey

 

[Texis]

Michelin... . if you value ride quality and plan on keeping the truck.

 

[AlSmith]

Casey, my son has BFG's on his 97 Dodge 1500 and they seem to be doing well. I may have to try a set if I can find a good price. Also, my 2500 is a 2wd and I will stick with the 265 since the 285 will rub the wheel liner. Michelin makes an excellent tire and recently Sam's had a discount which is tempting, but, I'll look at the BFG's.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Rattler]

I had a full set of BFG's split open on me with 20k on that set. They were 285's. Since then i have been gun shy of BFG's. Randy

 

[GKPremier]

i had 315 dunlop mud rovers on and got about 40k out of them with no problems and probably could have gotten another 5 or so. . i blew a tire a month or so ago so i bought all new ones. i put 315 fierce attitude m/ts on. pretty aggressive tire but they ride really nice on the road and arent as loud as the typical mud terrain. its a brand new company from what i understand owned by goodyear. 315's went for 220 a tire. i have no complaints about them so far. check them out

 

[Joe Mc]

Al,

I just got an email from my Father In-Law it was about tire date codes and places selling tires that are actually many years old as new. Just an FYI the date codes are cryptic and typically 3 or 4 digits depending on the year. They appear along the bead line that is visible with the wheel on after all the other mumbo jumbo. Examples:

231 = 23rd week of 1991
3101 = 31st week 2001
466 = 46th week of 1996

The email suggested not buying tires more than 2 years old.

Buyer beware.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Running old BFG's up front and new (this fall) Michelin LTX AT2 behind. Winta here has been moderate BUT I am so far more pleased with the Michs than the BFG's I had ALL around previously. I'm not a rock climber - I just need go in snow!! Next step Michs for the front.

 

[Joltin_Jim]

JUST STAY AWAY FROM CONTINENTAL TIRES SOLD AT SEARS. i had a back tire blow up (at 22,000 miles) going down the freeway and do 3,500 in body damage. front tire split open up like a piece of rotting fruit while sitting in driveway. good ol continental tire said "there is no manufacturing problem with these tires" they were 10 ply tires too. i run a set of BFG all terrains now. 8 sets on a toyota (yes i know its a smaller truck) and i love them