2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tires for Ram Trucks

[samak1]

I currently own a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 extended cab and need to purchase a new set of tires. I would like to know what the "tallest" and "widest" tire is that I can put on the standard rims. Also, if anyone has found a perticular tire that performs (stability and wear) better than others. I have worn out Goodyear, Michelin, and Firestone tires so far. I have found the Firestones to be the best so far. Any and all assistance is appreciated.



Jeff

 

[2-ND TIME]

How many miles have you been getting with your tires? Don't forget that with wider tires your traction and handling is going to be very adversly affected .

 

[y-knot]

I have found BFG's to be very good for traction, looks, and mileage. I have them on two trucks now, and both are showing very good even wear. I expect to get 40,000+ out of mine, I have talked to many that got 50,000.



The tallest and widest tire issue, seems to be a personal preference. I think the tallest widest tire for a 3500 would be 235-85-16, any bigger and you will need spacers. I run a 255-85-16 and feel that is about the biggest one should go with the stock 6" wide rim. I know people run larger, but I wouldn't. For a 2500 I would say a 285-75-16 would be pretty large, again I know others run 315-75-16's but I think they are two big for a stock rim. Good luck.

 

[samak1]

Originally posted by 2-ND TIME

How many miles have you been getting with your tires? Don't forget that with wider tires your traction and handling is going to be very adversly affected .

I only got 25,000 miles out of the original Wrangler tires, 30,000 miles out of the Michelins and now I have about 40,000 miles out of a set of Firestones. All of these tire were LT 245/75 R16. I have been very happy with the Firestones, I was just wondering if there was a Larger and better tire out there to use.



Jeff

 

[samak1]

Originally posted by y-knot

I have found BFG's to be very good for traction, looks, and mileage. I have them on two trucks now, and both are showing very good even wear. I expect to get 40,000+ out of mine, I have talked to many that got 50,000.



The tallest and widest tire issue, seems to be a personal preference. I think the tallest widest tire for a 3500 would be 235-85-16, any bigger and you will need spacers. I run a 255-85-16 and feel that is about the biggest one should go with the stock 6" wide rim. I know people run larger, but I wouldn't. For a 2500 I would say a 285-75-16 would be pretty large, again I know others run 315-75-16's but I think they are two big for a stock rim. Good luck.

Thank you for the information. I have heard others say good things about BFGs and may give them a try. Thank you again.



Jeff

 

[samak1]

2-ND Time and Y-Knot thank you for your assistance. I hope I am getting through. I probably should have taken a little instruction on using this forum before I posted. Sorry if my replys are confusing.



Jeff

 

[KIseminger]

I have seen people run 315's on stock rims. You probably don't want to go to aftermarket rims as the have more of an offset and will not allow enough room for the tire. On the stock rims, the 315's rub just a little when the stereing wheel is locked left or right.



I have 285 Cooper Discoverer A/T's and like them; good traction, price, and a 50k warrentee.

 

[Clinton]

For 16-inch rims and normal-size tires, I must say that the Toyo M-55 is hard to beat. Not particularly easy to find, but if you can they are durable. I've heard they're manufactured as a comercial-grade tire. I'm running 255/85s right now and the only available size bigger is a 265/75. Kinda noisy, but they are awesome in snow/ice and mud/rock. I saw a review somewhere online written by a tire tech and the advice given was the M-55 was all he recommended for 3/4 and 1-tons that regulary see surfaces other than pavement. There are other positive posts about the M-55 here on the TDR; do a search on 'Toyo M-55' for some reference.



I wasn't especially happy with my BFG A/Ts.

 

[DISPATCH]

bfg all terrains all the way i have gotton atleast 40k and up too 47k out of them my family puts them on all our trucks we have had about 15 or so sets and never had a problem exept for a few nails but no blow outs or anything

 

[Rogue Ram]

I believe Illflem used to swear by the M-55 but had his siped. Out West, Les Schwab sells them... . they go on sale once a year, otherwise they are spendy. Per Schwab they do not come with a tread wear warranty. Father in law said this is all they ever used on rigs that ran on pit run/gravel roads, and were good tires.



The Schwab guys said M55s have the thickest casing out there amongst similar type tires. Might be worth a look.



R

 

[Huntercrg]

Seems everyone wants to know the same thing, me too. I stopped at Les schwab on my way home and the asst. manager took time to show me several tires and wheels. I showed him the tires on my rig w/oem michelins 265/70/17`s. I told him I wanted the best traction and the 10ply d or e rated tire and the biggest I could run on my 3500 srw with out lift kit. He said the michelins on my truck retail for $230. 00 ea. [wow] but not very good traction and said the bfg`s were good tires also but said for the size I was looking for, he would go with the lt285/70r-17-8 toyo`s open country a/t all position $190. 00 ea. out the door. I`ve had real good success with toyo`s in the past plus LES has a store in every other town out here in the west. He also told me that I should not wait till next winter to buy because with oil prices on the rise, that tire prices are going to take a big jump in $. Just my . 02 Hunter