Tread separation, dang it.

[RideSlow2004]

Wasn't planning on new tires just yet, but had a tire bulge out under the tread this last weekend. Huge "Attaboy" for Les Schwab in Ellensburg for getting it on the jacks quickly and finding the problem. (I had no idea what was wrong, but it was wobbling.)

Not sure if I read it here, but thinking I remember someone going to LT285/70R rather than the LT 265/70R. 6.7 4x4 QC bumper pulling a 26' Toy Hauler. I had the axle ratio somewhere, but it is not on the 'option report' that I can see.

Thoughts one way or the other, please.

 

[MarkEkberg]

255/70/22.5 is my choice od tires nowadays. I think they make a 235 which goes on motorhomes which I might try to find in the future. Used sets are going for 500 bucks around here. Can get 100K out of a set taken off a otr truck.

 

[cerberusiam]

Little taller tire for better efficiency but not obnoxiously so. If you are staying with 17" rims no load rating difference just construction. Depends on your current gear ratio, might make top gear a little long for heavy loads.

 

[RideSlow2004]

255/70/22.5 is my choice od tires nowadays. I think they make a 235 which goes on motorhomes which I might try to find in the future. Used sets are going for 500 bucks around here. Can get 100K out of a set taken off a otr truck.

More than I need.

 

[RideSlow2004]

Little taller tire for better efficiency but not obnoxiously so. If you are staying with 17" rims no load rating difference just construction. Depends on your current gear ratio, might make top gear a little long for heavy loads.

Pretty much what I am thinking.

 

[cerberusiam]

FWIW, I have completely gone away from the 17" rims to 20" rims for a better tire selection and weight rating. The 17's are now the ******* child of rim size and the tire construction has gotten cheaper as they don't need to meet higher ratings. The newer crop of Nitto and Toyo tires have much better ratings and wear characteristics in the 18" and 20". If you are considering a whole new set of tires it is worth stepping up rim size. 4th gen take offs can be had very reasonable on Ebay to get there.

 

[RideSlow2004]

FWIW, I have completely gone away from the 17" rims to 20" rims for a better tire selection and weight rating. The 17's are now the ******* child of rim size and the tire construction has gotten cheaper as they don't need to meet higher ratings. The newer crop of Nitto and Toyo tires have much better ratings and wear characteristics in the 18" and 20". If you are considering a whole new set of tires it is worth stepping up rim size. 4th gen take offs can be had very reasonable on Ebay to get there.

Probably something to consider, but I am stretching the budget to get these tires, and I am having to put off new tires for momma's Chrysler. Thanks for the info, I will talk to the tire guys.

 

[Regcabguy]

The 20's with their scant sidewalls can't offer much cushion.
The 18's deliver a good compromise.

 

[cerberusiam]

I understand that, I have blown 2 years of tire budget in the last 6 months on my vehicles and my daughters. Got all new tires so it is all good.

The 20's with a 275 or 285 tire have enough sidewall to be usable if you aren't in big rocks. Ride is better addressed with shocks and springs, especially on a heavy truck used for towing, and air pressure when running empty. Either 18 or 20's work quite well by choosing tire size adequately.

 

[Killer223]

if keeping the 17" wheels, i like the 285-70-17 on my 2 trucks. looks so much better, and no noticeable MPG or towing problems, my 5er is around 14K loaded.