Used Tires - Yes or No?

[Tulsa618]

I think I could squeeze a few more thousand miles out of my original Michelins, but I’m looking at an odd offer. The place where I had my leveling kit and Bilsteins installed was next a tire shop. The tire shop manager saw my truck and pointed out that the it really would look better with some bigger tires (somewhat of an obvious understatement ... ).



He took me back into the nether reaches of his shop and showed me a set of 315/75 ATs that were 1) used and 2) non-branded, but (he said) made by Kelly. These tires still had the manufacturing “nipples” on the tread itself, so there couldn’t be many miles on them (he said the owner just didn’t like them and came back and bought some MTs). He wants fifty bucks each for a set of four.



I’m thinking that if I just get 15K out of them, I’ve not too much to lose for that price, but I wonder how much risk I might be taking.



What does your experience and expertise tell you? Is this something I should steer away from? Would YOU do this (assuming you’re not rich and can buy anything you want)?

 

[BigMike]

To me it depends on how you use your truck. If you tow a lot, I wouldn't take a chance. If you run empty most of the time, it might be worth the risk. I'm really particular about my tires. No guarantee's, but I want the best tires I can buy on my rig. Probably a false sense of security, but I just want to minimize the risk of a problem while I'm towing my fiver!



Good Luck!

 

[Tulsa618]

Thanks for your response, BigMike. I guess how I use my truck would be a very important factor, wouldn't it?



I rarely carry anything besides a few bags of sand, and don't tow. It's just my daily driver whose off-roading doesn't go much beyond my driveway.



I'd prefer to have nothing but the best between me and the concrete, but the cost factor does tend to come into play .

 

[moparguy]

Tulsa, if they look good, and haven't had the manufacturer data scrubbed off the sidewalls (sometimes done on tires that are blems and sold for trailers only), I'd give'em a try with the following assurance from the dealer. That being that he would guarantee they would balance, and go down the road with no undue vibrations, if not he'll remount and balance your old tires at no charge.



He'll likely agree to this to move the tires. The kicker is that you need to make a clearly worded statement concerning the condition I've mentioned above on the back of your check (be sure to use a check and not a card).



When he signs and cashes the check, he's agreed to your terms and you have recourse if the tires don't work out.



Good luck,



Ronnie

 

[Cooker]

I agree with Ronnie. He has offered great advice.

 

[Paychk]

you can check and see who made the tires here:



http://www.harriger.com/tire1.htm

 

[Ladders]

Bruce, since I do know a litle about you, if you decide to go with them youll have 2 let the other "brands" win o few more than they ever won . Sounds like the kindof deal we both would go for but then agn I NEED the new truck and itll have the new tires .



Happy 2 c u around yet... (only u can make the decision but I would ask for a trial period - 1 weak ).



Happy Cummin... ... .



\\BF//