Forum Discussion

jerem0621's avatar
jerem0621
Explorer II
May 03, 2013

Dually Tires

Well, it's that time.. 6 new tires for King Triton are in the near future...

Seeing this is my first HD truck I am a little lost on tires. I know I need load range "E" LT tires. But other than that I'm lost. The price is all over the place and there are so many brands.

I have never had good service out of Michelin car tires... I hear people with them on their duallys go 80-100k on a set... I'm not sure I am ready to spend an extra $1000.00 on them due to my past experience with this brand...

Firestone Transforce HT are on the truck now... They are worn out and not a good indicator of how they would perform new. They seem to have good traction and perform good on wet roads.

I have had great experience with Pep Boys house brand tires called Definity. They are made in the USA by Cooper... Over the years I have had several sets of Definity tires on various vehicles. So out of curiosity I called my local Pep-Boys and they quoted me around $1000.00 (after rebate) for a set of six Definity LT235/85r16 60,000 mile load range "E" tires. With road hazzard warrenty, taxes etc.

Being someone who has small kids the budget tends to be pretty tight so I am really temped to buy a set of these Definity tires. I know I am basically buying a set of Cooper Tires and am satisfied with this brand based on my experience. Also this truck is becoming my daily driver and I will be putting about 70 miles per day on it.

What are your thoughts on dually tires. Do the Cooper/Definity tires hold up well on HD trucks? Should I just go back with Transforce tires? Michelins are not an option, based on my wallet and on my experience.

Any other brands I should consider?

Thanks!

28 Replies

  • I run the Firestone Transforce tires too. I get very good service life (~70K miles) and they take quite a bit of abuse. The Transforce ATs do well in the snow too. I think they are a very good tire at a decent price.
  • I can't say enough good about the BFG Rugged Trail T/As. My '06 F-350 came from the factory with these tires. I replaced them at 40,000 miles with the same tires. Replaced because of age, not wear. Still have the originals in the basement. The originals and replacements made 5 trips prairie dog shooting and drove around a 7000 acre field full of mesquite stumps, cactus, barbed wire, etc. and I've never had a flat on any of the tires. When I ordered my new F-450, I ordered the exact same tires again. I've never owned any other tire that wore as well or was as tough.

    Randy
  • BFG Rugged Trail has served me very well on my dullys. I got 80K out of the first set on my F350 twin beam service truck. I rotate every oil change.
  • No reason you shouldn't go with the 215's, which are OEM and will save you a couple of bucks. I have no opinion on the Coopers, although I've heard good things. I agree with you on the Michelins; I've not had good luck with them either.
  • Thanks y'all. The door sticker says 215's.... I know 235's fit because that's what's currently on the truck.

    4 sets of michelins.... 4 sets of the worse tires I have ever owned. I live on a gravel road. I think it chews those soft tires up ... Or Michelins are just a fancy name. They have not proved anything positive to me.

    Thanks for the feedback y'all
  • You'll only find 235/85/16 LTs in Load Range E or heavier. And I'm fairly certain any 85 aspect ratio on a 16 rim will be LT. So it just comes down to tread pattern/budget. You are one of the few to express dissatisfaction with Michelin. Coopers are a love me or hate em brand. I had a set that were great. Generally speaking, the milder the tread pattern the better the fuel economy, tire life, and handling.
    I would think 235s would fit that truck no problem but check the door/jamb for the sticker.
  • Hi,

    I am not to sure that the 235 mm wide tires will fit without rubbing against each other. I think that model year required 215 mm wide tires, due to the smaller wheel offset. If you have 8 lugs, normally that is a 2,800 pound rated rim, and only has about 1" of wheel offset. The 10 lug like on my F-53 motorhome used the 3050 pound rated rim and 235 MM tires, and have about 1.75" wheel offset, to provide more space between the dual tires.

    The 215 mm tire should be slightly less expensive. If you are happy with Copper tires, they seem to have a great reputation.

    I run Michelin RIB tires with all steel sidewall construction, they are a much stiffer sidewall, and less prone to flexing while in the corners. But with your 4 tires in the back, your tires should not be flexing anyway.

    Fred.