My 2013 F-350 came with Michelin LT275/70/18s. They're about ready to replace at 45,000, which is a little disappointing. (Most of my other Michelins have given me 70,000+ of good service.) These were okay on pavement, but absolutely useless on any unpaved surface, even my lawn. While 90% of my travel is on pavement, I'd like something quiet but with at least minimal all-weather/slippery going ability. And when I'm towing it's a 40-foot, 15,000-pound fifth wheel. I don't tow much, maybe 5,000 miles per annum. Any suggestions?

Which Michelins did you have? LTX MS or LTX AT?

I'm partial to BRIDGESTONE DUELER A/T REVO 2 for the best balance of Traction/Noise/Mileage. On a Ford, it is a MUST to properly rotate them for them to stay quiet and wear evenly. I don't like the sidewall checking that Michelins are prone to. Michelins aren't what they used to be.

My experience has been that OEM tires do not last nearly as long as replacement tires, even if the replacement tires are exactly the same brand, model, and size as the OEM tires you are replacing. Only got about 35,000 on OEM Bridgestones on last Expedition, and a little over 40,000 on OEM Michelins on current F350. Have used Michelin replacements on most vehicles and never a sidewall checking issue. Truth or myth, have read that OEM tires are slightly different than exact replacements (slightly different compound and/or "shaved") to maximize new vehicle mpg.

40 - 50k is all I ever get out of tires on my diesel trucks. All my friends that have these trucks get about the same mileage. I know I hear of folks on the internet that claim 100k on their diesel truck tires, but I am very skeptical of that.My truck now how Yokohama tires, but they are much more highway oriented. I am happy with them, but I am not sure how well they would do off road.

Had Michelins and Toyos. Prefer Toyos. But, maximum mileage out of a set of Toyos was 53,000.

New Tires for an F-350 | Good Sam Community

Slowmover
Explorer
Dec 02, 2016
In checking Tire Rack a few years back I've seen otherwise identical offerings the single difference being one is shown as the vehicle manufacturer tire.
Fast_Mopar
Explorer
Dec 02, 2016
Fordlover wrote:
Interesting read about OEM equipment vs replacement tires.
clicky

This is not limited to BMW either, I know Ford, GM, Probably Fiat, and all the luxury brands do this. Tire compound can be customized to create longer wear, less resistance IE better fuel economy, grip in high temps or low temps, etc.

This is why the tires that come on your vehicle might not be the best performance indicator of how the 'same' replacement tire from NTB or discount tire will perform.

Yes, you are correct. I work for a very large OEM tire manufacturer, and this information is correct. I'm not saying that I necessarily agree with this practice, but it is correct as stated, and it is requested by the automakers.
ksss
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016
I have a set of NITTO EXO Grapplers on a 3500. I have been real happy with them. I have 50K on them and while if I was going into Summer and not Winter I could get more out of them. However I am good with 50K. Great off road, a little road noise but not bad, and a good Winter tire. I have another set waiting to go on.
Tvov
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2016
Fordlover wrote:
Interesting read about OEM equipment vs replacement tires.
clicky

This is not limited to BMW either, I know Ford, GM, Probably Fiat, and all the luxury brands do this. Tire compound can be customized to create longer wear, less resistance IE better fuel economy, grip in high temps or low temps, etc.

This is why the tires that come on your vehicle might not be the best performance indicator of how the 'same' replacement tire from NTB or discount tire will perform.

Thank you for that info!
lenr
Explorer III
Nov 30, 2016
I have tried the Michelin XLT tires twice both XL load rated (not E rated). My opinion, yours may differ, is that they are the best riding, worst steering, tires that I have experienced. They are also great in the snow. But, if you look away for .1 second they'll wander off to one side or the other. You have to steer into the wind or the road banking. For 2012 the 275-65R-18 (HT) and 275-70R-18 (AT) sizes were both Continental for OEM. My 275-65R-18 tires only went about 48K because the front tires wore out the edges way fast. Went back with the OEMs because I just couldn't decide what else to try--I do like the way they steer. Didn't want AT and the tire stores don't sell much in a HT design. There isn't much consensus on what is a good tire in HT.
Slowmover
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
Duravis will last longest. 700 model is commercial traction. But don't know about size compatibility. My second choice would be LTX AT. Nothing lasts longer than these tire linesr
KVE777
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
OE tires have a different "Part Number" from the identical looking retail tire. Usually they are priced a lot higher, too.
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Nov 29, 2016
Campinfan wrote:
I put the Cooper Discoverer on my F250.. GREAT tire. I would buy them again in a minute. Aggressive tread, quiet, and great tread life!

This is what I'll probably go with soon. Discount Tire has them for around $200/tire in the 285-70-17. I've heard good things.

My BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2s have been excellent but they have around 25,000 miles on them and its time to replace before snowy weather hits.
Fordlover
Explorer
Nov 29, 2016
Interesting read about OEM equipment vs replacement tires.
clicky

This is not limited to BMW either, I know Ford, GM, Probably Fiat, and all the luxury brands do this. Tire compound can be customized to create longer wear, less resistance IE better fuel economy, grip in high temps or low temps, etc.

This is why the tires that come on your vehicle might not be the best performance indicator of how the 'same' replacement tire from NTB or discount tire will perform.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Nov 29, 2016
I agree with BB and the Go man. The OEM general grabbers on my F 250 had a tread separation on the rear, I changer the rears out at 34K.

The Toyota highlander has Bridgestone on it. They are looking sad, tread wise, at 34K.