Forum Discussion

Dave_H_M's avatar
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Jan 09, 2017

My F 250 and tires?

My F 250 is not over loaded concerning tire capacity in the rear. The trucks come with the General Grabbers, which because of bad experience (blow out and ply separation) I will not run them on the back.

When i ordered the truck, by oversight or maybe being in the dark I got the stock rims which were 17". I am running Firestone Transforce and am fixing to go out on the third winter.

After a couple of scares with the generals, i am open to thoughts for putting more margin on the rear. maybe the Firestones are fine, i don't know. However the Firestones could be easily moved forward.

What about just having a set of 18" for towing?

i am just looking for nifty ideas that i may have overlooked.

BTW the fifth wheel scales out at plus or minus 200 at 10K.
Tow Vehicles
  • slapshot12's avatar
    slapshot12
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2017
    How about a set of 20" OEM take offs? My 250 came with the polished 20" wheels with Michelin tires and I'm very happy with them both. The tires are E rated, and the wheels would be an exact fit. I see many sets of take offs for sale on CL and Ebay.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jan 10, 2017
    I don't see the issue. 10k trailer doesn't load up the rear much.
    Never had much use for fire stones but I've run some OE transforce heavily loaded. Around 8klb on the rear axle for 5000mi straight this summer with no issues. They will be fine for a couple thousand pounds in the bed.
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Jan 10, 2017
    Thanks for the input folks.

    You all helped me get my grey matter in gear.

    Craigslist- I live within driving distance of the St Louis area and a quick look revealed that is the place to get them.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Jan 10, 2017
    Dave H M wrote:
    Bedlam, I am gonna have to go with some phone calls to bigger town dealers. The local parts guy was wondering what a take off is. :S

    The best dealer is the place where they will put on a lot of aftermarket bling to pad their profit margin. Here is where you can buy take offs typically for $400 for a new set of tires mounted on steel or $600 for new tires mounted on aluminum. I was able to turn around and sell my worn sets locally for half the price I bought them which also helped keep the price down.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Jan 10, 2017
    17" truck tire have become the ignored step child. They have lower rating than 16" tires. Look for some 18" take offs. Chris
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Jan 10, 2017
    Bedlam, I am gonna have to go with some phone calls to bigger town dealers. The local parts guy was wondering what a take off is. :S
  • leggy's avatar
    leggy
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2017
    Old bisquit- I did 2 sets of Cooper discoverer AT3s on my f350 and got 22k and 19k per set. I was told by supplier that I do carry a lot of weight, duh, that's what a truck is for. Trying Hankooks now.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Jan 10, 2017
    FYI: 245/70R19.5 tires are the same height as the 275/70R18's.

    Check with local dealers for new take offs - You should be able to get 18" alloys with the above 18" tires for about $600 for a set of four.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 10, 2017
    17" tires........10K trailer

    What is the concern :H

    I have 17's on my 3500 and tow 14K regularly (7 yrs FT) at MAX Tow Rating (3195#/each)


    Have run Michelin A/T2 since 2008 with 60K on each set.
    Next set I am going to give Cooper Discoverer a try.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 10, 2017
    Dave, with the 4.30 gear set, you could go to 275/70/18 tires and still pull 10K no problem. It may put you in 5th gear towing at times, but might net better mpg, when not towing.

    With the 2WD, bed rail clearance should still be good.

    The bigger tires would have more max wt capacity, and likely live longer.

    Jerry

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