New Tires for an F-350

[Mtwoodson]

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?

[Slowmover]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

OE tires have a different "Part Number" from the identical looking retail tire. Usually they are priced a lot higher, too.

[lawnspecialties]

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]

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]

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.

[Fast_Mopar]

FishOnOne wrote:
I currently have a set of Goodyear All Terrain Adventure E rated 20" tires on my Super Duty. They're at ~25k miles and they're wearing pretty normal at this point.

Excellent choice.

[Tvov]

blt2ski wrote:

Tvov wrote:
I average about 40,000 miles on my tires. The set I have on now, Firestone Transforce HT, need to be replaced in the spring - almost exactly 40,000 miles old.

The Firestones have been fine. I kinda wish they'd last longer, but they've been good, and they are the least expensive name brand tire around me.

Oh, the HT are really a highway / road tire as opposed to all season, but they've been fine in the winter.

I had a set of HT's on a sprinter van at work, got close to 70K out of them. I would agree on the weather ability. NOT a great snow tire, but work depending upon the snow type you have. Slushy wet snow useless. Dry compacted they would be ok.

Marty

Not sure if this will help the original poster at all, but...

For the winter I replace my rear tires with Firestone Winterforce tires. They are one direction snow tires with deep tread - they are marked for driver side and passenger side. My truck is (gasp!!) 2 wheel drive. I run the winter tires from about Thanksgiving until March, depending on weather. So far they are great in winter, and due to limited use they still practically look new.

Again, I bought Firestone because they were the least expensive name brand tire I found. Actually, they were less expensive than most other off brand tires, too!

[cummins2014]

GoPackGo wrote:

BB_TX wrote:
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.

Absolutely agree. Every new vehicle I've ever bought has worn out the OEM tires much earlier than the tires that replaced them. I have also heard that the OEM tire compound is different.

I have always replaced with Michelins and got great mileage from them. My 2013 Ford dually came with Generals. The fronts got replaced at 42k and the rears at about 45k (could have gone another 5k) - with Michelins. Now at 55k on the truck odo, all 6 still look as new.

So you are saying for example the Michelin AT2 OEM on the new fords are not the same Michelin AT2's at the tire store ?? So you are saying that Michelin builds two different grades of the AT2, although the same tire the OEM is a much cheaper or less quality tire then we can buy from a tire dealer ??

[GoPackGo]

BB_TX wrote:
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.

Absolutely agree. Every new vehicle I've ever bought has worn out the OEM tires much earlier than the tires that replaced them. I have also heard that the OEM tire compound is different.

I have always replaced with Michelins and got great mileage from them. My 2013 Ford dually came with Generals. The fronts got replaced at 42k and the rears at about 45k (could have gone another 5k) - with Michelins. Now at 55k on the truck odo, all 6 still look as new.