Time for new tires... Need opinions...

[Beanmachine7000]

Well, I got a screw in one of my practically new Firestone Destination A/T's, so I've decided to sell those and step up to a little larger tire (235/85-16 vs 235/75-15)... Does anyone here have any experience with Goodyear Wrangler Authority (Wal-mart only tire), or Duratrac? They both look like a nice compromise between AT and MT tread, but I haven't heard anything about either of them...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I think they are both fairly new tires.

I am liking the idea of having a A/T that acts like an M/T when you need it though.

235/85-16's are quite a bit bigger than 235/75-15's. Both my dad and I had a flat at the same time so we had the tires together in the back of another truck to get them fixed... mine looked tiny.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

yeah... a 235x85R16 is a load E tire for 1 tons and stuff... I would go with a 245x75R16 or a 265x75R15 about 2 - 3" taller and wider.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

A 235/85-16 is a 32" tire (relatively), yes I want 10 ply (Load Range E), yes, I want a tall, skinny tire... I know what I'm looking for, I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with either tire, they are relatively new and I don't really want a full on MT tread, and both tires seem like a cross between an AT and an MT, and both at good prices ($150 or less a tire)...

I want a larger tire for ground clearance (duh), I want a skinny tire so I can run with the least amount of lift available (and most -85 aspect ratio are 10 ply), and I want a Load Range E (10 ply) so when I have my truck loaded my tires won't squat (or overload [I'll soon have F/R winch bumpers, roof rack, 2 gas tanks + water tank, dual batteries, and numerous other weighty devices, plus all our gear]) and I'll feel better about going to site with a tougher tire...

Like I said, I've made up my mind on size and construction, I just would like to know if anybody has experiences with either of these...

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Ok well... I am gonna say a load C or D would work just fine but always be safe i guess, 10 ply it is. But just because the tire is skinny doesn't mean it requires less lift. either way you will probably need 5 inches or so to clear them just cause they are taller not skinnier. But a skinny tire will keep better mileage.

So 4-5" lift, 16" rims and some tires. I would get the Duratrac ones cause they have some nice siping for traction and a quieter tread pattern (less resistance too)


If you are really worried about weight issues you could always get some 19.5's lol

 

[flagport]

While you ran them, how did you like the Firestone Destination A/Ts ?

I saw them recommended on a previous thread and have been considering reshoeing my Ranger with the Firestones. Just curious whether you have a positive or negative recommendation based on your current usage.

thanks

 

[Beanmachine7000]

While you ran them, how did you like the Firestone Destination A/Ts ?

I saw them recommended on a previous thread and have been considering reshoeing my Ranger with the Firestones. Just curious whether you have a positive or negative recommendation based on your current usage.

thanks

I'm only considering another tire becuase I can't get a Destination A/T in 235/85-16 size... If you want some I have 3 brand new (practically, maybe 2500 miles one them) Destination A/t's in 235/75-15... You can have 4 (3 good, one with a hole in it, you can try to plug [I used 3 and it still didn't hold air]) for $250...

 

[cargs]

BFG all terrian. can't go worng.

 

[strvger]

might want to check out the Procduct Review forum re: Treadwright tires. i'm sure happy with mine, can't beat the prices, and they have the size you want. i'm running the 215/85x16's, 30.9 inches tall.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

might want to check out the Procduct Review forum re: Treadwright tires. i'm sure happy with mine, can't beat the prices, and they have the size you want. i'm running the 215/85x16's, 30.9 inches tall.

Already looked at them, the MT looks a little too aggressive, and the AT tread doesn't look quite aggressive enough, and that size has been back ordered every time I check... Nice price though...

It's between the DuraTrac, Cooper Discoverer S/T, Dunlop Radial Rover R/T, or the Wal-Mart Goodyears... The Coopers are winning currently as I just got a local qoute of $850 for 5 tires mounted and balanced with lifetime rotation and roadside assistance with free replacement of un repairable flats within the first 25% of tread life... Wal-Mart quoted me $950 for their Goodyear Wrangler Authorities...

 

[gjm4l]

have you thought about the general grabber at2's? They may not be available in the size you want but I know a few people with them and they compare em to BFG AT's favorably, but the grabbers are alot cheaper

 

[Beanmachine7000]

have you thought about the general grabber at2's? They may not be available in the size you want but I know a few people with them and they compare em to BFG AT's favorably, but the grabbers are alot cheaper

Have to go check those out tomorrow...

BTW - Does anyone know if there was ever just a simple steel 16" wheel made? I know my full size spare comes on a steel 15" rim, wondering if there was something similiar for the trucks that came with 16" rims stock? I really don't care for an alloy wheel... Something steel and something simple...

 

[iceracer60]

id go with the coopers over the good years for sure. i had the wranglers on my truck for a couple years and i absolutely hated them. the wet traction was horrible and winter traction was non existent. i have since upgraded to lt265/75r16 cooper discoverer stt's on my 02 ranger xlt with no lift and i love these tires. i know your not lookin for the stt's and at the st's, but my buddy has them and he wouldnt put anything else on.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

id go with the coopers over the good years for sure. i had the wranglers on my truck for a couple years and i absolutely hated them. the wet traction was horrible and winter traction was non existent. i have since upgraded to lt265/75r16 cooper discoverer stt's on my 02 ranger xlt with no lift and i love these tires. i know your not lookin for the stt's and at the st's, but my buddy has them and he wouldnt put anything else on.

The Cooper ST is the only tire on my list I've heard exceptionally good reviews about... Plus, I can get a great deal on them

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Have to go check those out tomorrow...

BTW - Does anyone know if there was ever just a simple steel 16" wheel made? I know my full size spare comes on a steel 15" rim, wondering if there was something similiar for the trucks that came with 16" rims stock? I really don't care for an alloy wheel... Something steel and something simple...

Yeah just go to a Les Swabb or some place and look at the AWC or Unique steel wheels they have them in white and black and crome and just about any size/bolt pattern you would need.

White Spokes

Black Rims

I got the Series 42 black steelies.