Telstar Turbostar Tires

[Axle]

I am looking at various tire options for my 2500HD. I've read a lot of info and opinions here about the Michelin LTX, BFG, Yokos, & Cooper. I've gone through a couple of sets of Michelin LTX A/T's on my Bronco and really liked them for towing my boat and off-road.

A local tire guy is pushing LT265/75 R16 (load E) tires called Telstart Turbostar A/T. He says they are made or are like the Cooper Discoverers.

There is very little info and opinions on the internet about these tires. A few years ago there was a recall on them due to incorrect belt wire. Others say they wear fast.

Does anyone hve experience with these tires regarding wear, noise, or ride?

thanks,
Axle

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome to the Forums!

Never heard of them, but....

Usually, you get what you pay for with tires. Save money, and get less. I like Bridgestone, some don't. Most like Michelin, I don't (for various reasons). Anytime I'm looking at an unknown tire brand, I check the sidewall for country of origin first. If it's China, Taiwan, or the like, I don't need to look any further. Japan tires are good, comparible to US tires (they have very similar quality/labor standards). If you can't pronounce the country name, never heard of it, or it brings thoughts of "3rd world", that's another pretty good indicator. At the same time, many of these "off world" tires will come with a good warranty. Problem is, if you have to use the warranty, where can it be honored? Almost all my tire issues have been many miles from the place I buy tires. With a common name brand, you can get a warranty honored at many more, reputible, tire stores. Some folks have good luck with off-brand tires, but it is not typical.

[Axle]

Thanks and I hear what you're sayin'.

I did look at the tires again and found some more info. The sidewall does say "Made in USA."

I found out they are a private label made by the Kelly Springfield Tire Co. The sidewall labels have all the standard specs for a load E LT265 tire.

The shop owner even said he would install them and let me take them out for a no-obligations test drive. He is just starting his own shop and really wants to bend over backwards.

Interestingly, the local Big O shop has the same tires available. He said they were "good" and he sells a bunch of 'em.

[DmaxMaverick]

Well, a new product needs to get exposure somehow. You could be the lucky person to break in a new, good product.

Kelly tires have been very good for OTR tractor/trailer use, but I have mixed experience with passenger car and LT tires. Not that it was a bad product, it just didn't fit my expectations. I could say the same for Remington, Big-O, Winston, General and Cooper.

That's good the tire shop will let you testdrive them. Unfortunately, I had (nor have I seen) no issues with almost any tire before about 50% of the life of the tire. How long/far does he consider a test drive?

If you decide to try the tire, please report what you think of them. It may be a deciding factor for others in the same boat.

[charliewsc]

hi I have a 2002 chevy 2500hd duramax with 285/75r16 telstar turbostar tires on it and they have lasted 2years and about 30,000 miles of towing a 28ft toyhauler on weekends and an 18ft equipment hauler during the week with a skid steer or mini excavator on it almost every day and there is still some tread left. they are not a noise tire at all and if rotated wear just fine.