Tire advice

[Shikaroka]

I will be needing tires for my Suburban soon.
I need Load E Rated tires, correct?

I've got the stock 245/75/16s on the HD alloys now.
I want to go a little bigger, like 265/75/16s or 285/75/16s.

I want a fairly reasonably priced tire that will last a good while. I don't off-road (much, if any) with the Burb, so a smooth, quiet ride is more important. I also don't want my MPG to suffer much.

I'd like some experiences with different tires and advice on size and models.
I do most of my tire shopping on Tirerack.com.

Any help, advice, suggestions would be appreciated.

[ToddMeister]

I really like the Michelin LTX M/S in LT265 e-rated

They are not the cheapest tire out there, but they seem to wear well and last a very long time for me. I have another set of these in load range C on my 1995 GMC as well.

I've got over 20K on those tires on my 05 GMC and they still look new. No cupping, very quiet, too.

Me thinks they're good for 80K or more.

Only bad thing about these tires: they pick up and hold stones in the treads on gravel roads, then tend to eject those stones upon returning to pavement.

Good luck

[Shikaroka]

Thanks!
Those look pretty good.
They are a little more then I was hoping to spend, but I guess if they last 80k miles, they'd be worth it. That would work out to be about $100 a year.

[mark45678]

you should have no problem getting just over 100000 mile on the michelin LTX tires , I had one set om my 93 c-2500 with a 6.5td go over 105000 mile and where still had 3/32 tread left ! good front end and keep the go peddle resonable , rotated your tires and keep the air around 50~55 psi ....

[enforcer233]

Several guys I work with have been touting the Uniroyal Revo Tire. They like the wear and cost. I currently have the Michlin LTX on my Suburban and I like the ride and I hope I do not have to replace them for quite a while, but when I do I may have to look at the Revo. I liket to rely on what someone else has found that works well.

[enforcer233]

The Revo is by Bridgestone Tire, not Uniroyal. Sorry!

[mr. monte]

my mich LTX 285's only lasted 60,000, wore in the center only running 45 psi in them

[Shikaroka]

The Revo is by Bridgestone Tire, not Uniroyal. Sorry!

I guess you mean this one?
Revo at TireRack

It's got some good ratings, but only comes in a Load D. Is that enough for my 3/4 ton Suburban?

I was looking for more of a highway tire, but that one looks interesting.

Thanks!

[JohnC]

my mich LTX 285's only lasted 60,000, wore in the center only running 45 psi in them

This will happen if the wheel is not wide enough. (For some tires 60K is pretty good! )

[Shikaroka]

This will happen if the wheel is not wide enough. (For some tires 60K is pretty good! )

Yeh, that's what I thought.
I've never had a set of tires last that long.

So, do you think 285s are too wide for the stock 6.5" wheel?

[enforcer233]

I am not a tire expert but I guess the load rating would all depend on what you do with your truck. If you do not tow I guess load range D is OK. If you do then you may want to stay with the load range E.

I am sure that someone who knows more about towing than I will respond on this issue.

[DmaxMaverick]

A 6.5" wheel is too narrow for a 285/75/16 tire, but a lot of folks do it. The manufacturers advise against it, and many tire shops won't install them.

As far as tire ratings go, ply rating vs weight capacity is dependent on the size of tire. The 285/75/16D tire is rated ~300# more than a 245/75/16E. A 265/75/16E tire is rated ~400# more than the 245E. Any of these tire sizes are rated higher than the 2500 chassis. If you aren't overloading, then no problem.

[Robyn]

Out here on the west coast I use The Les Schwab tire stores for all my tire needs.
I have used Toyo tires on all my rigs for years and have been very happy with the service and the miles.
I have stayed with the factory size on the Burb because much of an oversize will result in rubbing issues plus speedo issues.

If you stay with a stock size (maybe one size over) in any of the major brands you should be fine.
Load range E is a good idea simply because the casing is tougher and will handle gravel roads and other situations that are tough on tires.

Why do you wish to oversize??
If you dont go 4x4ing and need more clearance or?? then stock size should be sweet.

Good luck

Robyn

[Shikaroka]

Thanks for all the tips guys.
I would like a little taller tire, to fill the wheel wells better, the stock size just looks too small. I would also like to raise (lower number) my effective gear ratio a bit. I've hacked the VSSB, so calibrating the speedo is no problem.

My buddy has 305/75/16s on his otherwise stock (maybe torsion bars cranked a little) Tahoe and it looks nice, but I don't want to go that big.

[JohnC]

So, do you think 285s are too wide for the stock 6.5" wheel?

fer sur! I'd go at least 8" with that tire, otherwise the sidewalls will buldge out like a balloon!