Camper tires question - Diesel Forum

flagger · 05-01-2009, 02:15 PM

About time to put the camper on again and also time for new tires. I'm thinking of changing up to Toyo open countrys in the 315/75R16 size. does anyone have an idea if they will fit under my Y2K F350 SRW without a lift?

Thanks,
Dave

mjrfd99 · 05-01-2009, 04:39 PM

I dont know how heavy a camper you have but my old one was 2800 lbs easy and the load rating on my wider than stock tires + wheels wasn't up to the job [overloaded] check weight and ratings on tires before you buy.

flagger · 05-01-2009, 06:21 PM

Yup, that is one of the reasons I'm looking at 315s. Another option that is not as dramatic is going with 285/75/16s. I know they will go in the wheel well, but unsure if I will need new rims.

uhaul · 05-02-2009, 01:34 PM

try to find out what size the test-rim width is for these tires, and use their section width measurement to compare to your current size. if you had a 7" wide rim and your current tires had, say, a section width (the fat part of sidewall) of 10" then measure around your tire for clearance and compare to specs. from new tire size. sites like tirerack.com will give you specs. for tire size and it usually tells you rim-width range for that size.

2nakiller · 05-02-2009, 06:27 PM

The 315's will rub on the front without a lift, I had BFG Mud Terrains on my Y2k F-350 4X4, they rubbed on the plastic fender liner, and on the leaf spring making the turning radius worse (if that's possible) I was running the factory 7.5" wheels and were a pain in the butt to balance.

I'm now running BFG All terrain 285 75 16 LR-E with a weight rating of 3750 lbs. (My 3rd set)
I carry a 11' 6" camper that is close to 4K loaded, I'm happy with the 285's they have performed well

flagger · 05-02-2009, 09:45 PM

Any comment on the BFGs vice a set of Michelien AT2s?

OMCUSNR · 05-03-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flagger

Any comment on the BFGs vice a set of Michelien AT2s?

The BFG's were about $20/tire cheaper at Costco. I got 76k out of them from the factory. I replaced with the Micheliens, only because that's what they had in stock at Cosco the day I went in.

I'd flip a coin, they're both good tires.

OMC

**SmokeyWren** · 05-03-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flagger

Any comment on the BFGs vice a set of Michelien AT2s?

BFGoodrich is made by Michelin, so tires of the same size should be nearly comparable, with the Michelin being a little longer lasting and a little more expensive. Generally, Michelin makes the normal size tires and BFGoodrich makes the wilder sizes. For example, the biggest 16" tire you can get in the Michelin LTX AT/2 is LT285/75R16. But in the BFG AllTerrain you can get 295, 305, and 315.

So if you want bigger than 285s, then you'll have to go with the BFGs.
LTX A/T2: Michelin Tires

Your stock rims 16" rims on a '99-'04 SRW pickup are 7" wide. If you are going to stick with your stock rims, then the biggest tire you should consider is LT285/75R16. Those require a minimum of 7.5" rims, but you can usually get by with tires that are only one-half inch too wide for your rims. Anything bigger than LT285/75R16 requires an 8" or wider rim, and that full inch too wide of a tire is a no no. Most tire dealers will not mount too-wide tires on your rims, so you may have a problem getting them to mount even the 285s. But anything bigger than 285s are obviously too wide for your Ford 7" wide rims, so they will - and should - refuse to mount them on stock 7" wide rims. (But they'll be glad to sell you cheap lug-centric rims that are wide enough but dangerous because they are not hub centric as Ford requires.)

FordmanT1 · 05-03-2009, 02:29 PM

I have a 99 superduty cc 4x4 diesel. Im thinkin of bigger tires, so I put a 2.7 levelin kit on the front. I not sure put I was told by the seller of the lift I could get 315 under there with useing the factory wheels. Is ur truck lifted any? Im runin 285 now I like to go bigger. Let me know how it gos or if anybody could help me out at fordmant1@verizon.net thanks.

flagger · 05-03-2009, 11:13 PM

Thanks to all who are chiming in, great information. Looks like I'll go with the 285/75/16s in either one flavor or another. We will see if COSTCO will mount, but someone will.

And Smokey, always a pleasure to see you pop up.

jetskier · 05-05-2009, 08:21 PM

My local Costco wouldn't mount a 285 on a factory 7" rim. I bought a set of 8" wheels so I could run the 285/75 Michelins LTX A/T2 (126R). They ride great and are quiet.

I found a set of closeout Weld Super Singles (classic 8 hole) for a little over $100 each (new). And yes, they are hub-centric. They only bad thing is they were 3 5/8" backspacing. I wanted the 4 5/8", but I had to compromise since they don't make them anymore. A set of fender flares corrected the look.

If I had to do it over again, I'd stick with the 265s.

2nakiller · 05-06-2009, 01:41 PM

I just got the Costco book in the mail, the BFG / Michelin discount is on again, I think it was 60-70 bucks off on a set of 4. not great but saves about the amount you'd spend on the taxes anyhow.

I was disapointed with the Michelins that came on my truck from the factory, the tires would move around on freeways with rain grooves, it would never swerve out of the lane but I was really uncomfortable with the truck loaded, once one blew and took out my bedside, that was it. I've been running the BFG AT's of one form or another. I was going to put on the Mud terrain KM2s but they were not in stock @ my nearest Costco, but now they have them in load range E tey may be my next set.

oh yeah, just hit 200K in my truck this morning...

Charlie · 05-06-2009, 03:27 PM

FWIW I put Michelin 9.00R16 XLs on my 88 F350 without any lift at all. Their 255/100R16 XZLs are 36.4" tall, 10.1" wide, fit on a 6 or 7" rim, have a load capacity of 3970 lb @ 68mph or 4675 lb@ 62mph. Might do better with a regear one step up (4.10 instead of 3.73).
Not easy to find; need to call Michelin nat'l HQ.

Charlie