Good tow tires for SRW?

[FastDEW]

I just checked out the 19.5's and they look like a good way to go. The main concern I have though is that I would probably have to change the rear axle ratio as well. I am running a 4.30 now, perhaps I would have to go to a 4.56 or deeper. This would be another $800 or so. Any thoughts on this?

[444turbodiesel]

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Steeltex's are Firebombs.

The only opinions I've heard on the Pirelli's is how lousy the traction is with them off pavement.

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As it has been raining around here lately, I can verify that Pirelli's are lousy off pavement. Then, I don't take them to be an off road tire.

I am looking for a long lasting, safe, reliable, low rolling resistance highway tire.

Could you elaborate on Steeltex's being "Firebombs?"

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The tread will outlast the casing if you load heavy (or tow with a lot of tongue weight) They don't tolerate overloading at all, in fact I wouldn't trust them at their 3415# rating for long. The Steeltex's were involved in the whole Ford/Firestone tire lawsuits, and many were replaced after a recall. I personally lost 3 of the 4 original tires that came on my truck. Luckily, I didn't have any body damage. I went with Bridgestone A/T Revo's and have had no issues with them.

I'd look at a non-A/T tire with a rib tread if you're looking for low rolling resistance.

[444turbodiesel]

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I just checked out the 19.5's and they look like a good way to go. The main concern I have though is that I would probably have to change the rear axle ratio as well. I am running a 4.30 now, perhaps I would have to go to a 4.56 or deeper. This would be another $800 or so. Any thoughts on this?

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I assume you have a gas truck since 3.73's are all that's available with the diesel in a SRW. How much weight are you planning on towing with it? If you're not towing heavy, you can save your money on the gear swap.

[JimTJr]

These tires are a bit taller,,so why would you want to swap gears? 4:30s would come down to what,, maybe 4:11? with a tad taller tire? That could be a good thing,,right?

Usandthreedogs,, I just noticed you posted about Rickson too, I KNOW it was not there when I posted,, and they were like 5 minutes apart! LOL
Great minds think alike too!

I also am running the Firestone Destination AT, In an oversize tire on stock rims. 305/70/16 They are wearing well, with 26k on them,, See pictures here if you care!! (Scroll down about 2/3 of the page

[Packard8]

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Actually the stock Steeltex lasted the longest and handled the best out of all that I have tried. I am thinking about the Transforce replacement but not sure of the changes.

Any advice?

Thanks!

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I had good luck with the “E” load Steelies on my F350…..about 65K on the original set with about half the miles towing. The tire problems were with some F250 & Excursions that were delivered with the load range “D” tires. I bought another set of Steelies “E” rated cheap off of the For Sale boards here (new take-offs) and they are gong strong at 30K, almost no visible wear.

Of the current tires, I’ve heard that the Michelin Commercial Rib is good, and they can be retreaded.

[444turbodiesel]

My problems were with E rated tires on my 350.

[Packard8]

Only certain runs of the D rated steeltex tires were subject to the recall (I know, I checked with the Firestone store trying to get a free set...lol).

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've had 10 of them on my truck without a problem, and the rears have had a good amount of weight on them about 50% of the time. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[usandthreedogs]

FastDEW, I don't think you'll need to change gears. If you stay with the 225/70/19.5,they are not quite 32 inches tall, 235/80/16 are 31 inches.one inch shouldn't change the gearing more than 3%, might lower your cruise RPM about 200 at 75. I went with the 245/70/19.5(33 in.) and 4.10 gears and my speedo is off about 5mph. If you get them you won't be sorry. when yoy call ask for Heather she really knows her stuff and cares about customer service. Barney

[444turbodiesel]

I guess it mostly has to do with how heavy your towing/hauling. If you're going to push the limit of the tires regularly (RA-6830#) I'd stay away from Firestones. I've had over 8000# on my RA with Bridgestone AT Revos on many occasions (too many to count) and have yet to encounter any casing issues (on my third set now)

[FastDEW]

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FastDEW, I don't think you'll need to change gears. If you stay with the 225/70/19.5,they are not quite 32 inches tall, 235/80/16 are 31 inches.one inch shouldn't change the gearing more than 3%, might lower your cruise RPM about 200 at 75. I went with the 245/70/19.5(33 in.) and 4.10 gears and my speedo is off about 5mph. If you get them you won't be sorry. when yoy call ask for Heather she really knows her stuff and cares about customer service. Barney

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Good point. I need to check more into this.

Thanks for all of the input.

I am currently pulling a 36' 5er. The total truck and trailer wt is about 21,000 lbs. Not too sure on the Pin wt. I need to check in out.

Thanks!

[usandthreedogs]

check out this site for an awsome tire size/gear ratio calculator.
www.accuautoparts.com Seems like it is under terms and conditions. very interesting stuff. Barney

[Runk]

regarding Pirelli Scorpions....
my F350 came with BF Goodrich's , and I got around 50,000 miles out of them.
Thought I'd try out the Pirelli Scorpions....unfortunately after 20,000 miles they are pretty much used up.
Wierd....same truck, same conditions, same tire pressures etc.
Take care...
Runk

[typhoid]

[ QUOTE ]
regarding Pirelli Scorpions....
my F350 came with BF Goodrich's , and I got around 50,000 miles out of them.
Thought I'd try out the Pirelli Scorpions....unfortunately after 20,000 miles they are pretty much used up.
Wierd....same truck, same conditions, same tire pressures etc.
Take care...
Runk

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Interesting... my '03 Excursion came with Pirelli Scorpions (265/75R16 load range E). Closing in on 55,000 miles and they are just now getting to where I need to replace them. Just goes to show you that ymmv... by a lot! Heh.

[05F250PS]

According to the internet (Tire Rack) the Scorpions are rated for 65,000 miles and considered better than Michelins. I don't doubt what you said.

[william_04_X]

i have 34K miles on my scorpions..90% towing a 10K# tag..they've held up fine for me..