Tire Recomendations... 2WD, E350 Diesel, Michigan...

Michisurfer · 11-14-2019, 01:40 PM

Hey Folks! New to the SMB world with a 2000, E350 EB, SMB, 2WD, 7.3L, Pop top...

Looking for new tires...
Current Tires: Dayton Timberline HT 245/75/16
I've been considering AT but have read a number of reviews regarding HT's as well.

We will be doing some cross country treks this Spring logging highway miles but also exploring some terrain locally

I drive in the winter here in Northern Michigan for surf trips
The tires on it now are old and surprisingly handle okay, we drove down and back to Detroit on terrible roads and it was a breeze but they need to be replaced soon.

Looking for your thoughts on a good combo tire for snow, some off road + long distance trips

Thanks!

Thanks for your input!

larrie · 11-14-2019, 05:43 PM

We run BF Goodrich KO2 on our 2002 E350. Quiet on the road and good traction in the wet and on gravel.

Otter · 11-14-2019, 10:38 PM

^^^^^ What Larrie said. I run 285/17 KO2 and love ‘em. The grip is terrific and they’re not loud at all.

Michisurfer · 11-15-2019, 06:06 AM

Larrie, Otto- thank you for the quick replies!

No issues running down the interstate at 75mph? Fuel consumption okay?

simplesez · 11-15-2019, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michisurfer

Larrie, Otto- thank you for the quick replies!

No issues running down the interstate at 75mph? Fuel consumption okay?

There are few downsides to the KO2 aside from price. It is the standard that others are based on.

Otter · 11-15-2019, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michisurfer

Larrie, Otto- thank you for the quick replies!

No issues running down the interstate at 75mph? Fuel consumption okay?

Highway speeds are great, no limits that I’ve hit. Can’t address fuel consumption since I upsized at the same time. I’m sure I lost a few mpg’s compared to the smoother original treads. But it’s like comparing apples and oranges. And by the time I added 4WD and then a poptop, I gave up caring what the mpg’s are.

moorefc · 11-22-2019, 08:38 AM

If you search you will find a lot if info on your request! This has been discussed many times here and on ford-trucks.com (Econoline section).

BenJJ · 11-22-2019, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michisurfer

Larrie, Otto- thank you for the quick replies!

No issues running down the interstate at 75mph? Fuel consumption okay?

I have a very similar van to yours (2003 E350 7.3L) and run 285/75/16 BFG KO2s and don't have any issues going 75-80 mph down the highway. Usually get ~14 mpg.

HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE · 11-22-2019, 11:12 AM

I have similar van also
2003, 4X4, SMB, 7.3
I also run BFG - KO2 - Baja Champ - All Terrain - 285/75 R16 (126/123R)
Excellent all around tire...on and off road.
I average 15/16 mpg. Trust me with 7.3 your not going to hear any tire noise...lol
Also over the years I had many "death wobble" experiences. With this current set of tires we changed out the steering damper to the F550 version. I think the most important change was to use "INTERNAL TIRE BALANCING BEADS". I used COUNTERACT brand....totally happy with the ride and no more wobble.

Turbo · 11-25-2019, 02:19 PM

I currently have BFG Commercial TA which I thought I'd immediately replace with KO2s. However, they've been great highway, dirt, mud, and rain tires. Haven't tested them in snow so can't comment there. All that said, I've have KO2s before and almost all of my 4Runner and Van friends are running KO2s. I'll probably end up with KO2s when these need replacing.