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Old 03-02-2014, 11:21 AM   #1
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Tire Recommendations

We are looking for replacement tire recommendations for our 2006 2WD Ford E250 RB SMB. It is currently shod with Michelin XPS Rib E-245-75 tires. These tires are fantastic highway tires and wear like iron but they also ride like iron. Ford’s tire inflation recommendation is 65 lbs. all around and the SMB door sticker recommends 65 lbs. in the front and 80 lbs. in the rear. At these tire pressures you can feel it when you run over a cat’s whisker. I understand this is a truck so we should expect it to ride like one but I’m looking for ideas and recommendations as to how we might reduce this harshness a bit when we replace these tires. Since most of our driving is on paved roads with only limited off-road use, it is most likely we will be replacing these tires with similar highway tires, not off-road type tires. We are looking for a good balance between quiet, smooth ride, and high mileage. Any advice and/or recommendations will be appreciated.


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Old 03-02-2014, 11:29 AM   #2
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Re: Tire Recommendations

Michelin LTX is what I and a lot of other folks run. They are high mileage tires (60-80,000 if I recall). I think pretty much any E-load rated tire will not give the most comfy ride, but they are the best choice for a heavy van. You can run it at 65 all around to help a bit.
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Old 03-02-2014, 11:34 AM   #3
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Re: Tire Recommendations

These have the best ride in my experience:
http://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/wrangler-ht

A note about high-milaege tires: If a tire has a really long tread warranty, but doesn't have a deeper tread, then it means they are probably using a harder compound which is worse for ride and traction. Something to consider while you're shopping.
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Old 03-02-2014, 01:58 PM   #4
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Re: Tire Recommendations

Hi J&J,

I think you may be over inflated. You need to weigh your van and check the load inflation tables for optimal tire pressure. 65 and 80 PSI is from Ford for a fully loaded van. Your van probably weighs less than a lot of fully equipped diesel vans.

Mike
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Old 03-02-2014, 05:39 PM   #5
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Re: Tire Recommendations

Agreed, I would lower the pressure. I used to run that and saw a dramatic improvement when I started adjusting for load. In other words, unless we're fully loaded for a trip with 4 bikes and more on the rear hitch I usually run about 55 front 60 rear. My last set of Toyo Open Country H/Ts responded well to this.
Also, that would be my recommendation for your 2WD van. They are the most fantastic tires I've ever owned and I would still have them if I hadn't bought a 4WD van.

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Old 03-03-2014, 01:41 AM   #6
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Re: Tire Recommendations

Agreed on the pressure. Bring that down a bit and it will help a lot.

Also, check out the Cooper Discoverer ATP. $80 rebate card on 4 and decently priced on Discount Tire Direct. They are made for DT so you won't find them elsewhere.

Lot's of good reviews, load range E and a good compromise tire for light offroad use.

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Old 03-03-2014, 06:44 AM   #7
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Re: Tire Recommendations

Just FYI, that Cooper ATP is pretty much the same as the Cooper AT3, which you can find almost anywhere BUT Discount Tire. I just bought a set of AT3s locally and love them. They look great on a 4x4.

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Old 03-03-2014, 07:58 PM   #8
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Re: Tire Recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by 86Scotty
Just FYI, that Cooper ATP is pretty much the same as the Cooper AT3, which you can find almost anywhere BUT Discount Tire. I just bought a set of AT3s locally and love them. They look great on a 4x4.

I have the ATP and I'm really happy with them so far.
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Old 03-05-2014, 10:31 AM   #9
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Re: Tire Recommendations

I had the Michelin's on both a truck and my van when it was 2WD. Liked 'em.

And definitely weigh your van and adjust accordingly. Mine rides horrendously at max pressures, and while it's safer to be at max in the sense that you won't overload them if you do a really, really, really big shopping trip to Costco, in regular use you're sacrificing safety IMHO. We've had other threads about this, so search around.

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Old 03-06-2014, 11:41 AM   #10
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Re: Tire Recommendations

Discount tire was running a special on eBay for at3 or ATP. I bought a set of 265/75/16 p rated at3 for my 4runner. $380 shipped for 4 after rebate. E rated were ~ $50 more on the ATP. Wish I had the $ to go ahead and get a set for the van.
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