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Old 03-22-2014, 10:54 PM   #1
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Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

I am trying to choose tires for my 2006 Ford SMB 4x4 conversion on 16 x 8. Drive 90% on-road to get where I go off-road in the Colorado rockies.

I'd be interested on any recommendations or tires to avoid.

Sincere thanks,

Carl

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Old 03-22-2014, 11:17 PM   #2
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

I have Nitto ATs on my F250 and loved them, but they wore like butter in a hot skillet. Nitto is made by Toyo, but it's a less expensive tire.

I went from Toyo MTs on the van to Nitto ATs as well- don't get me wrong, I loved the MTs but so much of my time is spent on pavement, and not even interesting pavement (Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois) that I felt like I was wasting them. They're still on marc's van, and I've still got a set on my Jeep.

I went with Nitto ATs on the van before I saw how they wore on the truck, but they are amazing in the snow and light muck, and I'm still in that golden period on the van where they look like they are not wearing at all.

I'll probably cross over to Toyo ATs for the SMB once the Nittos wear out. Terrible wear is my only complaint about the Nittos, otherwise on road and off they have been impressive in all other ways.

Regardless, I'd say the most important thing is you get a load rated tire in range E. Personally I'd also say stay the heck away from BFG- I've had something like five tread separations in the ATKO and I'll never go near another BFG if I can help it. Other people love them.

There are a bunch of tire posts already too, you can find more (and probably some rehashing of everything I just posted) with the search at the top.
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Old 03-23-2014, 07:55 AM   #3
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

Yep, go with load range E. I recently went with Cooper AT3 (also sold some places as Cooper ATS?) and love them. 55k warranty, great quiet highway ride and a good looking tire for an SMB. I went with 285/75/16s.

Do a search and you will find a good bit of discussion about them lately.

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Old 03-23-2014, 03:50 PM   #4
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

You can search, but I haven't seen tons of tires to avoid per se. Of course if one blew up a Nitto or BFG or had too much wear on their Toyos they're gonna say don't get 'em, but ymmv. We're probably running just about everything.

And I disagree about load range E without knowing how much your rig weighs. You might need 'em, but you might also be unhappy with the tradeoffs (but I'm one of the BFG lovers jage mentioned. Just shows how what works for one of us is completely bad for another). Although I may be getting forced out of this camp since I've noticed some manufacturers are trimming up their load ranges to leave fewer choices.
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Old 03-26-2014, 02:59 PM   #5
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

Has anyone had experience using Kevlar reinforced tires?

I'm running 16's and some of the companies are making only 17"s.
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Old 03-26-2014, 05:37 PM   #6
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

After strictly running BFGs I've got e-rated 315/75/16 Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs on my rig. I obsessed over tires for some time before making a decision to buy 5. They are an outstanding winter tire and pretty quiet on the road. Maybe slightly louder than BFGs at lower speeds. At hwy speed it's a moot point. They have a rep for weak sidewalls but the e-rated version has 3 ply instead of 2. Nittos might be a better choice if you think you'll be doing a lot of rock climbing/hardcore off-trail stuff when you get to Colorado. The other thing to factor in, with so many road miles, is that lighter tires give better MPG and shorter stopping distances.
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Old 03-27-2014, 05:07 PM   #7
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

I have Kevlar reinforced Goodyears and love them. Much quiter than the Bridgestones I had before and the ride is nice as well. They are on 17's.
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Old 03-28-2014, 11:50 AM   #8
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

Quote:
Originally Posted by rob_gendreau
You can search, but I haven't seen tons of tires to avoid per se. Of course if one blew up a Nitto or BFG or had too much wear on their Toyos they're gonna say don't get 'em, but ymmv. We're probably running just about everything.

And I disagree about load range E without knowing how much your rig weighs. You might need 'em, but you might also be unhappy with the tradeoffs (but I'm one of the BFG lovers jage mentioned. Just shows how what works for one of us is completely bad for another). Although I may be getting forced out of this camp since I've noticed some manufacturers are trimming up their load ranges to leave fewer choices.
OT, but what pressures are you running. I have 285/17 E rated. Van weighs in at 7500lbs with just me and no extra cargo. I have been messing around with pressures, but wondering what you are using with the BFG on pavement?

Thanks Mark
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Old 03-28-2014, 01:55 PM   #9
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

Toyo AT2 is a good option.
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Old 03-29-2014, 01:20 AM   #10
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Re: Choosing a tire question for SMB 4x4

FYI on the Duratracs, the updated version is now only 2 ply in load range E. Blackwall on both sides instead of white and black.

I just bought a set of Cooper ST Maxx in 265/75r16. Load range E, 3 ply sidewalls. Great tire. Maybe a little aggressive but well into the AT category.

The AT3 is also great, but only 2 ply sidewall. Might not matter to you as you spend more time on the road. The Cooper ATP is branded for Discount Tire. Same carcass as the AT3.

I spent some time chatting with the engineers who designed the AT3/ATP and ST Maxx on construction. For VanDOOM, they really recommended the ST Maxx seeing as was planning some long expo trips.

The AT3/ATP is not as tough, but the 2 ply sidewall is made with 1500 denier poly so it is as thick as the BF Goodrich AT KO with it's 3 ply 1000 denier poly plys.


The ATP can be had at a great price as well.
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