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Old 01-28-2011, 09:18 AM   #1
restez
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Tire opinion for Tow Vehicle

Just left the local Costco here in Montana and priced a new set of Michelin's for my TV. I think I have decided on the Michelin LT 245/75R16 MS2 tires. I am replacing 1 year old Michelin's that I have now on the TV and plan on putting them on the Monty to replace the China bombs. I measured the tires and they are the same hieght and width as the Marathons. The tires are E load rating so don't anticipate any problems. Any thoughts or suggestions out there would be appreciated. Also a tire guy told me to go to the larger 265/75R16 tire while I am at it but I heard that it kind of screws with your milage. I am very happy with the milage I am getting now but would like the larger tire look.
 
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Old 01-28-2011, 10:08 AM   #2
SlickWillie
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I don't think the tires would mess the MPG up. Speedometer will be off a couple MPH. A programmer will take care of that. I put the 265's on the 04 GMC we had. I noticed a lot more engine fan activity....of course, the LLY Duramax engines were notorious for running hot. The 265s sure fill the fender well a lot better than the stock tires.
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Old 01-28-2011, 11:25 AM   #3
Illini Trekker
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By moving up to the 265's you'll move up the Max load rating on the tires. It will gain around 2mph. Before you go to far check to is if you have clearance on your camper for the 245's they may rub the shocks.
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Old 01-28-2011, 12:41 PM   #4
jsmitfl
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I ran the 265/75/16 Michelins on my 2002 chevy for almost 175,000 miles. I would have nothing but them on there. It didn't change anything to much. I think I lost about 1/10th of a mile for every one I ran on the speedo. When I would pull my 12ft enclosed trailer out west to hunt with a atv in there I would get 15mpg every time. Around town here as long as I kept the boot out of it I would get aroud 17-18. The really nice part about the bigger tires is when your leaving a stop light on a wet road. No more slippage.
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Old 01-28-2011, 01:33 PM   #5
ragdoll
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I would would spend the money at Sam's and get G-614 and have them installed somewhere else. Sam's cost $985 85 to install.I have an 08 went though two set of china tires. good luck Jack
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Old 01-28-2011, 09:44 PM   #6
restez
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I think I have decided to go with the 265's on the truck. I think I will be happy with them. As far as the tires hitting the shocks on the Monty they won't, I already have tested them and they are almost identical to the size of the China bombs. I would love to get the G-614's for the Monty but right now my pocketbook just isn't deep enough to foot the bill for both the TV and the Monty! Sure love this forum, so many people here to help you out Thanks
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Old 01-29-2011, 03:19 AM   #7
Illini Trekker
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Sound like you have a good plan. Just wanted to pass on my experience I did the same thing you will do but the tires hit the bell on two of my shocks. Good tire you'll get lots of miles out of them!
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Old 01-29-2011, 03:30 AM   #8
SlickWillie
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Not sure the Mountaineer has shocks. Ours has 6K lb axles...G614 tires would be over kill to me. My neighbor in Aransas Pass had a 2005 3 slide Mountaineer with 5200 lb rated axles. His came from the factory with Tacoma LT tires on it. They still looked new when he replaced them with Firestone Transforce LTs last year.
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Old 01-29-2011, 04:26 AM   #9
LonnieB
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The LT245/75R16 is .28 inch shorter than the ST235/80R16 and .55 inch wider. In most applications the difference won't even be noticeable, but as Illini Trekker says, units with shock absorbers may encounter clearance isssues.

I think you will be happy with the results if you replace the LT245/75R16 on your truck with the LT265/75R16. First of all you will increase the load carrying capacity of each tire from 3042 pounds to 3415 pounds. You may also see a slight increase in fuel mileage due to the lower RPM of the engine at any given speed. The revolutions per mile for the LT245/75R16 is 684 and for the LT265/75R16 it is 659, a difference of 25 revolutions per mile. That doesn't really sound like alot until you multiply it by 50000 miles. It comes to 1,250,000 revolutions, or 1896.81 miles.
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Old 02-04-2011, 07:13 AM   #10
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Restez, since I **think** you are relatively new here, I'll point out LonnieB is a tire expert. He owns a tire store. He has always been very forthright about tires and does not embellish. I trusted him when I needed new tires for our Montana and I'd trust him again.

In addition, Vicki and I recently had the pleasure of having dinner with Lonnie and Vanessa near their home. We also visited Lonnie's tire store. Let me tell you that place was spotless. Even the brochures in the showroom were perfectly aligned. I was very, very impressed. The place would give me a lot of confidence in my purchase decision.

Bottom line, Lonnie knows what he's talking about.
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Old 02-04-2011, 07:51 AM   #11
restez
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Thanks for the heads up with Lonnie, I knew he knew a lot about tires from the posts that I have seen from him before. Just got back from Costco and Sam's club trying to purchase the 265/75/16 Michelin tires and neither one would sell them to me. They both told me that my rims would not work with the tire. They said they can not mount a 265 tire on a stock 6 1/2" rim. So I guess I will be stuck with the 245's unless I want to spend $1000 or more for new rims which I do not. Have talked with many people that have used these tires on stock rims with no problems but I guess Costco knows best. Sure ruined my plans to spend money this weekend!!
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Old 02-04-2011, 07:55 AM   #12
sreigle
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You might click the envelope icon above Lonnie's post and ask his opinion about those tires on that rim size. Just a suggestion.
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Old 02-04-2011, 11:42 AM   #13
ols1932
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by sreigle

Restez, since I **think** you are relatively new here, I'll point out LonnieB is a tire expert. He owns a tire store. He has always been very forthright about tires and does not embellish. I trusted him when I needed new tires for our Montana and I'd trust him again.

In addition, Vicki and I recently had the pleasure of having dinner with Lonnie and Vanessa near their home. We also visited Lonnie's tire store. Let me tell you that place was spotless. Even the brochures in the showroom were perfectly aligned. I was very, very impressed. The place would give me a lot of confidence in my purchase decision.

Bottom line, Lonnie knows what he's talking about.
I have to agree with you Steve. He's done well by me also. I've always been a believer in going to the source for information and I go out of my way to do it.

Orv
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Old 02-04-2011, 12:24 PM   #14
camper4
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I have been sold on Lonnie's knowledge of tires too. But I too have been turned down on the 265's for my truck rims. I'd really like to get the extra weight capacity but my local tire shop says they won't fit.
I ended up putting the OEM size back on. Michelin MS.
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Old 02-04-2011, 01:17 PM   #15
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I put the exact same tires on my Montana Lonnie has on his...LT Bridgestone Duravis 500s. Don't know what he runs on his TV.
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Old 02-05-2011, 10:16 AM   #16
heart90
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what size bridgestone tires are you running on your 3400rl and what ply
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Old 02-05-2011, 01:35 PM   #17
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quote:Originally posted by heart90

what size bridgestone tires are you running on your 3400rl and what ply
LT235/85R16...don't know what ply rating is...sold the Montana!
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Old 02-05-2011, 01:51 PM   #18
LonnieB
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restez, the LT265/75R16 has an "approved" rim width from the tire manufacturer of 7.0 to 8.0 inches and the LT245/75R16 is 6.5 to 8.0 inches. Many places will not mount the 265 on the GM factory wheel, actually many places won't do anything for anybody that isn't strictly "by the book". I guess I don't really blame them, with all the stupid lawsuits flying around these days. I personally don't have any problem selling, mounting, and warranting the LT265/75R16 on the factory GM wheel. I do it several times a week, and I have never had anyone come back with a problem due to the rim width. If you really want the 265 mm width, I would suggest finding a tire dealer willing to help you.

Steve, and Orv, thank you for your kind words, it means a great deal to me. I consider you both ( Marge and Vicki also ) to be good friends.

camper4, and Hooker, thank you too. The tires on my truck are Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo LT265/75R16's on 7 inch wide factory Ford wheels. It came with LT235/85R16's.

heart90, the tires Hooker is referring to are LT235/85R16 load range E.
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Old 02-05-2011, 03:00 PM   #19
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FWIW, I agree 100% with Lonnie regarding the 6.5" rim width and 265 tire! You will have NO problem at all assuming the tires will not rub on your suspension or fenderwell when full lock turning and suspension under compression etc.
I'm not a bonafide expert, but I have always upgraded my tires and wheels on every truck and car I've owned for 40 years and believe in doing my own research and talking to people who have "been there, done that" for reference!
Like Lonnie says, the Costco guys mean well, but they are just going by what the book says and don't want to violate policy. It's called CYA!
If there is an America's Tire anywhere near, give them a try...I've been using them for many years and they have great prices, service and aren't afraid to help you out with something that isn't just "by the book".
I would go with the 265/75 tire in a heartbeat. Truck will look better too with a bit more "meat" IMO!
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Old 02-06-2011, 02:44 AM   #20
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Lonnie, Have you ever put 265/70/17 on a 06 Dodge dually to replace the 235s that come from factory? Discount tire tells me they do it all the time with no problems? I have the 3400RL and have a 2300# Lance truck camper I haul. Was wandering about clearance between the duals loaded. Thanks in advance to your valued knowledge.
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