Can anyone recommend some good tires?

[junior2005]

It's been about 4 years since I've had to purchase tires for my 1990 Suburban. It seems to me that tire prices are MUCH more expensive than they used to be.

I am looking for a good set that are rated for the SUV and that are good for towing a large trailer.

Anyone have any suggestions for what I might be looking for?

[Steve]

What do you have on there now? There are several good highway tires that are good for towing. I think you are correct, they have doubled in price over the past 10 years or so.

[Aeropagus]

yeah, tires seem to be much more expensive than they were 3 or 4 years ago. Of course, you can always find some walmart cheapies, but good tires seem to be setting you back like $750+ for a large SUV.

[Anonymous]

well i have 245/75/16 michelin cross terrain suv tires on my truck..and let me say , theyre really nice. and rides great! i prefer michelins :D

[Steve]

Myself. I have had good luck with BFGoodrich's, but I mostly look for a good tire that's on sale! I wait around for a clearance sale or something like that, and I'll even drive for a few dozen miles to save $50 or so.

Anyone else with me on this? :-)

[Dieselburb]

The tires that were on my truck when I adopted it were General Tire Grabber TR 235/85R16 E, although they have a M+S rating I had to use 4HI to reverse out of parking stall with only an inch of snow on the ground(extremely embarassing). The tires still had 80% tread. I had originaly planned to wait until they were down to 60%, but that incident quickly changed that.
I have usually gone with Bridgestone Duellers but this time I was comparing the Bridgestone Revos and the BFGoodrich All Terain T/A KOs. After a long process of research/road testing/asking other drivers for input I settled on the BFGs.
The BFGs have more road noise(noise for me is not an issue,I love my diesel!), The Revos are probably better on the highway for MPG, with the BFGs I still average 26mpg hwy/16mpg city. Off road traction with the BFGs is awsome,heavy rain/snow/mud no problems what so ever. The BFGs are also severe snow rated, one of only a handful to get this rating.
My truck has a 13500 GCVW rating and when I have had it loaded the BFGs have proven their capabilities. So far with 8000 miles they have shown no wear.
The only other tire I would consider and/or recommend would be the Michelin LTX M/S if the majority of your driving is highway, (smoother and quieter).
Just my two cents

[Steve]

Generals huh. My wife has those on her little Chevy Caviliar and they're find tire for that. We don't get a lot of snow down here in the Dallas / Fort Worth area but I grew up in the Northwest and growing up we always has goodyear tires on my dad's old suburban, rated for severe snow with studs in them in the winter so we could go up camping and hunting in northern Washington state.

How do you get 26MPG freeway with a rig that is 13500 GCVW?

[Dieselburb]

Steve, With the 6.2l Diesel, 235/85R16E @ 80psi, and not exceeding 65mph my truck cruises at a sweet spot of decent power and economy. If I drive any faster (70-75mph or more) I see a drop in milage. My last road trip with a trailer weight of 7000lb from Edmonton Alberta to Vancouver British Columbia I averaged 23MPG. The B.C. interior is much the same as northern Washington state(lots of mountains/13% grades), with the TH400 and 4.10 gears the Suburban, although it's not a speed demon, it pulls steady like no tomrrow. With the 700R4, 3.73 gears and dedicated highway tires fuel economy would have a potential increase to 28-30MPG unloaded. Obviously there are a lot of variables involved(weight/weather/road condition/LEAD FOOT syndrome,etc), so on longer trips I watch everything within reason(such as tire inflation, as every 10psi underinflated reduces economy by 1% and increases tire wear and effects handling negatively. Which at the end of the year can add up$$$).
Still when driving around town I can't always help it when gravity takes control of my right foot.:)

[Steve]

Yeah, I think I was born with a heavy right foot myself. I've spent a little bit of time up in BC and Alberta. My grandparents built and ran an RV resort in Northern Idaho called Beyond Hope Resort. It was just on the other side of Hope, Idaho...hence "Beyond Hope." Anyhow, it's some really pretty country up there. I wish there was some better industry up there, I would be tempted to try to find work up there.

[Dieselburb]

The countryside up here sure is a blessing, just too bad the tax rate here is such a sin. If I had it my way I'd be living south of the border where you're allowed to make money and actually keep some of it. All I have to do is go for a cruise in the Suburban and all is happy again. :lol:

[TrailLeadr]

26Mpg! Nice for a 'burb!
Gotta love those diesels.

I had Generals, and Goodyears. I was none too impressed. I felt that with my 2500's stiff suspension they just made the ride that much harder. Plus I think they suck in the New England snow. I recently went to 265/75/16 all terrain Kumhos. great all weather traction and the price was too good to pass up. They ride nice and soft, kind of makes the 'burban feel like a Caddy.

They were about $82 each compared to the 120-150 for other less impressive tires. (ie Goodyear Wrangler R/T, or Firestone's)

[Steve]

When I got a blow-out recently, they gave me a new set of Kumhos on the rear to compensate for them screwing up and giving me the wrong wheel and tire (it was another customers tire, I had gone in to get it looked at, but I didn't have my warranty paper there, and they put the wrong wheel and tire in the back. oops, I had them!)

Anyhow, they seem like good solid and quiet tires. Best set of tires that I ever got for free!

Better price than I got!! :D

[Steve]

Well, like I said, I had left my warranty paperwork at home, so I had to drive back to get it. They threw someone else's wheel and tire in the back on accident (like someone who was waiting to get on the road) and I was at my house with it in the trunk.

On condition that I drive back immediately, I got the free set of Kuhmos, but they also got me in instantly, didn't have to wait but 5 minutes while everyone else was waiting like 90. :-)

Never had something like that happen before, so I knew I had to get someone for my trouble.

[RichardTraugott]

Funny thing those shoes we all wear on our feet. They're alot like tires on our vehicles. Some people wear Nikes, some wear Payless specials. Some footwear costs $100 or more, some $15. Some footwear lasts a year, some a lifetime.Everyones physique is unique, perhaps similiar but not identical. Funny thing is, it's all footwear. What makes footwear unique is the person wearing it. Every person is as unique as the foot print they have inside the footwear they wear. ..............There-in is the resolution. Everyone's driving technique is as unique and different as their footwear. Therefore the tirewear on their vehicles is just as unique. What works for some may not for others. What footwear fits, feels good and lasts for one may not for another. It's the same with tires. Now this is just my common-sense opinion, but it does make sense logically, doesn't it? Respond to this and I'll tell you what I'm putting on my late-model Bourban next. Rich

Ok, I'll bite. I would definately have to agree with your statement. So what are you putting on your 'burban?

[Steve]

Anyone bought any new tires for their burban lately?

[Davandy]

My tires are very good they stick to the road and they aren’t expensive :)
BF Goodrich all terain

http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?tirebrand=BFGoodrich&tiremodel=All%2DTerr ain+T%2FA%AE+KO

[Steve]

What's the weather like up there (over there) for you Davandy?

[Davandy]

Most of the time it rains
A day of five snow in a year.
And twenty days summer if we're lucky

[Steve]

Yeah, I've heard that it can be pretty nasty (rainy) up there this time of year. I lived in Seattle for 12 years, I can do without that.

I've been in Dallas/Fort Worth Texas for over 6 years now. It's so dry here that there are wildfires all over the place.

[Davandy]

It’s difficult to find a good place to live it’s to cold, or it’s wet, or it’s to hot

I wish I lived in the USA, you can shoos what kind of weather you like
Just move to the correct place
:wink:

[Steve]

yeah, I looked up on Google Maps. The distance between Seattle, WA (Where I grew up) and Dallas, TX (Where I live now) is 2200 miles by road (about 1700 by air).


That's like driving from Belguim to Eastern Urkaine (or even into Russia), or perhaps going down near the Turkey/Syria border.

[Davandy]

Who want to live in Turkey, Russia?
:roll: I don’t, and France no thanks. :shock:

[Steve]

Maybe the Turks and Russians do? :-)

[84fiero123]

Got to agree with Richard Traugott about the tires and the shoes. Working construction I end up in some God auful places you wouldn't want to be in anything but a tank, hence the Burbs.
The best tire I have used on the older 2 wheel drive Burb is a set of Workhorses TXR's They have a real work lug to them for mud and snow. I haven't gotten stuck with them yet in anything Maine has to offer. But they are an off brand I think sold by VIP here in Maine. Resonable for a 235/15 I think I paid $60 each a few years ago for those. I have to buy 4 more for the 94 Burb we have now, those all season tires ain't worth a sh*t in snow.

[CWF]

The Park Rangers in Death Valley NP all drove trucks with BFG All-Terrain T/As and the Rangers down here in Anza-Borrego Desert SP drive on Goodyear Wrangler AT/Ss (which is what I've got on my 'Burban). I'd go with whichever one I could get the best deal on.

Steve, I bought my "Burban used from a dealer in Irving TX, through eBay. I looked for quite a while until I found the one that I wanted, and the biggest selection was in Texas!

[Steve]

How bout that. They call it the Texas Cadilliac for a reasons. about 70% of the vehicles on the road down here are trucks or SUVs.

[CWF]

Well on my way down here, I stopped in the town of Newberg Oregon to visit some friends and there were more white Suburbans than I'd ever seen before, most of them pulling horse trailers.

I loved my Jeep, but the 'Burban is really growing on me. We were heading off to the desert last weekend and it handled like a dream on the twisting paved roads and was smooth and quiet (unlike the Jeep) on the off-road.

[Steve]

I've been to Newberg, Oregon. Nice place up in the hills on the way to McMinnville.

[CWF]

And I didn't know about McMinnville until I drove through Newberg. Saw the sign for the Evergreen Aviation Museum and couldn't believe it: there was the Spruce Goose in all it's glory. Awesome museum, that. And we went back to McMinnville to the hotel for happy hour and some "Terminator Stout". My California friends polished off every bottle of it that I brought down (well, I helped some ;0)

[Steve]

Ahh, the northwest with it's microbrews. Not a whole lot of options on tap down in the Lone Star state. Well, there is Lone Star, etc. Bring some over here if you're coming through.

[CWF]

Will do!

[Steve]

It's been about 4 years since I've had to purchase tires for my 1990 Suburban. It seems to me that tire prices are MUCH more expensive than they used to be.

I am looking for a good set that are rated for the SUV and that are good for towing a large trailer.

Anyone have any suggestions for what I might be looking for?

Thought I would resurrect an old post from 2 1/2 years ago. Everyone needs tires! This is also a good example of thread robbing. ;-)

[Willow9238]

wow, so what do you think about tire prices now?

[CoDaChrome]

I would have to recamend the firestone destination A/T thay are a good long tread life tire that are good in the snow mud and they run down the highway really smooth I had a set of them with 80,000 miles on them and they still looked decent they are between 76.00 and 159.00 on the tirerack website

[Willow9238]

wow those prices are pretty good.

[sgt_in_usaf]

I love these tires. Great ride and seem to be able to handle anything. They are a bit pricey though ($175/each a year ago). Might be a little cheaper now and I know some places that stock them occasionally do a 4 for the price of 3 deal. JMO. :glasses:

[jkstewart1]

I put a set of Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza's on mine. Local shop wanted more than $200 each plus installation - I bought them from Tire Rack and then had them installed for $80. Like getting one tire for free.

They're the best all around tires I've had. Did lots of research. They're quiet, good traction in the wet and the snow, and didn't adversely impact my fuel milage.

[Holy Smoke]

I was going to say "Round ones", but I won't.

[Shorty]

Ahh, the northwest with it's microbrews. Not a whole lot of options on tap down in the Lone Star state. Well, there is Lone Star, etc. Bring some over here if you're coming through.

I am not sure what part of TeXas you are in, but there are TONS of microbrewers in TX... Blanco, TX has The real ale company- look them up GREAT BREW. They have a brewhouse brown that is just PERFECT.

If you have a Spec's liquor near you, they will order anything you desire, Smithwick's. Fat tire, Arrougant bastard, Blue moon, Full Moon... I like a wide variety of brews and rarely stay with the same one for long.



Oh and to add to the post(so as not to hyjack on my second post) I am looking for a decent set of tires to use on my 83 to pull about 3000lbs... I can't find the Mich hy-ways I ran on my old PSD.

[dtalsma]

I just put a set of Bridgestone REVO's on my 95 K2500. I looked at michelins but was told Bridgestone every bit as good for less money and better factory support. I got 40,000 plus on my first set.

[Jase007]

I looked at michelins but was told Bridgestone every bit as good for less money and better factory support.

I went with Michelin LTX M/S from Merchant tire [priced out versus tirerack, discount tire direct, etc... online] a local(?) chain here in VA/MD/DC. Went up to 265/70/16 to fill the fenderwells a little better and WOW what an improvement over Firestone Wilderness LE spec tire.

I actually had the belts separate internally on one of my firestone wilderness tires [these aren't the ones that were on the Ford Explorers] which was a sudden and interesting experience while driving. LOL.

Though not cheap ... I expect they'll last for several more years and many miles driven. Quiet on the highway and OK pulling #5,000 trailer up and down east coast.

FWIW

[jbf00sub]

I had junk Firestone Wilderness LE tires on my 00 sub and hated them. I wore them out and last summer bought stock size Michelin LTX M/S 265/70 16 tires and will never get anything else for an SUV. Last winter in Iowa was nothing but snow and ice and worse driving conditions than when I lived in Vermont and these tires were awesome. I thought about getting BFG TA KO's but had many people tell me they had issues with stopping in snow or ice conditions. We have a Toyota Tundra plowtruck at work with the BFG's and that was not even close to the traction and control I have with the Michelin's on my sub. I am sure you will have mixed opinions but I was very impressed after last winter and with the wear so far will predict to get 80k out of these tires.

Jon

[Trask215]

On my dodge I had Cooper Discoverer STT's. They did very well in snow and on the road. They have kevlar in the sidewalls. Somebody slashed one with a box knife while I was in the store and they had to do alot of work to get through the sidewall. Currently my Chevy has 35" Toyo MT's on it. They work well. But both sets are pretty spendy.

[alsmithdr]

Michelins for towing. BFG's for all terrain. Pro Comp or Yokohama for off road.

[91Sub4x4]

I'm also looking for tires to put on my 91 Suburban. I'd like something that will handle well in wet/dry/mud/snow on and off road. They don't have to be the smoothest or the quietest. They just need to be good enough to do the job...but I don't want the super cheapo's either. I'd also like to move up in size (taller and wider). Any suggestions?

[Steve]

This thread is like a truck with bad tires ... it's all over the place ..

[Steve]

I'm also looking for tires to put on my 91 Suburban. I'd like something that will handle well in wet/dry/mud/snow on and off road. They don't have to be the smoothest or the quietest. They just need to be good enough to do the job...but I don't want the super cheapo's either. I'd also like to move up in size (taller and wider). Any suggestions?

I love that charcoal color on that burb.

[daddytech]

a lot of it depends on what you are towing. boat, travel trailer, heavier equipment, car hauler etc. if it's just used for pulling something recreational and not tremendously heavy any thicker walled non soft or speed rated tire will do BF Goodrich makes some really nice ones that are good multipurpose tires. and they are usually pretty reasonably priced. pep boys also sells a futura brand of tire that are really good long lasting tires and usually hold together well for towing. also ifyou can find a dealer that sells the kuhomo bransd of tires they usually last really well and are pretty stiff. that's what i have on my tahoe and I tow a car hauler all the time with no problems.

[daddytech]

This thread is like a truck with bad tires ... it's all over the place ..

I don't have bad tires, my khumo tires are holding up just fine but they aren't very good for off road. then again I have a 2wd so i don't really need anything for off road , i got my truck to drive around on the highway and streets. not really knowlegeable of the khumo tires they were on the truck when i got it a year and a half ago but these have held up pretty well and as i said in my post earlier I haul a lot with mine. I have always been a Yokohama and Dunlop fan for the speed rated tires. and BF Goodrich has always served me well for every day street driving that's why i recommended them too.

[Shadowdub]

My Suburban had Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO P265/75R-16 when I bought it. I have been very happy with them. They did great in the snowstorm we had here last winter and have been great while towing my boat. I can't speak to how they handle off road or their longevity since I have only put on 5,000 miles, but they handle well and and are nice and quiet on the pavement.

[PlasticTrucks]

I have had very good luck with Cooper tires, Bridgestone also, BFG tires seem to wear fast but maybe that's just me..

oh, and diesel burbans ROCK! :great:

[daddytech]

I have had very good luck with Cooper tires, Bridgestone also, BFG tires seem to wear fast but maybe that's just me..

oh, and diesel burbans ROCK! :great:

Cooper's are really good long lasting tires the only problem with them usually is that they are hard to find. I think wally world is carrying some of them now though so maybe they are getting that whole distribution thing down pat finally