tires for f350 drw

[nctacoma]

So we are planning on heading on a loooong 6 month trip with our ford f350 flatbed 4x4 with our corsair excella camper on the back.

We are planning on a long extended tour of the rockies and then the sierras, possibly baja for some surfing, the pnw, and then up to Alaska for some exploration and possibly heading up as far as we can go. As of right the itinerary is open as we are looking for a new place to live in the mountains, with a handful of adventure along the way.
The tires are some generic 235/,,,,/16 tires that were cheap, but newish, possibly only have about 1500 miles on them. The truck has 4x4. I am wondering if they are worth replacing before the trip with something really good or if I should just wear them down on the trip and then replace them while we are on the road if needed. This is my first dually so I don't really know what to expect. My last truck was a single rear wheel f350 that got plenty of use in work, plowing, and traveling, and I never had a tire issue, as I had good tires. So now having the dually and travelling through the snowy winters will be a learning experience.
How about some high load rated all terrain suggestions for a dually with a nod towards longetivity and drive-ability.
Thanks

 

[The Adam Blaster]

I would suggest getting new tires at least a couple weeks before you leave on your trip. That way if the tire tech has done anything wrong wit the install, or if the tires have a defect, you will find out while you are at home and close to the shop that installed them.
It would really suck to have a problem with your tires after you've driven 500 miles away from a random shop on the road.

And just make sure you get 10-ply (E) tires, you'll be fine otherwise.

 

[Capt Eddie]

You are on the right track. An all terrain would be the way to go. Snow rating may be nessecary in some places.

 

[boblynch]

I agree that new tires would be a useful upgrade for such a cool trip. What year is your truck? What is the width of your 16 inch rim? Finally, with the camper loaded to go what is the clearance from the top of your current 235s to the bottom of your flatbed? Once we have more info, I'm sure some of the ExPo clan can help you find a few options.

 

[Redline]

I can argue both sides of keeping or ditching the cheap, new tires. But if they will last for the next couple months and few thousand I say keep them and just be prepared to buy a new set when needed/wanted.

I think staying with the 235/85 size is a good idea, that is a great size, particularly for a dually, and was THE light-truck tire for many years back in the day. If you want to upgrade to a larger tire, the 255/85R16 would be good “IF” they will clear your duals.

Regardless of the size, sounds like a good tire for your application would be the Toyo M55. You should have no problem getting those in the West/Northwest at a Les Schwab Tires store.

 

[chasespeed]

I agree stick with the 235s. Go with the Cooper STs, or the Dunlop M/T(MaxxTraction), which, does have a snow rating, and are both available in the E rating. I have the Dunlops currently, and am VERY happy with them. Were cheaper than the others as well...

 

[redthies]

I agree stick with the 235s. Go with the Cooper STs, or the Dunlop M/T(MaxxTraction), which, does have a snow rating, and are both available in the E rating. I have the Dunlops currently, and am VERY happy with them. Were cheaper than the others as well...

How many miles on the MTs? I looked at them yesterday for my 12v. Are they wearing well? Noise level?

 

[chasespeed]

How many miles.... eh, maybe 1500... still brand new, and look as such.

I am VERY happy with them...

Noise... well, have a healthy 12v, and I dont really hear any noise... I am sure they hum a little...but, nothing I have really noticed inside.. and I always roll with the windows down...

Excellent wet weather traction, nice and stable when towing......

Have gotten some off highway with them, they really do better than I expected... its NOT a true mud tire, and keeping that in mind, I havent had any issues... just a bit wheel speed, and they seemed to clean out pretty good...

Chase

 

[nctacoma]

I agree that new tires would be a useful upgrade for such a cool trip. What year is your truck? What is the width of your 16 inch rim? Finally, with the camper loaded to go what is the clearance from the top of your current 235s to the bottom of your flatbed? Once we have more info, I'm sure some of the ExPo clan can help you find a few options.

The tires are a 235/85/16 e rated mud and snow. The truck is a 2002 f350 diesel. Not sure of the rim width but it is whatever the stock steel ford rims are. Clearance is about 8 inches with the camper loaded and a full fuel tank for the auxiliary tank. The overloads are just slightly engaged. My instinct tells me not to put a taller tire on for clearance issues. I don't want to raise the truck higher to fit a taller tire. I would like to get some new shocks and airbags to help return the truck to closer to stock ride height and to improve the ride quality.
My inclination is to use up the tires until they need to be replaced and to spend the money on the above items and other things on my long list of things to buy for this trip.

 

[Redline]

I think wearing out what you have is a good idea.

To add a little more detail to the tires being discussed here:

I have and like the Cooper S/T in 255/85R16D. I like the tire for several reasons (lots of Cooper S/T info here on The Portal) but at least in the 255/85 version it's not the most heavy-duty tire you could use for your application. Yes it has a nice void ratio, but not the most siping compared to some modern cross-over designs. In 255/85 it is only a 4-ply tread. I think in 235/85 it is at least a 5-ply tread (one nylon ply I think).

For you application I think I would lean toward either the Dunlop Maxx Traction being suggested here, or preferably the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac. I'm not pro or con Goodyear (they own Dunlop, same tire with different tread I think), but I prefer the appearance of the siping on the DuraTrac.

The reason I suggested the Toyo M55 is because of its popularity in the heavy-duty pickup (mining/logging/construction) market as a rugged, stout tire. If my 4Runner didn't track to the right on Toyo tires I would probably be running a set of M55s in 255/85 right now.

snip...
My inclination is to use up the tires until they need to be replaced and to spend the money on the above items and other things on my long list of things to buy for this trip.

 

[charlieaarons]

If you want strong casings with a traction tread:
Michelin 235/85 XPS Traction. All steel casing, quite unusual for that size.
Definitely NOT the cheapest, but you get what you pay for....

Charlie

 

[Redline]

For ultra-duty the XPS Traction is a good suggestion.

If you want strong casings with a traction tread:
Michelin 235/85 XPS Traction. All steel casing, quite unusual for that size.
Definitely NOT the cheapest, but you get what you pay for....

Charlie

 

[Deleted member 12023]

I have been very pleased with my Toyo OC AT tires. We did a 5 month trip with them last year in heavy a full size rig. The are also available in your size, 235/85 and E rated. I have about 37k on mine now and they are still looking good!