Towing and tires

[ctisdell]

I have a 2004 Silverado Z71 5.3 liter, 3.73 gears, level kit, and rear air bags,and break controller with 17 inch rims. I bought the truck a few months ago and have just purchased an Ice Castle fish house/RV which is rated at 6000 lbs but weighs 5500 lbs. I'm due for new tires and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I live in Minnesota and winters can get rough plus I hunt some wicked back roads and the ice on the lakes isn't very forgiving on tires either. I drive 35 mile a day all highway to work round trip also. I would like a tire that is aggressive and am leaning toward the 275/70r17 or 285 BF Goodrich All terrain TA KO's. The day I brought the ice house /rv home (100 miles) it tracked real well, and pulled easy, but my current tires are 265/70/17 Firestone Destinations that are on their death bed. Also while bringing it home I averaged 7.5 mpg, I was using drive with the tow haul on, any suggestions here would be helpful. I suppose this post should be in the tire section but I believe it's really a towing question or both. Thanks

 

[KMGZ400]

get firestone transforce HT's. definatley not an offroad tire but a great long lasting on road tire

[Chris]

Well tow in 3 with T/H on. I pulled that mpg towing a larger trailer. As for tires I would look in to the Michelin tires

 

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[wurgs]

I would look at the Cooper AT3s. I have about 7000 miles on a pair on my work truck and they are the best all around tire that I have owned. I have the BFGs on my personal vehicle and think they are good also. they are very good in deep snow and mud but aren't good on ice at all. They also need to be rotated frequently or they will wear funny.

[ATMINF]

I have the BFGS and they are good, I have also heard good things about General Grapper AT2s. I would also say get load range E tires, but you could also get away with D rated.

[thearborbarber]

I have Cooper AT3's, BFG A/T's and Hurcules Terra Tracs and they all have been great tires. I have a mix of off roading, towing, highway and snow/ice driving.

[ctisdell]

Thanks everybody, what sizes are you guys running too

[Chris]

I do a 275/55R20

[KMGZ400]

for your truck which i assume has the stock 16's or 17's get 265's

[wurgs]

275/65/ 18 on my BFGs and 275/70/17 on AT3s

[white1500]

Michelin LTX AT2 on a 265/70/17? Or maybe up to 275/65 if you want more tread.

[tyhuck]

get firestone transforce HT's. definatley not an offroad tire but a great long lasting on road tire

 

The TransForce AT is a good tire as well. Very mildly aggressive, good road manners, and decent in sand and gravel. I couldn't tell you how they work in snow or ice since I live in TEXAS. Mud performance is a little lacking on these, but they will get you through a slick spot if you keep your foot in it. I ran them on a 2wd 2500 for years and they did very well.

 

With the 3.73s, Ide stick with a 265/70/17 and a minimum load rating of C. P rated tires might handle that load, but personally I don't like the soggy feeling they provide when towing anything. You could also bump up to a 285, but you will lose some power, and unless your driving is all highway on fairly flat terrain, you will lose some MPG as well.

[kstruckcountry]

Definitely a 265. If you're worried about durability 10ply

[ctisdell]

I ended up going with the BF Goodrich All Terrain TA KO in a 275/70r17 E rated, thanks everyone.

[Blue2500CC]

Congrats!!!!

 

Keeps us posted how you like the BFG's as I just read a couple days ago on another forum that someone stated BFG has lost some quality in recent years. First I have heard of this though!!!!

 

Only reason I didn't go BFG AT's last year was the Cooper A/T3's were over $200. cheaper!!!