Tire Recommendation for 2500HD

MemphisDoug · December 19, 2003

What do all of you recommend as a good replacement tire for the back of my 2001 2500HD. Those factory Firestones just don't have any off-road traction! I want to stay with the stock size. Thanks for your help.

1BADHD · December 19, 2003

Just the rear tires? Is it 2wd? Do you tow anything, haul anything? Do you mind road noise.

04GMC8100HD · December 19, 2003

Hi, my name is Randy and I own a tire shop, so I'll give you my unbais opinion. First, I agree the stock tires have no grip and I would suggest a Firestone Steeltex A/T. The only problem is that this particular tire only comes in a 6 ply rating in the 245/75/16 stock size. This is fine if you don't haul large loads with your truck, but if you do then you will want to opt for a heavier ply tire. This tire is made in a 10ply rating in a 265/75/16 and would give no problem at all besides throwing your speedo off a few mph.

The reason I have suggested Firestone first is that I have personally seen several sets of either size get 60,000 plus miles on trucks and suburbans. If you were willing to go to 265's or even 285's I would also suggest the BFG T/A KO's I have personally gotten 50,000 miles out of a set on my old 01 2500HD and I don't baby my tires. I hope this helps.

Randy

MCourson · December 19, 2003

I'm interested too. I will be looking at the same thing pretty soon here. Time to replace all 4 B-stones. 2wd, tow 10,000lbs weekly. Have not had very good luck with the Firestones so I probably will not end up with a set there.

MemphisDoug · December 19, 2003

I guess I did forget some information in my original post. My truck is 2wd and I do haul a large (10,000 lb. GVW) 5th wheel camper with it. The truck isn't my daily driver so tire mileage isn't a real big concern. It's a '01 and I just turned 20,000 miles on it. My biggest traction problems are snow with the truck by itself and wet, soft ground when pulling the trailer. It does have posi.

04GMC8100HD · December 19, 2003

I was mistaken, they do make the Firestones steeltex in a 245/75/16 10ply, but only in blk wall. If you don't like them you can get the bridgestone revo A/T or the michelin LTX A/T in 10 ply and they are white letter.

Randy

99silveradoz71 · December 19, 2003

I can't speak from an HD application, but I love the Revo's on my Z71 after 20k...no problems, a smooth/quiet ride with great wet traction and the snow hasn't been a problem at all either.

Rob's 02 · December 20, 2003

Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo.Awesome tire,snow ,rain whatever,just awesome. P.S I run 265/75R16 10 ply.Go to the tirerack.com and read the reviews.Rob

422 SS · December 20, 2003

I have 265/75/16 Michelin LTX's on my HD.They're a 10 ply tire that will last forever.I have never cared for Firestone tires,long before people were flipping Exploder's that had them installed at the factory.They last a long time but just don't seem to have the traction of a BFG or Michelin and some of the other major brands do.

MCourson · December 20, 2003

I have 30x9.5-15 Michelin LTX M/Ss on my 94. Not a bad tire but I would like something with a little more wet weather traction. I also want something with a little more meat than the 245s. I think just the wider tires will help in the rain in the HD.

timk49 · December 21, 2003

I have BFG All Terrains 285s on my stock rims and they have been very good performers. I tow a 6000 lb trailer and load the bed with extra gas and water.

I runn them at 60 lbs when towing and locer the pressure to 45 when not towing. Traction is very good in dirt and sand. Wet highway handling id fine. I would have no idea how they act in snow. I live in Southern California.

The cost at Americas tire store with road hazard was $800.

I have close to 25,000 miles on this set of tires and they look like new.

Cpl Punishment · December 22, 2003

I'm planning on going with Dunlop Radial Rover ATs. They have a model that fits the stock size, comes with an E load rating and a 60,000 mile treadwear warranty.

On my last truck, I have the Rover ATs and got 69,000 miles before having to replace them, and that was not once rotating them. They got great traction on and off road. The truck used to be able to burn the tires effortlessly on the stock tires, but wouldn't burn them at all unless I was powebraking with the Dunlops.

They're a tad expensive (a little less than comparable Michelins), but don't make too much road noise, and hold up well.

GMCratblock · December 22, 2003

I was looking at REVO's too, but I heard that they have some weird handling quirks while pulling heavy trailers in the bigger truck sizes? (245 load range E)

GM GIMP · December 22, 2003

I have 265/75/16 Michelin LTX's on my HD.They're a 10 ply tire that will last forever.I have never cared for Firestone tires,long before people were flipping Exploder's that had them installed at the factory.They last a long time but just don't seem to have the traction of a BFG or Michelin and some of the other major brands do.

NoWake200 · December 25, 2003

Stay AWAY from the Firestone Steeltexs if you live were it rains!!! They have great tread wear no argument there..60,000miles. But if you are looking for basic traction in the wet you will not be happy. I have had two trucks with them and when ever it rained it was like I was on ice at times. If you want to get some info on tires from drivers go to the Tire Rack.com...You know, the company that has two or four page adds in the car mags. You can read reviews and ratings for every tire they sell..I not saying buy your tires on line but you can get some really good info.

I have the BFGs 265 and love the heck out of them. Quite and GREAT traction!

Good Luck