thinking about tires

[alpinekid]

My tires have date code between 8-10 years old, the 4 I can see easily. The tread is almost brand new some tires still have the little rubber nubbing from the vent holes. I guess the school just put new tires on before they retired the bus 10 yrs ago.


I've had bad luck with old tires and trying to cross the desert, I tried a few years ago and if it wasn't for a good friend in Fresno, I would still be there.
I've looked at firestone tires, they offered two kinds, their in house brand Primewell; and their name brand firestone. The prices differed by 100%; one was twice the other.approx 85 vs 160 each.

The tires on there right now are 225-75R16 load range E.
: can I go with bigger tires? for better gas mileage.


also they quoted rubber valves.
: I think I need to keep the metal valve stems I have so i can get a air chuck on the inside ones. I've always had metal valve stems on all my other pickups and never had a problem.

: what brands or types of tires are favored.

I'm looking for advice, thoughts and recommendation based on actual experience.

 

[Ronnie-SKO]

Bigger tires may rub each other. I run 235-75r16 on my dual wheel pickup and the tires are just touching when fully loaded. You need to look between them and see if the extra width will be a problem.

I like BF Goodrich, but most any major brand should be fine.

 

[alpinekid]

anything special in particular about goodrich?

 

[Ronnie-SKO]

Just been good tires for me. Handle well, and never had a failure. I have had a few Goodyears, and one set was so squirmy I took them back. My car came with Goodyears and always thought it had rather poor traction. Changed to BF Goodrich and had a noticeable improvement in traction. So it is just what has worked for me.

I have also had a few Firestones, and been good with them.

 

[Pizote]

I have Toyos on my E450. A vast improvement over the Ironmans that were there. They are good handling and quiet.