Posted by W300Joe on Monday, September 29, 2003 at 12:14PM :
In Reply to: leasst expensive tires posted by Doug Boeve on Monday, September 29, 2003 at 10:25AM :
I'm back again, beating this tire thing to death! We have some great tire experts here on the forum, and we have a dozen+ options for replacement tires to fit our 6.5x16 rims, but there seems to be some controversy regarding what fits properly. Probably a NDT (militay style) would be one the less expensive choices and I believe that either the STA's or Power Kings or Co-Op Grip Spurs would meet the need for a reasonably priced civilian/commercial 36" approx. dia. 3000 lb. capacity. If you pickup the latest copy of "Four Wheeler" there are tons of ads and listings that will "probably" work but many call for 8-10" wide rims. What happens to tire life and capacity on our 6.5's, will we see a 50% reduction in wear due to squeezing the tire and tread? How about the issue of lock ring and rim height and how the older 900s accomodated same whereas the 7.50s were mfgrd. to fit the smaller lock ring on the dually wheels. What happens when you squeeze a 38x14.50 or 39x13.50 (especially if it's 10 ply rated? Does that big lock ring hold things together well enough? Most of the new tires are radials too which really is great for ride and handling but are really designed for tubeless applications. Michelin tire availability is now limited and I'd guess tubes and flaps from them won't be easy to find either.
Again, sorry for asking again, but a set of 4 tires with new tubes and flaps is around a minimum of $1,000-, and could go over $2,000 for a really nice set of 4! None of us want to make a mistake when we order and have mounted and balanced only to find that we hate them! Personally, I can live with thumpers they warm up and moderate highway lug noise, but I need at least 3,000 lb capacity (would prefer 3,5-4), good snow and mud performance (not hodogging - just hate winching my way around!) and reasonably good and safe highway driveability in rain/sleet/snow. I know there's no one tire that can do it all, although the Mich 900Rx16 XZL looks like the best (and more expensive) overall compromise, if it were only still available! In lieu of Michelins, the 3 aforementioned 900s available from most tire or farm dealers are probably the modern replacements for the old Firestone SAT and Goodyear Custom Xtra Grip that we usually saw under Power Wagons.
I guess I'm just getting old, remembering how easy it used to be to just order a new set from any tire dealer! Hope this clears up some questions, and that anyone with additional info, either confirming or disproving any of this, or personal likes & dislikes and experiences, will respond. Thanks, W300Joe in Maine
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