235-75R15 Recommendations?

[MrBill]

I have a '94 Eddie Bauer 4X4 which I used on a MO cattle ranch. But recently I retired to a house on a 1/4 acre lot in FL, and now no longer need to go offroad or drive in mud/snow. Since my tires are about gone, I'd like a recommendation for a good quality highway/rain tire for the Explorer, to be used at speeds up to but seldom exceeding 75 MPH. I've shopped online at tirerack.com before, so a recommendation for a tire carried by this internet store would be great.

TIA, Bill

 

[Joe93]

I have heard good thing about the Bridgestone Dueller HT's and H/L's. They should work great for your needs. Also I am pretty sure Tirerack has them.

 

[sonik]

http://tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/highwayas.jsp

Those Yokohama look like great tires and are cheap, nearly half of what the first couple Michelin's are. I'd also check out the Bridgestone, Yokohama, and Pirelli's listed in the all-terrain category: http://tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/orat.jsp

 

[MrBill]

Thanks for the tips guys, but I was hoping that someone with "hands on" experience with a particular tire would give me a recommendation. In browsing around Tirerack, this tire seem to keep coming to the top of my searches:

Yokohama Avid Touring

The price is definitely reasonable! How does the tire look?

 

[sonik]

I wouldn't want those tires on an SUV. Take a look at the reviews, all cars, and the couple Ford minivan drivers reported excessive wear. I suspect the tires would be very prone to tread seperation on your truck in the hot Florida weather. If you get them keep a close eye on the tire pressure and look for abnormal wear. The Yoko HT-S are only about $32 more for the set.

 

[MrBill]

Originally posted by sonik
I wouldn't want those tires on an SUV. Take a look at the reviews, all cars, and the couple Ford minivan drivers reported excessive wear. I suspect the tires would be very prone to tread seperation on your truck in the hot Florida weather. If you get them keep a close eye on the tire pressure and look for abnormal wear. The Yoko HT-S are only about $32 more for the set.

The HT-S did look good, but it's not clear to me whether I'd be ordering the G051, G052, or G053. But if I'm reading the information right, it looks like only the 51 is available for my 15" wheels.

Yoko HT-S

I need to order sometime this week, and unless I hear good reasons against the HT-S, this is what I'll probably order. Thanks for the help Sonik!

 

[explr1]

Check out the Yokohama AVID S/T's. There made for trucks, SUV's, vans and muscle cars from the 60's and 70's. You would need to go up with the zero plus size of 255/70R15's.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

I'm running BFG Long Trail TA tires in that size. They came with the vehicle when I bought it, and I think are a great tire. VERY resistant to hyrdoplaining and secure in wet weather. Decent ride and cornering. I can't comment on longevity, since I've only had my truck for 3,000 miles. Tirerack gives them high ratings.

 

[JasonF]

Personally I will go with the Michelin LTX-MS in that same size when my 96 needs tires again. Supposed to be a top of the line long wearing, smooth riding tire.

Jason

 

[MrBill]

Originally posted by JasonF
Personally I will go with the Michelin LTX-MS in that same size when my 96 needs tires again.

Although I had said that I was going to get the Yoko tires, I then discovered that Ford will not allow Yoko's on the Explorer. I have no idea why they're doing this or how they're able to enforce the banning of certain tires, but neither Tirerack nor my local Tires Plus would sell me Yoko tires!

So after some research, I got exactly what you recommended Jason - the Michelin LTX-MS tire! I've only driven from Tires Plus to my house, but have already noticed a nice improvement in the ride. That coupled with the high mileage that I'm expecting make them a nice deal.

Bill