New tires or not?

[spta97]

I've got the orignal tires on my 2000 XLT 5.0 AWD. They still have some meat left on them (35k), but I wasn't terribly impressed with the wet response during flooding conditions (hydroplaning) and the snow wasn't great but I was able to get where I need to.

Anyway, I've picked out the tires I'm gonna get (BFG Long Trail T/A) but I'm not sure if I should wait. The tires are gonna cost me about $600 and I would prefer not to spend the money. I'm not sure that they will (or any tire) will be what I'm looking for in performace so my fear is to throw away 50% good tires for something that isn't much better.

The tires I have now are fine on dry pavement (although I'm sure they could be better) so it's really only the rain and snow that make me think I need new ones.

Thoughts?

 

[smiley1]

If they are that bad in rain and snow then wait for the rainy season. Tires that are almost 5 years old are a bit harder than new and wont perform as well.

600 is a reasonable price to pay for a lot more safety. I cant speak for the new tires but I got some Yokohama Geolander AT's and WOW what a diference (had Dueler APT II's before). Hope this helps.

 

[spta97]

That's the thing - it is the rainy season (and we are supposed to get a bad winter in the north east as well). I don't want to be cheap but I've already dumped about $500 into the X this summer for maintenance. When I look at the tires the edges seem a bit feathered but the main tread still has a lot of life left. I just don't like the idea of throwing away good tires.

 

[Ru Dawg]

What tires do you have on there now?
If you are worried about wasting the old ones, but still want to be prepared for winter, why not keep the old ones and put on the new ones for winter, then put the old ones back on after winter or spring? A little hassle, but you wouldn't waste tires!!

 

[spta97]

What tires do you have on there now?
If you are worried about wasting the old ones, but still want to be prepared for winter, why not keep the old ones and put on the new ones for winter, then put the old ones back on after winter or spring? A little hassle, but you wouldn't waste tires!!

I think they are the Wrangler's but I'll check when I get home. I thought about your idea (I've had snow tires in the past) but the wet performance is really my main concern about keeping the new ones. In NY we seem to get A LOT of that now!

 

[spta97]

The tires are Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. I got the X used so I'm not sure if they are stock or not.

 

[IAmTodd]

Those are stockers. I would do as Ru Dawg said. Get new tires for the winter and save your old ones and have them put on for the summer and run them till they're bald.

 

[Ru Dawg]

I had those Wrangler's on my X when I first got it....HATED 'EM!!!
I still had enough tread on them to keep 'em, but I couldn't stand it anymore! If it was raining, I couldn't pull off a stop light w/o spinning unless I used 4X4 Auto.....
Getting the Scorpion A/T's was like night & day!
You could try to sell the Wrangler's too, somebody with a 2WD Ranger might appreciate them...

 

[old mechanic]

I've got the orignal tires on my 2000 XLT 5.0 AWD. They still have some meat left on them (35k), but I wasn't terribly impressed with the wet response during flooding conditions (hydroplaning) and the snow wasn't great but I was able to get where I need to.

Anyway, I've picked out the tires I'm gonna get (BFG Long Trail T/A) but I'm not sure if I should wait. The tires are gonna cost me about $600 and I would prefer not to spend the money. I'm not sure that they will (or any tire) will be what I'm looking for in performace so my fear is to throw away 50% good tires for something that isn't much better.

The tires I have now are fine on dry pavement (although I'm sure they could be better) so it's really only the rain and snow that make me think I need new ones.

Thoughts?

I am sure I saw the long trails at Sams club with a total install price MUCH less than that. 235-75-15 right?

 

[spta97]

I am sure I saw the long trails at Sams club with a total install price MUCH less than that. 235-75-15 right?

I've got 255/70-16. $124.87 at BJs + mounting and stuff.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

spta97:

I hesitated to reply to this post, but now feel that I should respond. Have you done any research on the long trails (or any other tire), or is it the price only that made you decide on these.

I had the long trails as the Firestone replacement on my 93 xlt. At first they seemed like good tires, snow was no problem, but after a year, they lost their grip on any greasy/wet surface. They wear very well and will last a long time, but very poor traction in wet conditions. Just my opinion, but I had no confidence in these tires and would not recommend them to anyone. I much preferred the old Firestone Wilderness.

I suggest you do a search on Tirerack for SUV type tires.

 

[spta97]

Bill MacLeod:

Actually, yes I searched and everyone (almost everyone) seemed to like the Long Trail T/As. They seem to be the best reviewed replacement tire on the site. However, in doing more research last night it seems that the Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO are superior. I'm surprised that you didn't like the long trails, but after seeing the reviews on tirerack I've changed my mind to the Revos.

To answer your question, price was not a factor in my decision on a tire. If I am going to replace them I'm going to do it right. My dilemma is replacing a set that has so much meat on them. I looked at them last night and did the penny test. The tread goes up Lincoln's ear - about 1/4" (I have to measure exactly today). That seems like a lot of tread to throw away - that's my concern.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

I have the same dilema with my 99. It also has lots of tread (Wrangler RT/S) and although I would not rate these tires any better than the Longtrails, I'm sure that there is at least another winter in them.

I have my eye on the Firestone Destination LE or maybe even the Indy 500 tires, but we'll see next year. Since my driving is all highway, the tires must perform well in all conditions that I will encounter. Off-road and mud rating is not important to me.

The Longtrails were a replacement on the Firestone recall, actually my choice based on a consumers report and really regretted my decision. None the less, lets just say the I will never buy these tires, nor would I buy Wranglers. There are many, many better tires available and the review on Tirerack can be very helpfull.

Good luck with the Revo's or whatever you purchase and by all means, please post your opinion on those that you choose.

 

[spta97]

Will do. In the mean time check the Revo reviews at Tirerack. Even though they are rated for off-road (which I never do) everyone loves them and says they are the best all around tire. Also, there is a $50 rebate until Sept 25th so that might push me over the edge.

Honestly, if someone wanted the Wrangler's I have now I would give them for nothing (or a small fee ) but I hate to throw away tires with 1/4" tread. Not only do I find it wasteful but I hate replacing things that have not reached their usable life. The big problem I have with them is the hydroplaning - it seems to rain a lot in NY and I had a few close calls. Perhaps I will get the new ones and put these up on eBay to see who wants them.

 

[kcar711]

I've got the Michelin LTX AT's on mine and they are great. They work very well on road and are good off road as well. Plus they got a tread that you cant kill. Tread life is unbelievable. Only cost me $99 per tire too.

 

[spta97]

I think I am going to stick with the Revos - but thank you. I had my truck in the driveway and my g/f even said "the tires look fine". Then I think back to hitting the last big puddle and hydroplaning like crazy. Spending $600 is much cheaper than getting into an accident.

In dry weather the Wranglers are fine and seem to handle well. Although people who run the Revos say it is a big improvent in dry performance.