New (to me) 2000 XLT!! Now which tires to get?

[MxRoD]

After some serious Lurking on these boards I finally aquired my 2000 Explorer XLT and Im loving it.

Im looking into the tire replacement now since I have the Wilderness A/Ts and a nervous pregnant wife. Since the downpayment killed my bank account I need to go with the free option. The dealership is giving me the run around so Im going with the local Sears. They are offering me:
Uniroyal AWT
Yokahama (dont know the model)
Dunlop Radial Rover

My question:
Which are the best choice? On epinions.com dunlops had the better reviews of the three. The only negative was that they were somewhat knobbier than usual and thus a little noisy. I think I can deal with that since the other two had complaints of sliding around in the snow or wet pavement.

I totally trust the opinions of this board so can I get a few pointer on which to choice. If I had the money to tie up with a ford rebate I would look for better ones, but these are what I can afford and feel better about letting my wife and baby ride in.

Thanks for anyones opinions!!!

 

[jimbo74]

the best ones on FORDS APPROVED LIST are the BFG Long Trail T/A

 

[MxRoD]

The BFGs were my first choice. But the dealers around here are NOT giving them out and Im going with what is availble here in NYC..

Unless someone in NYC knows where to get em.

Thanks though, Jim.

 

[leenjen]

i dont have any experience with any of the three that you mentioned. but i have heard many favorable reviews about the Dunlops.
there might be a little noise, but if they're free i think you'll get used to it.

 

[BoatsRcool]

i'd go for the dunlops they are sweet.

 

[kvo]

Here's another option. If you wouldn't mind using your credit card to buy the tires first and then get reimbursed from Ford, up to $110 each (takes about 2-4 weeks). If you could do that, you could get whatever tires you want and it's still free.

 

[TPLYNCH]

That's all Sears had??? Try another Sears. I got my Michelins there. They are great. They also have Pirellis and Goodyears too. Don't settle for cheapos, especially with a kid on the way.

 

[MxRoD]

Actually thats all that Sears would install for free. You know so that I wouldnt have to put up my money up front.

Either way, I just broke down and purchased the tires I wanted. Well the second one I wanted at least. There weren't any more BFGs so I purchased a set of Michellin X Radial LTs. And submitted the receipt to the local Ford dealer. Now Im out $500 till Ford sends me the rebate check. I charged it like you guys recommened so Im hoping it gets here quickly.

Thanks for the input guys. I just decided it was worth not settling and getting something good instead. Especially since my wife and babies would be driving the car around.

Thanks Guys!!!

 

[jimbo74]

michelin ltx's and X terrain tires are very good... great for a vehicle that mostly sees street....