Street tires, which ones and what size

Green04 · June 1, 2005

I have an 04 Extcab Silverado and I've read through most ofthe posts on tires, and most seem to be about doing some off-roading.

I mostly use my truck for highway and street use. I've been told that Cooper H/T would be a good choice. I'm a Michelin fan, but they are very proud of their tires ($$!). Anyone had experience with these?

Also, I bought the truck General 255/70/16 (never again!), but I can get 265/75/16, which would be a bit taller. Will I see a differnce in milage or ride. They offer 245/75/16 that is closer in diameter to the original tire.

LMK

fastdrvr23 · June 1, 2005

Hmmm, I don't know anything about the tires you mentioned, but since my driving style sounds about identical to yours, I figured I'd share. I drive on the highway communting about 95% of the time.

When my stock Goodyear Wrangler ST wore out at 35,000 miles, I bought a set of BFG Long Trail TA's in 255/70R16 (my stockers were 235/75R16). They've not shown any wear at all in ~15,000 miles, and they ride great. They're a little more aggressive than some, but my mileage didn't change at all. I bought mine from Sam's, and think they've done really well so far. Wet handling is really good, as well as smoothness on the highway.

I wouldn't normally have anything good to say about Firestone's, but a buddy has some Destination LE's on his 4wd Ext. cab, and they ride really nice. Maybe another one to look into.

Good luck!

93Stocker · June 2, 2005

I'm guessing your truck is a C1500 that came with P255/70R16 tires as original equipment? If so, that size is available in the Cooper Discoverer H/T. Are you wanting to switch to LT-metric tires and/or to a larger size?

You might want to go to the Tirerack.com website and read the consumer reviews on Highway All-Season tires. They don't sell Cooper's but you can read what other people think about several other major brands. You can even add a review on the Generals! I use my truck pretty much the same as you do and bought the Michelin LTX M/S. The ride and handling are both much improved. They are more expensive than many other brands but if you believe the Tirerack reviews you can also expect to get more miles out of them.

asilverblazer · June 2, 2005

I'll second that vote. Had a set on a 2wd I owned.

Markeaux · June 2, 2005

Isn't Cooper still in bed with Pirelli? For sure they were about 4yrs ago when I bought my first set of Pirelli Scorpion Zero 286/65-16 for my Hoe - I had to call Cooper to track down a full set. Anyway, besides the Scorp Zero's I also had a set of Yokohama AVS S/T 285/70-16 on stock 7" rims - at least once a front folded over in an extreme manuver, and in general they were a bit mushy handling and very noisy when compared to the Scorp Zero's ... so, I ditched the Yok's and went back to the Scorps. Man these tires are excellent for performance handling in both wet and dry, plus like I mentioned earlier they are very quiet. The 65 series fits nicely on the stock 7" alloy's, and my previous set wore perfectly. I like the rubber compound, too - slightly soft - not too hard like the Michelin LTX's I had on another vehicle.

DougsTJ2 · June 3, 2005

Goodyear Fortura Silent Armor is a new tire. It has a special padded section just under the tread. Under this it has a kevlar (sp) belt. This tire has the highest tread rating I've seen in a LT at 720 (70,000 miles). Some of the reviews that I've seen have stated that this tire makes the Mich.. tires seem loud and they don't have as good of ride.

...this is the allterain version..."Wrangler Silent Armor" rated @ 50,000 miles.

I was quoted 163 per tire...but that's for an up size on my factory rims 245 70 17 to 265 70 17.

Mike G · June 3, 2005

Just tossed a set of Cooper Discoverer ATR's on the wifes Avy. I went with a step up in size to the 285/75/16 and it really makes the truck look nice. I did notice a little bog at take off due to the larger tire but they ride nice and are quiet on the highway. I really like the tread and if needed, will be able to get me through the dirt with no problem. They have a nice middle tread pattern with plenty of siping for wet/snow conditions (read as a good Colorado tire).

--Mike

bballa · June 4, 2005

Firestone Destination LE. Inexpensive and a whole lot better than the Generals that came with the truck. I went with the same size as the originals(255-70-16) so I could keep my spare which has never been used.

BRZ71 · June 5, 2005

Cooper makes some good tires for cheap!!! I have the atrs on my Z71, will never buy them again. Sounds bad but I have always bought Coopers, I had a set of ATs that lasted three years. I have heard alot of good stuff about the H/Ts but have no exper. myself. I will go back with the ATs on my next change. They rode great, made little noise and lasted forever. The ATRs are only at 8 months and look like cra*!!!!!!! They do ride great, I havn't had a set of Coopers that didn't! To me at least, it seems that their LT tires last alot longer than their P - Metric's do!

Stocklook · June 5, 2005

IMO: Goodyears are good tires if you live where it doesen't rain, and you only put 18-20k on them.

For street tires check out the Dueler line. not much on looks but a real good all around tire, Great wet traction!

flyer · June 8, 2005

I had Michelin Cross Terrains on my 2wd Yukon XL (265/70-16). they worked well in the rain and rode nicely, but they were worn out at 38K. Hardly a good deal.

I've replaced them with the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza. It's a fairly new tire that is priced only slightly less than the Michelins. They are a "T" rated tire with a slightly higher load rating and a 44 psi max pressure. They seem to squirm less when towing my 6500# trailer. I have 6000 miles on them, they ride very nicely and work well in the rain and snow. Time will tell if they outlast the Michelins. So far I'm very happy.