I run a set of 5 Rickson 19.5" steel wheels mounted with Hankook DHO1 245/70R 19.5 G tires.
If you've been on Rickson's web site you'll notice a page which explains in detail their match mounting process.
The short version is that they measure each wheel for out of round to find the low spot, and use a load roller to find the high spot on each tire. They match the low spot on the wheel with the high spot on the tire to cancel out the difference. If they can't get it close enough they reject the tire or wheel or try another combination. They then add "Equal" beads, mount the tires and dynamic balance them (weights on both sides). The Equal distributes throughout the tire when it spins to further level the load and balance it. They also use brass stems instead of the conventional rubber ones for added strength.
Most tire shops can't do this and certainly not for $6. Rickson charges $95 and guarantees balance for the life of the tire. Of course that's not too useful unless you're relatively close to their shop...
If the tires ever have to be dismounted it is best to use a shop that handles large truck tires. They should recognize the yellow band on the brass stems meaning they are loaded with Equal, and know to mark the wheel and tire so they are remounted in the same spot.
For reference, Rickson steel wheels are rated for 5000lbs. The Hankook DHO1 245/70R 19.5 Gs (14 ply) are rated for 4540lbs. By comparison, Vision aluminum wheels are rated for 4500lbs.
The Rickson wheels bolt directly on with no offset using the regular lugs and wheel covers.
My AAM 11.5 rear axle is rated for 10120lbs, so the weakest link of these components is still the tires, but I still gain 2690lbs over the OEM Michelins rated at 3195lbs ea.
I think Match Balancing offers a lot more than conventional spin balancing at the local shop. You'll have to decide if it is worth an extra $89/tire. Considering what it cost me to switch over, I decided it was worth it for Rickson to do the whole package. They'll do what ever you want - just wheels, wheels and tires, wheels and tires match mounted - your choice. They're good folks to deal with.
I'm very happy with the ride I'm getting so far, but of course its all part of the "total" set up - Firestone airbags, Rancho XL shocks, Hellwig sway bar, heavy S&S camper.
BTW, the Hankook DHO1 tires are rated for M&S and the tread is pretty agressive which results in some road noise - not really objectionable, but noticeable.
I have Goodyears...the drivers 622 are noisy, but do the job in digging thru the sticky stuff...but I think I'll go to the Mich next time. The fronts are steers 670RV and are the ones made for RV's I like them so far...I think since I live in the NW, I'll get them siped just for extra grip. They are 245's and that makes them 1" taller and it brings down the rpm at cruise so it helps in the long run down the road. Capt PJ
2005 Lance 1161 2004 Dodge CTD 3500 Dually 2009 Raider 185 Pro Fish 90hp Yamaha
Mooney I have about 33000 miles on the truck. I bought the truck used and noticed that the tires were not all the same. At some point the previous owner changed the tires. I also noticed that on the drivers side rear inside tire, there is part of the tread missing. It could be a recap. Not sure but would like to start out freah and know what I have to work with. I only want to buy a complete set once and wanted to get the scoop here before the big purchase. Thanks for all the help.
biggeek wrote: Mooney I have about 33000 miles on the truck. I bought the truck used and noticed that the tires were not all the same. At some point the previous owner changed the tires. I also noticed that on the drivers side rear inside tire, there is part of the tread missing. It could be a recap. Not sure but would like to start out freah and know what I have to work with. I only want to buy a complete set once and wanted to get the scoop here before the big purchase. Thanks for all the help.
Mine came with two different sets of tires from the factory, the rears are Cont. HDR and the fronts have a less aggressive pattern, could this be the same difference on yours?
Not all 19.5 tires are steer axle recommended. They are generally grouped into three categories; Steer/All Position, Drive, and Trailer. I am not sure if all manufacturers make the distinction but the tires are designed with their position on the truck in mind, therefore it is not unusual to see different tread patterns front to back.
2000 F-350 7.3L PSD Super Cab 4x4 SB SRW 2006 Lance 861
(Slideout, Solar, Gen, etc.)
Air Bags/In Cab Cntl, XL 9000's,
Roadmaster Sway Bar, Rickson's
The question was if OEM, i.e. factory delivered, vehicles come with different tires front and rear. Does Ford, GM, Dodge or for that matter Toyota, deliver new trucks with different tires front and rear. That would be news to me.
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