BobsYourUncle wrote:

I really hesitated to post this because of all of the gazillion tire posts and closed threads and so on. . . . But my request is genuine. . . and I need new rubber.

So if you are going to barf over another tire thread. . . well, just skip this one

I'm down close to the wear bars and I'm going to reskin my dually before the snow flies, if it does.

39 years with a drivers license and about 120 vehicles and a lot of tires bought over the years has turned my preference to Michelin. I have had huge success with them and never even one quality problem. All in all, they have been by far the best tires I have ever owned, so I am going to put Michelins on my Dually.


Now that I have that out of the way, I have a few choices if I stick to the stock size.

I ran XPS Rib's for years on my old 78 Chevy 3/4 ton. Awesome tire - high miles, good handling etc.

I have a 96 GMC Safari AWD minivan. about 2 1/2 years ago I put Michelin LTX M/S tires on it and the difference was night and day from the cheapos I took off it. It goes anywhere in the deepest snow and handles like a dream.

Obviously they are 2 very different vehicles and the needs are probably different too.

**** So the question I put forward to you all is directed at those with experience in having Michelins on your dually or even a 3/4 ton.

Which ones did you run and why?
How did they handle and how is the traction in adverse weather - wet and snowy roads.

I really can't decide between the LTX M/S or the XPS Rib. And then there is the XPS Traction and the LTX A/T2, neither of which I have ever owned.

Also, I always thought the stock 215/85/16's looked a little lame and undersized for my dually. Have any of you increased the size? I think a one ton looks better with some decent sized skins on it, bigger than stock but not to the point of being oversized and looking stupid. Any opinions on that one?

The thing I love about this forum is getting real life experience in the things we ask instead of some salesman's pitiful pitch who has never even owned a pickup.

Thanks for the help.

shootandfish1 wrote:



Bob,

Yesterday I had Michelin XPS Tractions (235/85 R16 LRE)installed on my '03 F-250 4x4.

Earlier I had posted about my 'new' BFG A/T KO's not working due to lack of stability in curves, constant over/under steering, and less stability when loaded. However, They were quiet and had all kinds of tractions on wet paved and dirt roads.

Dealer called Customer Servive and I got a full refund inexchange for the XPS's. Kudo's to my Ford Dealer!!!

If you can hold off for a couple of weeks, I will post my thoughts about the XPS Tractions. I'm headed to South Georgia to order my cargo trailer for converting to a Toy Hauler- .

Initial thought are that the XPS' are very heavy duty. Interesting, they seem quieter than the OEM Generals (America's?) and they ride about the same as the General's.

The thread is very, very hard. I'm concerned about wet pavement/snow/ice traction. Since you are in Canada, I would try to find someone local who has the XPS traction and ask thier opinion. Tires should excell on muddy roads.

At about $300 per tire, mistakes are costly.

My biggest worry right now is gas mileage for the new XPS's. The XPS rib is advertised as having 'low rolling resistance'. I'm hoping that the XPS Traction doesn't kill me at the gas pump. On the interstate at 78-80 mph, the General's got 15.1-15.2 mpg, the BFG AT's got 13.3 mpg.

Good Luck-Fred