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[RENCORP]

E rating is what to look for - as much for load rating as the number of plies and steel belts to keep tires from popping easily.

[bigzdawg]

tirebuyer.com

Check these guys out, the prices and ease of business was tremendous.

I have bought from Discount Tire, Firestone, and Les Schwab in the last 15 years.

Had not bought tires for a few years, and was shocked at how much they went up.

So I found these guys on line, you buy the tires from them and they have a long list of authorized installers, which include many popular local tire stores, and there is a fixed installation price that varies by installer. Their warehouse is in Spokane. They ship same day if it is early enough.

I had a set of tires for a van (obviously highway tires, not off-road) shipped and made the appointment for the next day at a local Firestone that I have done a lot of business with over the years. Even the store manager was surprised at what I paid, and he was happy because he got his regular installation fee. I still have a full flat/faulty tire warranty that will be serviced by the same local dealer.

Before completing the online order, I had a minor question, so I called their 800 number, and they immediately took another $13 off the price of each tire. They completed the order over the phone, I didn't have to finish it online.

Out the door bottom line, I got a better tire for about 25% less than the 4 quotes I got from local dealers. I was amazed.

[Guntrader]

10 Ply doesn't mean there are really 10 body ply layers, it's just a rating equivalency.

"Today's load range/ply ratings do not count the actual number of body ply layers used to make up the tire's internal structure, but indicate an equivalent strength compared to early bias ply tires. Most radial passenger tires have one or two body plies, and light truck tires, even those with heavy-duty ratings (10-, 12- or 14-ply rated), actually have only two or three fabric plies, or one steel body ply."

[dreadi]

Went to Les Schwab. Never been to one before. Didn't buy anything. I was quite surprised how much dude was willing to do so I could get questions answered. He pulled tires off the racks, got tires from the back, this and that. I was as slow as could be because he was a bit rushed. Obviously he's been laboring too and I'm sure he needed to be installing tires in addition to selling tires.

Have I ever mentioned how much I don't like shopping?

(4) Back Country AT 6ply $1320.74 out the door. 10 ply is $1413.23 The 10 ply has significantly more weight. Felt like I was destined to pay more for gas with every revolution. When I think about layers, I'm wondering how that relates to puncture resistance.

Ford dealer wanted $260.50+ just to replace the tire. Not feeling it.

The Cooper Discover and Tire Buyer look interesting.

[stompah]

Except for the isolated case you won't get much better service than Les Schwab. If service means little to you then shop online. I use tirerack.com exclusively.

10ply on a F150? Not only will you lose fuel economy you will probably accelerate wear on your suspension and steering.

[dreadi]

I don't mind at paying for service. I work for the company that cost the most in our field. Having locations throughout the region is comforting to me because I'll be driving out of the state more often in the future.

10ply is a consideration for hunting season. Not a daily driver tire.

[Guntrader]

Ply rating depends on the load weight per tire of your vehicle. It's not a pick and choose thing.
I got my last set of tires free from Discount tire.
Went down to get the tires rotated, under federal law they couldn't put them back on. Even though I special ordered them.
They were D rated (truck is a 2500 HD and required E+ rated tires).

I bought new wheels (at a heavy discount) and they comped me new tires 2 sizes larger than factory.
Nitto Terra Grappler 285X75 R16 E
Best set of tires I've had on that truck.

What vehicle are you putting them on?

[cmica]

What vehicle are you putting them on?

viewtopic.php?f=33&t=79863

[dreadi]

Ford F-150 Ecoboost 4x4 with max trailer tow and 7700# GVWR.

I'm currently drinking the tire rack kook-aid. They have the tires I got last on my Silverado and I wouldn't mind having them again.

Last edited by dreadi on Thu May 04, 2017 7:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[reginald_burrito]

One legged dog= open differential. All torque on one drive tire, wears out first.
While they aren't going to get you 40k miles, they're still good for another 15-20k.

My car has an open diff and I've never noticed uneven tire wear one one side, is it usually different for open diffs on a truck?

[Old Jim]

I would think the difference in wear on the open rear end, would depend upon how much spinning one does when pulling into traffic.

[JohnMBrowning]

Go for an MT rated tire --- as they wear you will notice less 'loss' of traction... I've got Deuller REVOs and they lost all their traction at ~45-40%. More aggressive sucks up more gas to begin with, but the more aggressive tread will serve you longer.

[GRTPMPKIN]

I have ordered that last few sets on tirerack.com and had them mounted and balanced locally.

[dreadi]

Is there supposed to be a correlation between "LT", load rating, and plys? Perhaps an optimal combination? For a couple days I was only seeing "LT" in relation to 10ply and E1. Then today I started noticing "LT" with 110 and 6ply.

I've been working on understanding all the numbers and ratings to see if they connect with the reviews and comments and I'm starting to lean toward paying the cost to get new tires rated around 60k miles and are still AT 114-116 load rating. I'd possibly still get another set of wheel with MTs for the fall.

What's are some suggestions for bargaining with the chains stores? I was thinking I could roll in with an additional set of wheels and tell them something like, "I'd buy 9 tires now but, only if I'm getting both sets with everything for $1750."

[Old Growth]

I bought my last set of Coopers at the local mexican used tire store. They were almost new take offs. They were the right size, 10ply/E rated and still had the titties/nubs on them and the blue stripe was still visible on the tread.

He said "$450 for the set" and I offered $400 out the door. He took the $400 and I mounted them myself.

They were online for about $200 each + shipping.

I saved a TON of money and supported local SMALL bizz.