Tires. Yes -Tires

[ChrisHager]

I know. Asked a 1000 times. Don't worry - I've done my research!

First off, my introduction with pictures of my other toys - 09 Expedition Limited

I just picked up a 2009 Expedition Limited with the Heavy Duty Tow Package, non-load leveling.



It has the usual paint bubbles on the rear hatch but the rest of it is in good shape. The other negative is the tires - someone decided to burn the rear tires down to the wear bar. I measured 2/32 on the rears. The fronts aren't near as bad but I figure I'll replace them all at once.

The current debate is which tire/size to go with. Since I'll be driving in snow/ice during the winter and the Expy will occasionally see more than just street use, I'm considering the BFG T/A KO2s (since they're snowflake rated) in a 275/70R18. I love the DuraTracs but I really don't think I'll need that much of an aggressive tire.

I'm basically here looking for additional suggestions, advice, warnings, etc. I've read that this size fits and I know people love the BFGs. Does anyone have any experience with this setup? Power loss? Mileage loss? Speedometer inaccuracies? I know all three things will be affected negatively but I figured I'd look for real world experiences. Anyway, I'm all ears.

Furthermore, do people upgrade the spare tire when bumping up an inch? I know it's recommended. In the jeep world, depending on the transfer case, you MUST buy 5 tires and rotate all 5. Since I have an unmatched spare requiring only a 4 tire rotation, I'm assuming this transfer case isn't as picky? What do you all do?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

 

[ExplorerTom]

I'm considering the BFG T/A KO2s (since they're snowflake rated)

I've had 2 sets of these tires (the KOs- not the KO2) on my Explorer. First set in 30x9.5r15 and the current set in 33x12.5r15. So narrow and short and wide and tall. Both with the snowflake symbol. Both are miserable in the snow. They will accelerate great in 4wd in the snow, but their stopping performance sucks. The snowflake symbol is worthless. The Michelin M/S2 tires on my Escape look like they should have the snowflake symbol but don't and perform as well as a dedicated snow tire.

Now the Explorer is lighter than your Expedition and a heavier vehicle will do better.

 

[ChrisHager]

I appreciate the reply. I'm starting to venture away from the snowflake symbol'ed KO2s. I would love to have an A/T tire but even the KO2 looks more aggressive than necessary.

A friend of mine recommended the Michelin LTX A/T 2. Now it's still an A/T but it looks much less aggressive.

I wonder if I need to get this A/T thing out of my head and look for a good highway tire that will perform decent off pavement the few times I need it.

 

[ChrisHager]

I went out and took a peak in the door and found an axle code (15) pointing to 3.31 gears, despite the heavy duty tow package. Therefore, I decided not to go with 275/70R18 (33.2" x 10.8"). Instead, I met in the middle:

OEM - 255/70R18 - 32" x 10"
New - 265/70R18 - 32.6" x 10.4"

This will help fill in the wheel well without going too tall and just as important, too wide. I didn't want a tire so wide that I'd float across snow/ice roads.

I ended up choosing the Michelin LTX A/T2. I'm going to have them siped while they're being installed tomorrow to improve their slick traction.

I'll report back soon with how I like them.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I know a guy who was a die hard BFG KO fan. Installed many sets on various pickups. I saw his pickup the other day: Michelin LTX A/T2. Said he talked to the tire guy and he pointed out how superior the Michelins are to the BFG for snow and pavement driving.

I think you'll be happy. Siped or not.

 

[ChrisHager]

I literally felt a wave of relief after reading that.

 

[Quasar]

275/65/18 is actually the upgraded size ford went to on the 2013+ expys. It keeps your speedo right on the money. I just upgraded my 09 to this size and it looks and drives amazing.

I got Multimile wild country radial xtx's paid around 170 a tire. I can post up some pics if you want to see the size


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ChrisHager]

It's always nice to see pictures!

The following are a few pictures of the tires that were on the SUV when I bought it a few days ago. The new tires should be installed this afternoon.

Front, which are in pretty good shape.









The rear tires after some knucklehead either had a burnout party or NEVER rotated them...





Before:

 

[Quasar]

I will have to take some new pics i guess. Photobucket seems to have deleted them on me...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ChrisHager]

The new tires are on and so far, have done quite well! I've driven the majority of road types and have no complaints. They aren't loud at all and seem to hold their own on the road. I couldn't even feel the mud puddles I drove through at speed.

Again, these are 265/70R18 E LTX A/T2s. I have yet to experience any fitment issues.







Before:



After:



Before:



After: