Tire help (Guru advise wanted)

[OCD RC]

Well again my better judgement I still cannot part with my old Tahoe. I think I might just keep it forever as it has stopped breaking down . From that total I am look at some general 10 year old stuff now (coolant flush, hoses, belt, brakes, struts) before my summer travels.

Anyways I need some tires. My Dueler A/T's are about gone and wanted to go back to a highway tires in the standard size I went off-road 4-5 times (off road is a non gravel road). Lasted full life but were too loud after 1 month and heavy.

Back on subject I am going with the Michelin LTX M/S2. They will give me all season ability with a super quiet smooth ride. I know they are expensive. There are two load ranges. The standard and the "E".

standard pros:
7lbs lighter (fuel economy)
cheaper by 25-35ish? a tire

"E" pros:
more puncture resistance
possible more tread life due to heavier build? tire does not have a tread rating

Also is it better to go back to the standard 245 size or the larger 265 that currently have on it? Pro's /con's besides the bigger tires look cooler?

[ReaperGN]

Larger tires in any way is bad for fuel economy. And unless you have done some work to the back of your tahoe you wont need the E rating because the vehicle just cant handle the loads they are intended for. The most popular tire that falls into your guide lines are is the cooper ATR. Now some have complained they don't last long while others say they last forever. Those that did not like them choose the yokohama geolanders. As for what size, its not based on a single number. Here is a quick break down of the most common way of sizing a tire.

"205/55R16" means the tire is 205 mm wide, has an aspect ratio (that is, the width divided by the height) of 55%, and fits on a 16" rim

Depending on what tire you choose is what limits your size. The difference between the sizes you listed is the same as leaving a large phone book in the truck so it really comes down to personal preference. For reviews and ratings of most tires that would fit on your truck go to

http://www.tirerack.com/

They have a very good layout of all the pros and cons of each tire. Now as for the Michelin LTX M/S2 it is not intended for snow. If you deal with snow don't bother buying them. They have good reviews but due to the price I have a feeling they are one of the tires that shop owners like to push onto people. They are really not an all season tire so before choosing them make sure they will be fine for your area.

[nitrocameo]

Michelins may be expensive initally but are a good buy in the long run (tread wear), and along the way you get to enjoy good traction, excellent saftey and low road noise. As far as load range, I would stick with "D" in your SUV. Cheaper, lighter and quieter. Load range "E" is intended for loads your Tahoe isn't capable of.

I've got "E"s on my Ram 2500 but it has a GVW of 8800#.

[Hvrc]

Those would be the best bang for your buck besides a set of conti's. Coming from an ex tire lane manager/tire tech the geolanders have a funny wear pattern 9 out of 10 times. We always (the shop) thought everyone had bad shocks and/or struts, bad alignment, etc. But it ended up being the tires.
There's no tread rating on the tire because of the weight they are able to carry. I don't think you will warranty a tire with out generalizing the use of the
vehicle. You can always go el cheapo and throw a smaller tire, l/t (really light truck type. Toy) range or passanger. But not a good idea.

[ReaperGN]

Here is a list of tires in about the size I think your looking at. From what I can see if your dead set on a highway tire you may prefer the Michelin LTX A/T 2.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...er=16&x=46&y=8

The link does not sort right so you will have to sort by user rating to see it like I did.

[Nitronaught]

I have 148,000 miles on my SUV. I like my Geolanders and rotate them every oil change. I do not have any issues with uneven wear and this is my second set of Geolanders. They are not as hard of a tire and seem to be much smoother on the road than the original Goodyear Wranglers which I could feel every little bump on the road. They are much more quite as well.

[OCD RC]

I thank you guys for your responses. I will be going with the standard weight and 245 size. That is what I was really after.

About snow. I do use tire rack to research tires. We do get some snow here but its never deep, ice more than anything elese. My dueler A/T 693 rate poorer with a 7.1,6.5,6.8 in the snow in ice category. The old LTX M/S rate 7.9,7.7,7.0. so a little better. I never had any snow or ice issues with he Bridgestones. A hint of slip last season because the treads were down. I do have 4WD.

Michelin is boasting that the 2nd gen M/S is better than the first.

From tire rack:..."The LTX M/S2 is designed to combine a smooth, quiet ride with year-round traction in dry, wet and wintry conditions, including in light snow. Compared to the original LTX M/S, the LTX M/S2 is an evolution in looks…and a leap forward in performance"...

We will see.

... Now as for the Michelin LTX M/S2 it is not intended for snow. If you deal with snow don't bother buying them. They have good reviews but due to the price I have a feeling they are one of the tires that shop owners like to push onto people. They are really not an all season tire so before choosing them make sure they will be fine for your area.

I assume you are talking about deep snow. From living in northern ID, I know for that a dedicated winter tires is needed. My local shop does not even stock the M/S. Special order. Teh carry a comperable, slighly more highway tire called the LT2. Sams Club is great because of the lifetime rotate/balance and I go there weekly for office supplies.

[ReaperGN]

This is what had me a little concerned if you get snow.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....del=LTX+M%2FS2

NOTE: The LTX M/S2 Highway All-Season tire is NOT a dedicated winter / snow tire. It does NOT meet the severe snow traction requirements and is NOT branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.

[Brandonj]

never read the post cant help ya. thought you were seeking help on what tires to get. the LTXs are by far the best high mileage tire my dad had them on both of his burbs. 100k tire. good luck

[OCD RC]

This is what had me a little concerned if you get snow.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....del=LTX+M%2FS2

NOTE: The LTX M/S2 Highway All-Season tire is NOT a dedicated winter / snow tire. It does NOT meet the severe snow traction requirements and is NOT branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.

They were noting that. Probably copy and paste what Michelin sends them. A dedicated snow tires really isn't good for anything buy snow. They are kind of loud and wear really fast on dry pavement as the are really soft to grip the ice.

[ReaperGN]

I took a look at the previous model and it seemed like much more of a all season tire. This model more closely resembles a highway tire from a car with its really close lug pattern and low profile side tread. Having a wide pattern is imporant to help the tire clear itself while in mud, dirt, snow, and rain. I still think the LTX A/T 2 may be a better option. I personaly prefer pro comp mud terrains. They are quiet, amazing grip, good payload, bullet proof construction, and there are reports of them lasting 60000 + miles. But you have no need for an aggresive tire.

[cuda_tmaxx]

About snow.

What I have found over the years about snow tires is that they are overrated when using them to drive down roads. The tire shops around here would rather sell a good all season tire than a dedicated snow tire as most perform just as well, ride smoother, quieter and last longer. But hey, what do they know, we only get 300 inches of snow per year.