Topic: Winter tires on an Expedition

[Craig]

Suddenly, my father wants snows for his beheamoth.  In the early snow of this winter, he's found himself sliding twice already.  His 2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer comes with all-seasons.

Unfortunately, not many snows come in 265/70R17.

His local tire shop has only the Nokian Hakka SUV for $235 and and Savero WT (by GT Radial = Champiro) offering for $155.  Are there better offerings between these price points?

Also, the shop suggests forgoing steelies and just swap tires on the aluminum rims every year, because, "You want to reset the bead on those tires every couple years anyways."

It was always my understanding that you didn't mess with taking tires off and on aluminum rims every year because you eventually damage the rim and the bead.

Economically, though, $10 per tire, per change is a lot better than $130 for new steelies.

What's the best solution here?

[mrthompson]

Also, the shop suggests forgoing steelies and just swap tires on the aluminum rims every year, because, "You want to reset the bead on those tires every couple years anyways."

That's B.S.  Each time a tire is removed and then mounted on a wheel there is a chance for the rim & bead of the tire to be damaged. I've witnessed this happen. IMHO, get the steelies.  

It makes it easier for switching from winters to summers in the spring, and vice versa in the fall.  This can be done in your own driveway, or in about 20 minutes at a shop.  Having to get tires removed, remounted & balanced is a pain in the arse, and it's gonna cost you more than $10/tire.  I guarantee. (Ref. Justin Wilson) You'll have to store the tires anyhow, so why not store tires mounted on steelies?  Easy peasy (Ref. Jamie Oliver)  

I would have to assume that there are other tires available in that size.  Morty should be able to answer that, or have a look at TireTrends' website.

[Craig]

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Morty has the Bridgestone Winter Dueler for $201 and the Toyo Open Country G-02+ for $223 (115S), $253 (8/D) or $256 (10/E), depending on load rating in brackets.

Don't know much about load rating.  What's the difference, and which would be more appropriate here?

[mrthompson]

AFAIK, load ratings allow for a tire of a given size to fit a variety of applications.  For instance, a  tire could be used on a small SUV and, with a higher load rating, could be used on a 3/4 ton pickup.  Both tires being the same size (245/75/R16 for example) but having a different load rating to suit the vehicle.  Also, a higher load rating will mean a harsher ride.  

Hopefully Morty will be along soon, he's more qualified to give the answer you are looking for.

(Message edited by mrthompson on December 09, 2004)

[oversteer]

quote:

Don't know much about load rating. What's the difference, and which would be more appropriate here?

There will be a minimum load rating spec with the vehicle (with an Expedition I bet it's pretty high, too).  You definitely do not want to be under that rating.  The easiest way to do it is look up load rating of the stock tires in the size that came with it and then make sure the winter tires you're looking at match or exceed that rating.  You can find the translation of load rating to payload weight at various places on the web (tirerack has a lookup table somewhere).

[Craig]

Well, looks like it's down to those four: Nokian, Toyo, Bridgestone and Savero.  Can't find anything else in that size.  I think he's leaning towards the Savero and saving $200 over the Bridgestone, and $300 over the Nokians and Toyos.

His local shop also seems to have him convinced that they have the latest equipment to prevent damage to the rim and tire when mounting and dismounting.

[ovr50]

Get the steelies if he plans on keeping it 4 years or more. He'll save it in mounting and balancing costs, he'll keep his aluminums from being eaten up by winter corrosion and change over is a snap. The shop is just trying to keep him coming back every year for more $$. MrT's 12:22 post above is right on IMO.

[Craig]

Well, their charge is $40 per seasonal change.  The steelies are $130 each = $520.  That's 13 changeovers.

Morty doesn't offer steelies for this car, or I'd suggest TT.

[mrthompson]

Try a set of steelies from Craphole tire.  You don't have to buy the tires from them, but they can order steel wheels for you.  I bought a set from Crappy and had them mount a set of winter tires I already owned.  Or, you can try a used set of wheels?  Even a used set of alloys? Have you tried the dealer?

[Craig]

Dealer cost for 17" steelies for the Expedition is $130.  Anything from Crappy Tire will be universal, and probably of inferior quality.  These are big steelies, and from the dealer, I don't think $130 is unreasonable.  I've been trying Steelcase, but I can't get through to them.  Literally called them 8 times in the past two days.  Busy signal, or no answer.

[mrthompson]

Could you downsize to 16" wheels & tires?

For the time being, your father could mount the snows on the stock aluminum rims and in the meantime could be on the look out for a set of steelies.  Last year I bought a set of snows for the wife's car and had them put on the stock wheels.  In the spring I had the tire shop mount the all-seasons for summer.  And just a month ago I did the Crappy Tire steelie deal.

[Craig]

265/75/16 works, but those are starting to look like baloons.

It's all mute anyways, he ordered the Saveros.  Here's hoping his local shop doesn't trash the nice rims.

[ovr50]

Well, that's it then, we'll all go "mute" now that he has made up his mind as all the given advice was "moot" anyway. Just having a bit of fun at your expense .......

[Craig]

Damn.  I know how to spell that, to.