Seeking tire replacement guidance

[Deb]

We are looking to replace/upgrade our OEM tires soon, and will probably go with the beloved Coopers referenced on this site. Is there any advantage to going with a larger tire/wheel that may “enhance” our payload, but hopefully without sacrificing handling? The vast majority of our time is spent on pavement, but there is always an off-road component to finding a dispersed campsite.

We have stock shock absorbers, airbags, and a heavy duty sway bar. I am also contemplating adding Torklift Stableloads eventually due to some side-to-side movement, but we won’t make any changes until after seeing how new tires may affect handling.

The stock tires are load range E, LT245/75R17. I’m not sure what this part of the spec’s refer to: 121/118R, so any translation is appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any guidance you may have from your experiences!

Deb H.
Evergreen, CO
2017 Ford F-250 4×4 long bed with 2018 Northern Lite 9-6SE

[Mike]

121 is the load index and 118r refers to speed rating I hope I correctly recalled that. I would just get the highest rated tire I could get in 17”. What is the rating in lbs. on your tires.

[Deb]

Thanks! Max load rating is 3195 lbs single/2910 lbs dual at 80 psi cold.

[Mello Mike]

Hi Deb,
I would try and go with a higher rating if possible. The Cooper Load Range E tires on our rig are rated for 3,640 pounds each, but they are size 18s. Not sure if you can get a rating that high with 17s.

[WyoBull]

I would ditto Mike’s comments. My tires are 275/70 R18 and I run the Cooper Discoverer ST MAXX. They are load range E. A great tire that sits squarely between a standard A/T and M/T tires.

2017 F350 Super Duty 4x4, CCSB, XLT Premium Package, 6.2 gas, 3.73 rear end, GVWR 11,300 lbs, Payload 4226 lbs, Silver Ingot, Camper Package, Split bench front seat, Upfitter switches, LED Box Lighting, Rear Step Tailgate, Air Lift 5000 Ultimate Airbags with Air Lift WirelessAIR on board compressor kit and remote, Torklift Upper Stableloads, Torklift tie downs w/ Fastguns
2017 Northern Lite 8.11 QC SE

[Deb]

Thanks, everyone! This confirms what I was thinking, and we will bite the bullet and upgrade to a larger, better tire and wheel. I think this change will help promote better peace of mind and longevity than the current set-up.

Nice pic of your rig, WyoBull! We LOVE our NL 💗

Deb

[WyoBull]

Deb wrote:

Thanks, everyone! This confirms what I was thinking, and we will bite the bullet and upgrade to a larger, better tire and wheel. I think this change will help promote better peace of mind and longevity than the current set-up.

Nice pic of your rig, WyoBull! We LOVE our NL 💗

Deb

Thanks Deb!

2017 F350 Super Duty 4x4, CCSB, XLT Premium Package, 6.2 gas, 3.73 rear end, GVWR 11,300 lbs, Payload 4226 lbs, Silver Ingot, Camper Package, Split bench front seat, Upfitter switches, LED Box Lighting, Rear Step Tailgate, Air Lift 5000 Ultimate Airbags with Air Lift WirelessAIR on board compressor kit and remote, Torklift Upper Stableloads, Torklift tie downs w/ Fastguns
2017 Northern Lite 8.11 QC SE

[Author]

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