Re: [A/S] Tires for Tow Vehicle

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have a 1989 3/4 ton Chevy pickup on its second set of Michelin LTX M/S
[LT 245/75 R16 Load Range E] tires.  I am very happy with the performance of
these tires, and the ride.  The tires are round, and roll very nicely.
(Don't laugh, it isn't easy to make round radial tires.) Also, they did not
need a lot of balancing weights.

Have your tires balanced at a tire dealer that has a Hoffman (or FMC - the
Coates is probably a similar design and very good too) computer spin
balancer.  [Hoffman developed the true computer gyro type balancer, and
makes balancers for high speed cutting tools and other industrial
applications]  It is also a good idea to check them and rebalance them after
about the initial 5000  to 8000 miles.  Tires tend to "take a set" which may
change the balance. The extra expense is readily made up by less wear and
tear on the tires and the vehicles bearings and other suspension parts - not
to mention the greater comfort of a smoother ride.

These tires can take up to 80 PSI for maximum load.  I run them around 45 to
50 PSI.

The original General radials which came with the truck were marginal at
best.

Note that the Michelin LTX (light truck) comes in both M/S (mud and snow)
and AT (all terrain).

You DO NOT want the All Terrain, as they have a much more aggressive tread
(for off road) and do not run as smoothly.  Also, with that much rubber they
probably generate a lot more heat and are not as good at highway speeds.
There does not seem to be any ride quality or other negative attributes to
having the high [Load Range E] load capacity.

Obviously, with a half ton truck, load range E might be overkill.  If
Michelin makes this tire in your size in load range C,  I am sure it will
perform well for you. A little overcapacity in the tires is far more
desirable than marginal capacity. I do not know if load range C is
sufficient for your application - suggest you check your owner's manual. You
may want to go to load range D.

Remember, Michelin's major business is high performance truck tires.  They
are very protective of their reputation for fuel efficient, smooth running
durable truck tires.  This is one of the reasons I am so partial to Michelin
for truck tires.

Good luck, and let me know what you end up with and how you like them.

Harvey Barlow put a set of Michelins on his tow (truck) vehicle several
months ago, and was very impressed by the performance and the ride.

Sincerely,
Oliver Filippi