[A/S] Hunter, want to deal?

[tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Hi ya, Hunter

Just checked my tire size on my 2001 Excursion and they are 
265/75R/16.  *R* is for "radial" tire but you knew that! ;)

The '85' tires are pretty skinny compared to the '75' like 
the ones that came standard on my Ford which are also 
Firestone Steeltex tires like yours are.  The '75' size 
also rides softer and you may even be able to put less air 
in them versus the '85' sized tires.  Skinny tires need 
lots of air to stand tall.

I really do NOT like these Firestone tires because of their 
construction design which is referred to as a "clam-
shell".  That is, two identical halves are mated together 
down the center line of the tread.

I prefer the "segmented radial" design of really good tires 
like Michelin which really are "round" to begin with as 
each segment is joined to the other from bead to bead 
instead of a single joint down the center line of the tread 
as I've described above.

Yes, the Firestone Steeltex tires do give lots of miles.  
But, the rubber compound is really hard and these tires 
don't stick to the road as good as the Michelin's that I 
prefer.  The Michelin's might not give you 80,000 miles 
though! ;)  I can live with that.

I believe that Michelin does not make any tires now on the 
sales rack that give less than a 65,000 mile warranty for 
treadwear.  I'll take that warranty as well and the softer 
rubber and ride that comes with it compared to the harsh 
riding Firestone's any day.

In my book the Firestone's I've had experience with do give 
lots of miles BUT they also ride like a dumptruck!  I can't 
stand a hard like that.

When we bought our Ford Excursion we told the dealer 
we "didn't want the Firestone tires."  The dealer told us 
he'd give us a credit for *only* $10 each as no one wanted 
their Firestone tires as "take-offs" either.  I suggested 
to the dealer that they'd make great utility trailer tires 
but he told me that they didn't have any utility trailers 
to sell with them!  I couldn't hardly stand to toss away 
tires for only $40 that would surely cost me $600 easily to 
replace so that is the only reason I still have them on our 
Excursion.

The Steeltex tires you and I have on our Ford vehicles are 
ATX or all terrain tires.  If you don't plan to ever do any 
off roading with your truck you could get by with the 
Michelin M/S or Mud and Snow design.  

I'm was told by some places that did sell Michelin's when I 
was looking originally to replace my Firestone's that the 
Michelin's in the ATX design have shoulder wear problems.  
The outside lug patterns of the all terrain tires from 
Michelin supposedly don't hold up too well for too long is 
what I think he was trying to tell me.

Just had an idea, Hunter!

How about me selling you MY Firestone Steeltex tires?  I've 
only just turned 19,000 highway miles on them last week and 
they STILL look new.  Make me an offer I can't refuse and 
I'll meet you in Ocala.  What do you say?

Then I could buy the Michelin M/S tires in the size I need 
for the Excursion and we'd BOTH be happy! ;)  I'd have a 
softer ride and you'd have tires that would give you 
excellent mileage for years to come.  

And best of all, ..... Bruiser would have new skins! ;)

Tom