SUV Tires insight?

[augernaut]

My 98 GMC Jimmy needs tires BAD. I'm looking at two different brands models based on availability in my area and price. Just looking for opinions/experiences from anyone or some insight, I'm not a tire expert by a long shot. The two I'm looking at are:

Goodyear Wrangler RT/S - I've heard alot of bad about this tire, but some people seem to really love them - anyone have any experience? tirerack.com has alot of bad reviews, but also some very good ones.

Kuhmo - I forget the exact model of Kuhmo tire, but it's at the dealership my father-in-law works at. They seem to like the tire alot - the owner put them on his and his wife's vehicle. tirerack.com has some good reviews of Kuhmo tires in general.

Any insight anybody can provide would be greatly appreciated!

[New Yankee]

Auger, Airjer is likely right, but I bought my last set of Michelins at Sams and have been satisfied with them. One factor in my decision is that tire trouble seems more likely to me when I'm out of town, and I can usually throw a rock and hit a Walmart or Sams Club.

[bucketmouth64]

Anyone know about Toyo Open Country tires or Pathfinders? Haven't seen many on the road or know much about them. Seems like wherever you purchase your tire their road hazard warranty is about the same...lifetime rotations, balancing, flat repairs. The only difference is when a tire is not repairable. Most pro-rate the cost of a new one, others give you a one time new tire. I think you might find best deals at Tires Plus or Discount Tire. Tires Plus seems to be willing to give you a good deal on tires even if it is not advertised. Guy took took another $40.00 off a set of Destinations on a quote good for 30 days. What is good about Walmart is that you can put tires on lay-away if you can't pony up the money all at once. This way you might be able to buy better quality tires (such as Michelons). Who ever thought buying tires can be this time consuming .

[Walleye Guy]

Traditionally I have been a fan of BF Goodrich All Terrains. Until my last set. At 140 miles a side wall completely blew out. I brought it back to Tires Plus and they said they couldn't do anything for me. They accused me of hitting something. The truth of the matter was that I picked up they truck from the new tire fitting, picked up the wife and headed towards Breezy Point. The tire blew out on the highway going 60 mph. I did not hit anything. I sent the tire back to Goodrich and they refused to do anything about it. I won't be buying anymore BF Goodrichs.

I also have a comment on Michelins. I put a replacement set on my wifes Intrepid and we have had consistent problem with leaks around the seal. After the purchase the shop where we bought them said that there can be a reaction between the aluminum rims and the Michelin tire causing the leaking problem. I wish he would have said something when we purchased them.

I too am looking for a good recommendation on tires. It seems that replacement tires are nowhere as good as the OEM tires even if they are the same brand.

[jltimm]

I own Timberline AT's that I purchased from Tires Plus in Forest Lake.The reason I mention Forest Lake is the fact that they were alot cheaper per tire than the Tires Plus on hwy 65 by Ham Lake? Same tires to,and I don't know why?They have worn great so far with no problems yet?Excellent price also!$70 for 30x10.5x15"s! I read about them in consumer reports a few years ago,and they got great reviews!

[Macgyver55]

The "reaction" you are talking about is not with your rim and Michelin tires, or any other brand for that matter. The problem is between aluminum wheels and Minnesota road chemicals. They will corrode any aluminum rim over time.

If the shop that installed them told you that it's because of the tires, he misinformed you. He either didn't take the time to clean the rims properly, or the rims were too badly corroded to have been used. If that were the case, he should have noticed that and informed you. There are some bead sealing compounds available to use. A good quality tire dealer should pull them off, clean and reseal them for you if you are having a problem. There is nothing harder on tire life than constantly running them low on pressure.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Quote:

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After the purchase the shop where we bought them said that there can be a reaction between the aluminum rims and the Michelin tire causing the leaking problem.

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As click and clack, "the tappet brothers", would say BOOOOOOOOOOOGUS! These guys were obviously slackers!! the solution to this problem or with any aluminum wheel bead leak is to apply a super thin layer of grease on the bead mating surface of the wheel after the corrosion is cleaned off.(DO NOT GLOB IT ON! I can barely see it after I finish the application) I've been doing this for years and never had a problem with the beads leaking again.

[sirsunnyslayer]

Do not ever, and I mean ever put grease on the bead of the tire. Petroleum products and rubber do not mix, it causes the rubber to swell, and thats bad in a tire bead. To get one to seat you have to wire brush all the old rubber off the rim. Use generous amounts of tire lube (soap based lubricant) and you will have no problems. No problems as long as the tire and rim are CLEAN, and of good quality. PS; rims leak to, and sometimes the tire gets blamed for it.

Also, Michilin owns BFG and General.

[Macgyver55]

The product we use (Myers Lube) looks like just grease but it is specificly made for tires. It helps seal the bead and prevent corrosion of rims.

[Whoaru99]

bridgestone Revos or Michelin LTX A/T.

I'm currently running the Michelin LTX A/T. I'd be really surprised if I don't get 100,000 out of them. They are a bit spendy, but they really last, at least for me. Decent traction too.