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Is that a Quigley conversion?
I'm going to look for a different set of highway tread tire/wheels for towing, to reduce some rolling resistance when not planning to get off the pavement.
I would say that tread pattern (of all "offroad" type tires) is the problematic area.
The MICHELIN AT/2 has good reviews from the oilfield (caliche lease roads) when I ask owners who use 4WD. I would also look at BRIDGESTONE Duravis m700 traction type commercial tire. Where the closest you can come to a "closed shoulder" I am going to bet is the "offroad LRR" tire. Be good to see them in person and ask the dealer. I'd also see if I could get an opinion or three from vehicle enthusiast boards. The tire that lasts the longest is probably the LRR tire.
The big brother to the BRIDGESTONE is what we use on the Peterbilts at the company I work for, on the drive axles. . the relationship in appearance is striking. Haven't gotten stuck, yet (and that is saying something considering where we take them: the roads to remote drilling rigs in all weather).
Second, as these are the highest quality Load Range E tire brands, one cannot go wrong for durability & reliability. I'd sure rebuild the front end of that van first, though, before installing $1300 worth of tires plus an equivalent spare. Don't forget new shock absorbers.
Steering wander is a FORD specialty with the old I-Beam front end. KENWORTH & CUMMINS both cite this problem on big trucks (corrections per 100 miles) as a significant problem to keep under control. So, front end plus steering gear for your mechanical baseline then best tire choice.
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