[ECONORAM]

Originally Posted by lasitter

Of course most of the posts here are not about old F-150 trucks, but that's what I have, and one of the mods I've been studying for a long time is the switch to LRR tires.

I have this sense that the size of the rubber patch on the road matters in terms of fuel economy, and so I was wondering what the difference might be (same LRR brand, etc.) between a tread width of 7.2" vs 6.2"?

General makes the "Grabber HTS" which is about the only option for LRR on my 1996 Ford F-150 in the 235/75R15 size.

I think it should be required, but there is still no coefficient of rolling resistance available on a tire by tire basis.

I did a look on TireRack, and you should be able to get some Firestone Destination LE2s in that size. I bought a set, but neglected to track a fuel economy difference from my OEM tires. I did notice reduced steering effort once these tires were installed.

Originally Posted by Vern

I put on Toyo all terrain tires last time on my Econoline. Mainly because it is important to be able run on our gravel/mud road. This summer the van is pulling down 19-2o mpg. It is rated at 17 and importantly the mileage is better than it has ever been since we have owned it. The tires run quiet and have good traction. I run them at 50psi. They have been on it for a year and a half. I will buy them again.

I tried running 10 psi higher on my LE2s, and noticed my speedo was a bit off. Can't remember the exact amount, but it was noticeable (running 275/60R20s). Now I run about 3 psi above...ride is smoother too.

Originally Posted by Hersbird

A bigger tire is going to be heavier and all rotating mass which is 10 times the penality of static mass. So if you put bigger tires on your stock rims and add say 10 pounds per tire it is equal to carrying around 400 pounds in the trunk. Once up to speed on the highway it may not be a penality but around town stop and go it will hurt. Same thing going to larger wheels even if keeping the overall tire width and diameter the same as the bigger rim/lower profile tire usually weighs more then the smaller rim/higher profile combo. 20's look cool and my handle better but they hurt acceleration.

Although if I had a one ton duelly diesel for a 5th wheel camper I would consider going to a 255/60-22.5 on Alcoa wheels for the 120psi semi low rolling resistance and heavy load carrying ability. They are only an inch taller and slightly narrower then a common 275/75-17 found stock on many 2000s Chevy's.

I was studying tire weights when I was shopping for the LE2s I put on my truck. This is part of what makes me consider getting smaller wheels and tires.