Although rising gas prices have pushed many buyers towards cars, SUVs and compact trucks, it's hard to beat the versatility of a 1/2 ton truck. Despite the high prices at the pump, the Ford F-150 still reigns as one of the best-selling vehicles in America.
Even though the F-150 has the capability to haul, tow and work off-road, many F-150 drivers are simply using their trucks for everyday driving and occasional trips to their local home improvement store. If you have racked up a lot of commuting miles on your truck, it may be time for new tires.
Focusing on the 275/65-18 size commonly found on many 2009 Ford F-150s, the following options provide good wet grip, improved overall handling, increased tire efficiency and decent treadwear:
- Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology
- Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza
- Michelin LTX M/S2
 Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology $199* |
 Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza $218* |
 Michelin LTX M/S2 $244 |
The Continental CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology tested well across the board and was particularly impressive during the wet session. Bridgestone's H/L Alenza has comparable strengths but we saw it trail the CrossContact LX20 in wet grip and tire efficiency. With a proven record of combining great treadwear with decent wet and dry grip, the LTX M/S2 is also a good option to consider.
2009 Ford F150 275/65-18 FAQ:
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I tow moderate loads twice a month, shouldn't I get a LT Load Range E tire? Both standard Original Equipment tires - the P275/65-18 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A and P275/65-18 Goodyear Wrangler SR-A - are Standard Load P-Metric tires. With each of these tires carrying 2,365 lbs. per tire, a P-Metric Standard Load tire has more than enough capacity.
- Will an LT Load Range D (8 ply) or Load Range E (10 ply) tire provide any benefit? No, the LT tire will hurt ride quality with its reinforced carcass, lower fuel economy and its heavier rotational weight. As an example, each 275/65-18 LT Load Range E Michelin LTX M/S2 weighs 8 lbs. more than the P-Metric 275/65-18 version.
Keep in mind that there are no Federal or state minimums that a tire manufacturer has to meet before calling a tire a Low Rolling Resistance tire (LRR) tires. That being said, Kumho doesn't consider the 285/65-18 Load Range D Kumho KL78 to be a Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) tire.
If efficiency (fuel economy) is an important priority avoid and Load Range D or Load Range E tire because the heavier tire will hurt fuel economy without any major benefit. The 285/65-18 Kumho KL78's weigh 54 lbs, your Original Equipment 275/65-18 Goodyear Wrangler SRA's weigh 39 lbs. Obviously any all-terrain tire will have higher rolling resistance then a highway all-season tire
The 275/70-18 (33.1" diameter) will hurt efficiency because the truck will sit higher and I would except the poorer aerodynamics to hurt more then any gearing advantage.
Since you seem to be interested in an all-terrain look, I would look at the Firestone Destination A/T and Bridgestone Dueler D695 AT has 2 non-LT all-terrain options that balance looks with efficiency. See:
275/65-18 Firestone Destination A/T:
www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Destination+A%2FT&partnum=765TR8DESTATOWL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&affiliate=H >> www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Destination+A/T&partnum=765TR8DESTATOWL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&affiliate=HK8
275/65-18 Bridgestone Dueler D695 AT:
www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Dueler+A%2FT+D695&partnum=765TR8D695OWL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&affiliate=HK8