Hello everyone,

I have a Glaval converted B1500 high-top van that really should have been a B2500 or B3500 but isn't.

The van empty - on a local lumber yard scale is 6050lbs, so with 7 passengers and luggage... it's a heavy vehicle. Using Load XL tires on 15x7 rims - I tend to wear through tires about every 15000 to 18000 miles. And my MPG is only about 12.

My stock size is 235/75-R15.

As my next upgrade I'd like to switch to Load E tires (or at least D).

Recommendations?

-Michael

 

Man - I can relate!


My Elk says on its FL title 5990lbs. Yes its heavy and I get the same gas mileage...


I have 15,000 miles on my Hankook Dynapro HT 235/75/15 Xl and they are not even 1/4 worn yet...great tire for our vans IMO...


They are 108 rated - so that is 2200 per tire or 8800 total. And they only need 35lbs for this rating.


May want to give them a look - if you want pix, I can post em...

 

Funair, thanks for sharing.

Good to know you found Load XL's that last their specified lifetimes... On my end though most of the threads here imply better gas mileage using Load E tires..

Doing math seems like - 235/75-R15 = 90.723" vs. a common Load E size of 225/75-R16 = 92.008" = difference of 1.4%. So I expect 65MPH = 65.91MPH. So speedometer issues - seem like no issue.

I'm just curious what tires people are going with.

And if anyone thinks it was worth it going to 16" Load E tires.

-Michael

 

As you probably already know E rated tires are expensive, though in my experience the tires are long lasting. Not sure what my opinion is worth but you can (should) get B or C rated LT tires the sidewalls will still be stiff to give better handling. I say that because the E or D rated tires have a load carrying capacity that is much higher than your vans GVWR so a bit of a waste also the tire PSI 80-95 can not be reached at most gas stations, I carry a compressor. Not sure of any reasonable reason to move up too 16".

You will be pleased with the handling improvement just hope the ride is not too hard.

 

I have top of the line load range E Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor... 16" 245 size (two sizes larger than stock 225) on my B2500 '01 van. I have about 15,000 miles on them in the last 22 months and they look brand new. I have rotated and balanced them twice since purchase (free of charge with new tire purchase). They are rated for up to 80# pressure, but I keep them between 65 - 70#. They are cool running and pretty quiet at freeway speeds. They are currently on sale at up to $160 rebate at Goodyear dealers. I think with rebate I paid $900 including mounting/balancing. I would certainly purchase them again when they wear out... reviews on tirerack.com give them up to 80,000 miles tread life. I feel real good and confident with these tires under me.

I have driven them in light snow and ice and they seem to give very good traction also as the tread is pretty agressive.

My van is a straight work van that I use for hiway cruising and pulling my TT. It is heavy ( it has 8 lug wheels on a B3500 chasis, but badged B2500) but not as heavy as your conversion van. Absolutely no sidewall bulge on the tires. I get 14 MPG with a roof rack on and not towing anything with my 4.10 gears. I get about 11 MPG towing my 4,000# camper at freeway speeds without OD on.

 

Do you have any recommendations for a 15" tire that is "Load E" - so far going through tirerack.com - I've not been able to find anything.

As it appears the vast majority of vendors all make Load E tires in - 225/75-R16 - is the primary reason I'm thinking of up-sizing the rims.

-Michael

 

When I put tires on my Dodge, I went to the local Goodyear dealer. I explained I was looking at buying at Sams Club, but would rather do business with the local dealer if they could meet the price... which they did. When I told them I wanted to upsize to 245 size, they said they would order that size and mount them, but would take them back and mount the 225 size if the larger size was a problem... which it was not. I have taken them back twice now for rotation and balancing at no charge, so I am glad I gave the dealer a chance.

Another Goodyear dealer in the area would not come down.

I know this local dealer also handles a line of wheels, so you could maybe get a package deal with tires and fancy rims... or find some rims in the boneyard and take them in.

doing a google search for load range e 15 inch, I only get trailer tires...

 

Yeah, ditto on my own search; so I think the move to 16" rims is a requirement.

I also really appreciate you noting the noise level; as for me this is a 7 passenger van that commonly has 5 or 6 adults in it - for 1 to 2 hours at a time. I'm certainly looking for quiet ride.

Sounds like Goodyear Silent Armor is a good choice.

Any others?

-Michael

 

Can you find 5 lug 16" rims with a load capacity to match the E tire rating? These will be LT (light truck) tires correct?

 

Well no help from Tirerack (they refuse to index by manufactures part number and they don't provide load-capacity info), but doing some searching, Black Rock appears to have what I want.

http://www.blackrockwheels.com/produ...Type8Series997

i.e. 3000lbs capacity, 5x5.5 pattern, and I think 5" rear spacing (if tirerack at least has that part right).

-Michael