Time for new drives

Absolutely do not use trailer tires, the compound is not formulated to handle the torque. The Continental HDL looks like a good, low RR drive. I was thinking of using them, but think I'm just going to go with 4 more Continental HSL, steers. I have 2 HSL and 2 General S580 take offs at home, already. These were on my steer, but got goofy wear from bad alignment. So, I'll mount them on one axle and four new HSLs on the other axle, when I'm finally ready to change my drives.

 

BTW, I have heard from many a tire man, that if you run a set of steers on the drives, then a pair to the steer axle, after about 30,000 miles, they will wear like iron.

 

As Autocar said, the Continental tires are great. For drives I will only run M726EL. They are not low rolling resistance, but make up for it in durability and longevity. Mine currenty have 220,000 miles on them and still 16/32's left. My last set went almost 600k before I changed them out and they still had 6/32's. I don't put any faith into LOW RR numbers as i still manage 7.3mpg (current as of last week) with them on a big old brick star-car. I was close to 9mpg with them on my FLD120

 

you need traction tires. not steer tires, not trailer tires.

it's the traction that is why the rolling resistance is high.

steers and trailers aren't going to gtive you any traction in the snow and ice and mud and rain.

 

Unless you are off-roading alot, you seldom need lugs.

 

Check out the XDN2 from Michelin. Awesome on ice, fairly low RR for that type of tire and long tread life. They are becoming very popular now.

Mine have 14/32 after 295,000 miles so they should hit 500,000 when I pull them with about 3/32.

 

Tires have always been pricey. But they have def. Been priced very high lately too high. But with that being said they are your only connection to the road. I run Michelin XDA 5 for drives and XZA 3 on steers. You def don't want the 5's they are a lug tire. High resistance but have unbelievable traction. They are very very good in snow. I run the northeast so I'm happy with them and they wear great. I like the XZA 3 good steer tire and I have a buddy who put them as drives. He has been getting better mpg but I don't know how long they will last. As most will tell you on here you can have great mpg or great traction. If you want mpg the go with a bridgestone or Michelin steer tire. Do not go with a non name brand they are not rated for the torque as someone has already said. Let us know how u make out

 

Frieghtlinerbob how much did you get your xdn2 for?