Apologies in advance for what is probably the most popular question here, but maybe it needs to be done again for all those about to get their first new set and need some guidance on todays tire choices.

Consumer Reports currently has these as the top 5 All-Terrain Tires for Pickups: (all tires tested were 265/70/R17 sizes)

Pirelli Scorpion ATR
Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo
Michelin LTX A/T 2
Toyo Open Country A/T

These forums have bad things to say about the Pirellis in snow and vibrating,
and the Bridgestones have a strong following it seems
but not too many people have chimed in on the others...

This is to mainly cover replacing original tires on original wheels - same size no lift, no mods on a 2003 F-150 FX4 XLT. Mainly street driving but with the ability to do some lite off roading and to stay "unstuck" in typical Michigan snow conditions.

So lets see who out there can help out with this most humble of questions.

Thanks in advance for everyones time and assistance.

 

I would go with a 285/70R17, little bigger than the stock 265/70R17 and will fill up the wheel wells and look a lot better without compromising your performance too much. Nitto Terra Grappler, Toyo Open County AT, Goodyear Wrangler SA, and BFG TAKO are the tires I would consider.

 

I agree.

 

Keep in mind that going to a 285 will throw your speedo off. If you don't change the aspect ratio (the 70) the 285's will be taller and they will turn fewer rev's per mile.

2003 still uses a VSS i believe so you will have to change the drive gear if you want your speedo to be accurate.

If you make enough of a change you may throw shift points off.....if you have an auto trans.

On my 97, the PO changed the stock 16 wheels to 17's.
My speedo is off by +5 at 70mph and I have noticed a lot of hunting in & out of OD on the least bit of a hill....
I'm going to change the speedo gear in the spring to correct the speedo, I hope that will help the OD hunting.

As for brands, I have used BF Goodrich and Michelin on the other vehicles in my fleet.
BFG is made by Michelin now, so keep that in mind.

The Bridgestone REVO's on the 97 were on it when I got it, and I'm leaning to stay with them when it's time to replace them.

 

Ford started using computer controlled speedometers in 1999. Your dealership can reprogram your computer to correct the speedometer/odometer or you can do it yourself with an aftermarket tuner.

 

yeah I did mine at the dealership, cost me less than $50 if I remember correctly.

 

They aren't going to throw the speedo off enough for it to really matter tho. 1-2mph tops, if that.

edit: I had BFG 285/70/17 A/Ts before I bought these Toyos and they worked well enough for me.

 

On my 2003 F150 Supercrew 4x4, I went with 265/70/17 Revo's. They are quite simply the best tires I've ever used. Every bit as quiet as the stockers, maybe quieter. Unbelievable wet/rain traction and awesome in the snow.

I can't wait for the tires on my 06 S'crew to wear out, so I can replace them with Revo's!!!!

 

id say Revo's. i put mine on for winter in 265/70/17 and they are so quiet and great wet weather and snowy road traction. and plus it actually is a cool lookin tread design. if your looking to stay with the stock tire i would say the Revo's!

 

Thanks everyone - great advice so far - keep new ideas coming.

Question: if you go with larger tires, even 285's, do the breaks and/or rotors need to be upgraded as well? if not, then what size would behoove an upgrade?

The dealership is saying I need new pads and rotors all around... but thats for another thread. I would just like to do it at the same time as the tires if it need to be done at all.

 

no. 285 isnt a huge difference from 265s. probably most of the guys on here with lifted trucks and bigger tires are on regular brakes.