Tires for 2002 Tahoe

[RoGuE]

My sisters Tahoe is in need of new tires. I discovered her current tires are from 2004, the backs have good tread but the fronts are nearly bald, and the front right tire is smooth in various places around the outside tread. I figure there is an alignment problem?

Anyway, due to the age I figure it's best to replace all four.

Two tires I've focused on from Disocunt Tire are the Kumho Road Venture APT KL51 ($116 each) and the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza ($185 each). Here are reasons for those choices:

-Both are T rated, one speed rating up form the stock S. I did a lot of research in the past for my own car, and I believe this to be a good choice to make

-Both have A traction rating, though the Bridgestone has a B temperature rating to the Kumho's A.

-On Tire Rack, the Kumho test very well. But on a same year Suburban, we've used the Dueler Alenzas for years now with now problem...but they are $70 a piece than the Kumho.

Discount Tire has a $100 rebate ending tomorrow in Georgia, and since her tires are so old and worn in front, I'd like to get this done right away. And if I can save $300 by going with the Kumho, that would be good since I believe an alignment may be in order which is an added expense.

Also, what is the difference between a Highway All Season (Kumho) and a Touring All Season (Bridgestone?

Let me know what you guys think or if you have any other recommendations.

Bridgestone Dueler Alenza

Kumho Road Venture

 

[daves87rs]

Between the two, the Duelers hands down...

 

[2oldtommy]

The Bridgestone is made in the US, whereas the Kuhmo is made in Korea. This is listed on the "specs" page , the last column "country of origin". I would go with Bridgestone. Note the treadwear is 700 compared with 600 for the Kuhmo. FWIW--Oldtommy

 

[OtisBlkR1]

look up destination's i liked them on my SUV

 

[RoGuE]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Between the two, the Duelers hands down...

Even for a difference of $300?

Originally Posted By: 2oldtommy
The Bridgestone is made in the US, whereas the Kuhmo is made in Korea. This is listed on the "specs" page , the last column "country of origin". I would go with Bridgestone. Note the treadwear is 700 compared with 600 for the Kuhmo. FWIW--Oldtommy

Country of origin isn't a big factor to me. China is probably where I would draw the line, but I have Korean made Kumhos myself. Also, she doesn't drive long distances, so treadlife isn't that big of a deal either. Her car is nearly 10 years old, but she has right under 60k miles on it.

 

[Audios]

I would say go with the Bridgestones, mostly because the cheaper tires dry out quicker. Since your wife does 6k a year, it wouldnt be an issue of the tread lasting a few years, its more of an issue of them dry rotting and cracking. Thats the biggest issue I see with the cheaper tires, they dont last. We had a customer with a set of Michelins on the front made in 2002, and Kumhos on the back from 07, and the Kumhos were far worse as far as cracking and drying out. My partner also has Michelin snows from 2002 and they are still in great shape. Id spend the extra money, it may be the last time you put tires on it.

Edit: I meant sister, not wife. Also try tirerack.com for some decent deals.

 

[oilstudent24]

Michelin LTX M/S2. Kinda pricey but wear is really good. Read the Tirerack Reviews. A good All Season Tire

 

[digitalSniperX1]

Alenzas are fantastic tires. Have nearly 20k on ours on an Acura Rdx and I really don't see any wear. Plus they ride and handle well.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
Michelin LTX M/S2. Kinda pricey but wear is really good. Read the Tirerack Reviews. A good All Season Tire


This!

 

[RoGuE]

Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
Michelin LTX M/S2. Kinda pricey but wear is really good. Read the Tirerack Reviews. A good All Season Tire


Those are $220 a piece. After install and tax that would probably be running over a thousand. She has been spending quite a bit of money recenly and I don't know if she wants to spend that much. Plus she needs a coolant change, transmission service, power steering, brakes, diff all for the 60k overhaul.

Does anyone think the wear problem I pointed out in the first post is related to alignment or balance?

 

[SteveSRT8]

The Michelins will last longer than almost any other tire by far. Likely the CHEAPEST on a per mile basis.

They also do not rapidly lose their performance as they wear.

You need to shop online, that price is WAY too high.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: RoGuE
My sisters Tahoe is in need of new tires. I discovered her current tires are from 2004, the backs have good tread but the fronts are nearly bald, and the front right tire is smooth in various places around the outside tread. I figure there is an alignment problem?

Anyway, due to the age I figure it's best to replace all four.

Two tires I've focused on from Disocunt Tire are the Kumho Road Venture APT KL51 ($116 each) and the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza ($185 each). Here are reasons for those choices:

-Both are T rated, one speed rating up form the stock S. I did a lot of research in the past for my own car, and I believe this to be a good choice to make

-Both have A traction rating, though the Bridgestone has a B temperature rating to the Kumho's A.

-On Tire Rack, the Kumho test very well. But on a same year Suburban, we've used the Dueler Alenzas for years now with now problem...but they are $70 a piece than the Kumho.

Discount Tire has a $100 rebate ending tomorrow in Georgia, and since her tires are so old and worn in front, I'd like to get this done right away. And if I can save $300 by going with the Kumho, that would be good since I believe an alignment may be in order which is an added expense.

Also, what is the difference between a Highway All Season (Kumho) and a Touring All Season (Bridgestone?

Let me know what you guys think or if you have any other recommendations.

Bridgestone Dueler Alenza

Kumho Road Venture


Of those 2 there is no doubt in my mind = Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza. Well worth the extra money per tire because you will get a superior tire. The Alenza is one of the best all season light truck tires out there. They are just way too expensive.

Now with that said if the local Discount tire has Firestone Destination LE's available IMO that is your best bet. They are a great tire and rival the Alenza for performance( good and bad weather ), ride, noise, and longevtity. They far and away exceed their ratings. Best light truck tire I have ever used and that includes Michelin LTX M+S's.

If you are only considering these 2 tires however don't even consider the Kumhos.

JMHO.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
The Michelins will last longer than almost any other tire by far. Likely the CHEAPEST on a per mile basis.

They also do not rapidly lose their performance as they wear.

You need to shop online, that price is WAY too high.


I will agree that the LTX M+S is a great tire BUT I have to disagree that they will outlast any other tire by far. I have run 2 sets of LTX M+S's and 3 sets of Destination LE's and the LE's wore every bit as good and actually performed better in the bad weather. Ride comfort and noise were about the same. The LE's cost a fraction of what the LTX M+S's cost however. I can usually get all 4 LE's( 3 and change anwyay )for what 2 LTX M+S's cost. The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza will hang with the LTX M+S for tread wear as well.

 

[The_Jeff]

The wear problem could be anything, even a bent rim where the tire wears to compensate. Alignment issue, bad ball joints or other front end, shocks. Someone local should check the thing over.

 

[digitalSniperX1]

Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: RoGuE
My sisters Tahoe is in need of new tires. I discovered her current tires are from 2004, the backs have good tread but the fronts are nearly bald, and the front right tire is smooth in various places around the outside tread. I figure there is an alignment problem?

Anyway, due to the age I figure it's best to replace all four.

Two tires I've focused on from Disocunt Tire are the Kumho Road Venture APT KL51 ($116 each) and the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza ($185 each). Here are reasons for those choices:

-Both are T rated, one speed rating up form the stock S. I did a lot of research in the past for my own car, and I believe this to be a good choice to make

-Both have A traction rating, though the Bridgestone has a B temperature rating to the Kumho's A.

-On Tire Rack, the Kumho test very well. But on a same year Suburban, we've used the Dueler Alenzas for years now with now problem...but they are $70 a piece than the Kumho.

Discount Tire has a $100 rebate ending tomorrow in Georgia, and since her tires are so old and worn in front, I'd like to get this done right away. And if I can save $300 by going with the Kumho, that would be good since I believe an alignment may be in order which is an added expense.

Also, what is the difference between a Highway All Season (Kumho) and a Touring All Season (Bridgestone?

Let me know what you guys think or if you have any other recommendations.

Bridgestone Dueler Alenza

Kumho Road Venture


Of those 2 there is no doubt in my mind = Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza. Well worth the extra money per tire because you will get a superior tire. The Alenza is one of the best all season light truck tires out there. They are just way too expensive.

Now with that said if the local Discount tire has Firestone Destination LE's available IMO that is your best bet. They are a great tire and rival the Alenza for performance( good and bad weather ), ride, noise, and longevtity. They far and away exceed their ratings. Best light truck tire I have ever used and that includes Michelin LTX M+S's.

If you are only considering these 2 tires however don't even consider the Kumhos.

JMHO.



Sounds like you have a pretty good sample of these tires...good to know the Firestones are good at a low price.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Hopefully someone cares about more than just tread wear.

After operating a fleet of ultra heavy Savana 3500's every day for decades I must respectfully offer more of my admittedly anecdotal evidence. YMMV and this is only another opinion.

My trucks have used virtually every major brand of tires. We are only talking about load range E or 10 ply rated here. I have tried buying cheap and replacing more often as well as buying higher end and less frequent service. Firestone, Bridgestone, Michelin, and many other brands were run to bald by us.

Across about a dozen different vehicles and untold sets of tires (we buy at least 3 sets per year!) we have absolutely concluded that the LTX is by far the longest lasting tire for us. One of the most unique characteristics of the LTX is it's retention of performance even when worn. Many others we used lose traction dramatically as they age. They become noisy, they don't hold air, I could go on. Add to this that we have had Michelin LTX's go THREE TIMES the mileage of others!!!

The new LTX MS2 is supposedly even better. I already have 3 sets in service now and am excited to think they might last even longer!

 

[RoGuE]

If I'm getting an alignment done, is just a 2 wheel alignment necessary? Is the rear end adjustable?

 

[oilstudent24]

I would think it would depend on the wear of the rear tires. Did you notice any problems with them?

 

[RoGuE]

They actually have VERY little wear. They look nearly brand new. The fronts are very worn on the outside tread. Passenger side front has bald spots spaced out on the outside tread and there is a very audible thumping while moving that you can also feel. The only reason I'm getting the backs replaced is because they are 8 years old.

I was just reading something that many people pay for 4 wheel alignments when they are essentially getting a 2 wheel since the back isn't adjustable.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Hopefully someone cares about more than just tread wear.

After operating a fleet of ultra heavy Savana 3500's every day for decades I must respectfully offer more of my admittedly anecdotal evidence. YMMV and this is only another opinion.

My trucks have used virtually every major brand of tires. We are only talking about load range E or 10 ply rated here. I have tried buying cheap and replacing more often as well as buying higher end and less frequent service. Firestone, Bridgestone, Michelin, and many other brands were run to bald by us.

Across about a dozen different vehicles and untold sets of tires (we buy at least 3 sets per year!) we have absolutely concluded that the LTX is by far the longest lasting tire for us. One of the most unique characteristics of the LTX is it's retention of performance even when worn. Many others we used lose traction dramatically as they age. They become noisy, they don't hold air, I could go on. Add to this that we have had Michelin LTX's go THREE TIMES the mileage of others!!!

The new LTX MS2 is supposedly even better. I already have 3 sets in service now and am excited to think they might last even longer!


I care about more than just wear and have posted as much. For someone hoping that there are others who care about more than tread wear you sure do use that to promote the tires.

To be fair I commented on wear as you made such a point to say the LTX M+S's outlasted them all "far and away". I also commented on ride comfort, noise, bad weather performance, and cost as factors besides tread wear to consider.

With that said I do believe tread wear is probably the most important aspect of a tire. It doesn't matter how comfy or quiet or good in bad weather they are if they only get say 20,000 or 30,000 before going bald. When looking for tires, at least for me anwyay, tread wear is the 1st thing I research. Not the only thing but the 1st. If the tire wears well then I move on to the other important things. IF they don't wear well I don't bother with them.

My experience is that I can equal everything about the LTX M+S, and improve the bad weather performance( snow and ice ), with the Destination LE for a fraction of the cost. Even if I got say 10,000 miles fewer from the LE's( hypothetical )the difference in price is so great the LE's would be a better deal. My personal experience however is that the LE's wear the same as the LTX M+S's( originals - have not run the new M+S2 ).

NOTE - my experience with these tires( LTX M+S/LE/HL Alenza/ETC... ), other than one set of LTX M+S LT's( Load E )is with the P series. P and LT tires are completely different animals. So are 1/2 ton trucks and HD's. Perhaps the LTX M+S makes a better HD truck/work tire? I can only comment on the P series used on 1/2 ton trucks and also some SUV use. In that regard the LE will hang with the LTX M+S anyday of the week(IME).

Taking a popular truck tire size( P265/70-17 )it will run you approx $140 for the LE whereas the LTX M+S2 will run you approx $220 and I have seen them run upwards of $250. Both the LE and original M+S's tires are rated to 60,000. The new M+S2's are rated to 70,000. So if the LE can hang performance wise and come within 10K tread wear wise the cost difference certainly is significant and a factor making the LE a better chocie at least to me.

I am not saying the LTX M+S or M+S2's are not excellent tires however. They are some of the best out there. However, with that said, in my experience, you can get the same tread wear, performance( good and bad weather - better in bad actually ), ride comfort, and noise level from the Destination LE's at a fraction of the cost. Again, even if I got 10K fewer miles I am still way ahead of the game cost wise.

If the LTX M+S tires were so much better than the LE's I would spend the extra for them. I don't cheap out on tires for my vehicles. Performance is what counts. Now, if I can get that from brand A for a lot less than brand B I go for A. However, from what I have seen in comparison after running them, the LE is just as good in all aspects and even a little better in some. I can't see spending so much more for the Michelins for no extra benefit.

Now, if they do better for you on your fleet that is great.

I am not disputing your personal experience in the least. Just your blanket claim of them being superior without any of the reasons you listed in your 2nd response which are all valid.