New tires -- big hidden costs

[Goshawk]

So when you get new tires on the truck most realize you need to get them balanced. Then you need an alignment. The big tires might also need a forced pressure balancing because they are so big. You also might need ball joints and rack-pinion bushings replaced. It's been 50000 miles since you replaced tires. You want the new ones to last that long too, and you need to fix all this. Bottom line you are talking $1000 for everything. Sure you can get by cheaper, and many have. But at significant risk of steering and front end problems. Just FYI so you consider all the factors that are glossed over too much.

Personally just bought a truck and found much hidden issues. Issues that should always be considered when you buy.


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[Almost There]

If it only cost you a grand for all that, you're doing well!

4 new tires for the van - $800.00 tax in plus balancing and install!

Fortunately no alignment or front end parts needed.

 

[MikeRuth]

I agree with Almost There, that's a good deal. 10 Ply tires are typically gonna set you back 8 bills or more.

How big of tire are you talking about? My ford has 16" wheels and use a LT225/75/16.

And speaking of balance I had an issue with weights coming off after my last set, so now I insist on the weights being completely removed, rim cleaned and then balance with new weights.

 

[ArtW]

I'm actually 'upsizing'
My ranger has 14" rims on it currently, although it had 15s from the factory, and there is only one 'truck tire available' in that size, and it's also a snow tire, so I'm going to 15s so I can get Goodyear Wranglers on it ($73 and change at WalMart, here, + mount and balance) I likely need front end work, too

 

[jimindenver]

I want a set of LT's for the truck before I leave. The P rated tires give the Expedition a car like ride but that's not great for towing. They also get chewed up on the trails and wouldn't last long anyways. I cringe at checking prices and having the front end checked out. Like the tires it needs to be done so it doesn't happen out in the middle of no where. That's my lifeline, I have to take care of it. That doesn't mean I enjoy the thought, just that I have too.

 

[ArtW]

have the front end checked first, that'll give you an idea
your reasons for wanting LT tires are my reasons for wanting them
Don't really want to spend the $125 the set of wheels I found on CL will cost, but oh well

 

[Vacilador]

Ya gotta watch out for upsell.  How long did your tires last compared to what they are rated for? 

At 78,000 miles, I just got tires (rated at 60,000 miles) replaced at a local Hibdon who said alignment  (and a few other things) was needed.  
"Why?" says I.  
"The machine shows you are 7% off here and (etc, etc)" says Hibdon.
"And what will happen without an alignment and the other things you recommend?", asks I.
"The tires won't last as long as rated" says Hibdon.

Am going to start rotating tires every 5,000 miles to even out the wear - am hoping this will duplicate a coworkers' experience of adding another 5-10,000 miles of tire life

 

[Goshawk]

Ya gotta watch out for upsell.  How long did your tires last compared to what they are rated for? 

At 78,000 miles, I just got tires (rated at 60,000 miles) replaced at a local Hibdon who said alignment  (and a few other things) was needed.  
"Why?" says I.  
"The machine shows you are 7% off here and (etc, etc)" says Hibdon.
"And what will happen without an alignment and the other things you recommend?", asks I.
"The tires won't last as long as rated" says Hibdon.

Am going to start rotating tires every 5,000 miles to even out the wear - am hoping this will duplicate a coworkers' experience of adding another 5-10,000 miles of tire life

Depends on perspective. Not lasting half as long as with alignment might be worth it. Pick your poison. If you can find a chain store that will honor unlimited lifetime alignment maybe consider that.

Just bought non LT tires. Now need to go back and compare what the load rating is on them, versus if they were LT tires. They are nicely wide on an 18 inch rim though. Thanks for the reminder on checking that.


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[Gary68]

most of the time if you buy from a tire place,mount and balance are included,i did my own suspension and alignment so when i took it in for a pro alignment it took about 15 min was less then 1/4 inch off and was charged $28

you have to balance performance and longevity,i tend to side on a softer better performing tire rather then hard long lived tire,my braking has vastly improved over the old hard tired,the 60 to 0 test darn near sent me through the windshield

 

[Goshawk]

Just because it does not say LT seems to mean nothing. They are weight rated at 2756 pounds. So no worries.


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[Txjaybird]

I've always put "light truck" tires on my Ranger and I've towed up to a 5x8 loaded trailer with the truck also loaded for up to 1,000 miles at a time.  In "poorer" times I had to run until the air was damn near showing   :huh: 
Just this week I was told at 2 different Tire stores that a XL=xtra load tire is rated for a heavier load than the LT in some cases.  I need 2 for the rear and they are about 20 bucks less each than the LTs that I was considering. Is this true or because I'm female I'm just supposed to believe it?  My inquiring mind wants to know.

Jewellann and Queenie, whose new a.k.a. is {Lakota} Tatanka Butt

 

[Goshawk]

I've always put "light truck" tires on my Ranger and I've towed up to a 5x8 loaded trailer with the truck also loaded for up to 1,000 miles at a time.  In "poorer" times I had to run until the air was damn near showing   :huh: 
Just this week I was told at 2 different Tire stores that a XL=xtra load tire is rated for a heavier load than the LT in some cases.  I need 2 for the rear and they are about 20 bucks less each than the LTs that I was considering. Is this true or because I'm female I'm just supposed to believe it?  My inquiring mind wants to know.

Jewellann and Queenie, whose new a.k.a. is {Lakota} Tatanka Butt

Go to the tirerack.com web site. This company will give you the truth about all the different tire ratings and loads and competitive prices. I did not find any XL rated tires for my truck. Did find LT. Bought tires for highway all season with no weight designation but they did have a weight rating from tirerack.com company.


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[MrNoodly]

The costs aren't hidden. They're out there in plain sight. It's just that some people don't pay attention.

"My steering parts eventually wear out? I might need an alignment once in a while? The mounting and balancing charges were posted on the wall above the counter? Who knew?"

 

[Goshawk]

So needed the rack-pinion bushings and the two lower ball joints replaced. Plus alignment and tire balancing. Now I believe the truck is safe to drive and the tires will not wear out early.

Since this is a first generation Toyota Tundra replacing the lower ball joints with MOOG brand is a must for safety. Lower ball joints in this vehicle have been known to catastrophic fail. BOAT. Break out another thousand. (All said and done with all, after the tires were mounted and balanced)


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