They are lighter and narrower, and therefore hopefully will result in a little more mpg as well. Even 1/2 MPG is better than none.[/QUOTE]

But how long will it take for that 1/2 of a MPG to cover the cost of the tires?

I didnt' do the math but probably not quick enough to justify replacing them on the one point alone.

And since they're a wear item you'll be replacing them at some point anyhow.

Just a thought.

 

My apologies for not being clear. I'm not intending to replace my current Michelin AS until they exceed their useful life. Right now that looks to be another year or so, at which time I'll put on the Pirelli ATR 235/80/17.

 

Lance is just being logical. You were clear. I can't disagree with his point. There may not be a cost savings. But who cares?

I'm going to swap out because IT'S FUN TO TRY STUFF. It's like the people who buy hybrid cars thinking the fuel savings will offset the extra purchase price. Nope -- Doesn't work that way. But, I gotta admit, driving a hybrid for a while ( a real one like the Prius ) would be cool. Same thing with people think that diesels will get such better fuel economy that it will justify the extra $6 to $8k. I just LIKE oil burners. Again, people get stuff because they want it AND / OR need it.

I WANT to see what it's like to drive around on pizza-cutters. I'd never try to make a logical argument either way until I've tried it. The 315's I have now will go in the garage and when I get bored with these, I'll sell them to some dude who needs a set on the back of his dually and slap my monster 315's back on....

It's all FUN, or should be anyway.

 

For our Cdn winter, I run 4 ST steel wheels (17 x 7.5) with 235/80R17 Cooper ST mud tires on my SRW.

Tall narrow tires are best in the winter, plus my aluminum wheels stay out of the winter salt.
The 235's fit fine on the 7.5inch wheels and would fit fine on the 8inch wide wheels since the sidewall is so tall.

They don't look great, handle terrible on dry pavement, but they are great in the snow. And in winter, it's not about looks.

...Joe

 

Joe! Thanks for the post. Do you have any pics of your rig with the 235's you can attach or post? It would go a long way & would love to see it.... One man's rock is another man's gem... ;-)

 

Jay, sorry I don't have any pics with my winter tires on... All this talk of winter and it is now snowing outside here as I type this!

My truck is a lowered 2wd SRW so it would look quite different than yours anyway.
With the gray ST steel wheels and tall skinny 235/80R17's, it looks like a plain jane ST work truck.
It does look different than the ST trucks with the very small diameter 245/70R17's though.

The tires are Cooper Discoverer S/T's. (My previous post wasn't clear), which are very good in the winter.
I see that you have the Cooper Discoverer ATR's on your very nice truck. which looks great with the 315's by the way.
You should note that Cooper makes the Discoverer ATR's in 235/80R17 in load range E.
These are an all-season type tire and would be much better in the summer.
I like Cooper tires and I'm surprised that more dually guys don't run them.

Hope this info helps, Joe...