Running plus size tires? If so, which ones and why?

[grampi]

Since I don't have my Yari yet (and won't have for quite some time), I have plenty of time to research the best overall tire for my particular application.

While I believe I have made my choice as to what size tire I'd like to go with (I think I'm going with a 205/50/16), I haven't been able to determine exactly which brand of tire yet.

Tires I want to stay away from are those made of the ultra-high performance compounds that only last for 25K-30K miles. For me, these are the exact opposite of what I want. I also want to keep the price down to $80 or less per tire. I want a tire that's as close as I can get to an all-season touring tire, with the longest treadwear expectancy as possible. So far, I haven't been to find anything in a 50 series or lower profile with longer than a 60K mile treadwear warranty. I'd prefer an 80K mile tire, but I don't if any tire company makes one. So far, the two best candidates I've found are the Kumho Ecsta AST (it has a UTQG rating of 400) and the Yokahama H4S (which has a UTQG rating of 500). Both tires are under $80.

However, I have noticed the UTQG rating can be misleading. The treadwear warranty on tires of various brands and types can vary greatly even if they have the same, or nearly the same UTQG rating. What's up with that? Isn't the UTQG rating supposed to indicate how many miles you can expect to get out of a particular tire? Are there any other tires out there that fits this catagory?

What tires are you running, and why did you choose them?

[kimona]

Why don't you look at the Kumho AST.

I believe it's an H rated performance tire with a 400 treadwear rating and good reviews for handling in wet and dry conditions.

It retails on the internet for anywhere from $54 to $65 for the 205/50/16.

[501]

falken rt615 tires i buy mainly for the most grip out of the tires as possible without going into race rubber. i have really no concern with road noise as i am 50% tone deaf so all cars sound the same my last tires were advan a046 they were great tires had a treadwear rating of 160 on them and they were at the wear indicators on the tire at 9k miles

i know this is not the tire of your choice

other tires i have run are
-nitto 455/ did not like this tire at all no grip at all
-yokahama es100/ this tire was good was better when tread was worn to halway point tir was squirmy at full tread

all these tires will not meet you critiera due to bieng noisy first

tire choice for me is done by
treadwear rating
tread pattern for cornering
size avilablity
price

falkens are a for the performance orientated

good luck on finding a tire, with some small compimises now that your in a plus size you should have a better choice of an all around tire

oh yea almost forgot the tires on the wifes car were kumo's ast which were a great tire. they were quite for here and were bought for dry and wet handling. kumo' get good rating on average

[grampi]

Originally Posted by kimona54

Why don't you look at the Kumho AST.

I believe it's an H rated performance tire with a 400 treadwear rating and good reviews for handling in wet and dry conditions.

It retails on the internet for anywhere from $54 to $65 for the 205/50/16.

That is my front runner right now. I'm just wondering if there would be anything better. The only down side I see to the AST is that it has no treadwear warranty.

[kimona]

Hmmm, so what? They're so cheap... just toss 'em and get another set.

Another thing I really like about the AST is the sidewall rib that protects the wheel rim. That's a definite must.

[gamita]

Hi! I bought the Kumho Ecsta AST 225/40/R18 and they are very good tires! Very Recommended! I live in Guadalajara Mexico so, the streets are in very bad condition (that´s why I choose 40´s) Pretty nice tires for the price..