After getting stuck last year plowing with my 2005 V10 F-350, Ive decided to put real tires on this year for winter, especially plowing snow.
What are the best tire choices for the 18" rim without needing a lift? Im not overly concerned with the D or E load range as my 2000 F-350 did me just fine with D rated tires. But I just got quoted $288 per tire for the BF GOODRICH All Terrain KO(LT 285/65r18/E)!!!.....and I figured an 18" D range tire would be just fine! Id prefer a beefier looking tire than the Conti's as well. (I assume that wont be too hard!)

Thanks!

 

Nitto Terra Grappler
BFG All Terrain KO
Wrangler AT/S

Only the BFG can be had with the appropriate carrying capacity (3640lbs.@80psi). I went with the BFGs... $1400 bill and all. If you go with the D-load-range, you need to think about load on your truck - you will not be able to load it to the GVWR without overloading the tires. Also, the D-range tires, holding less pressure, will be "softer" on the road (I think this is a bad thing - YMMV.)

 

I have the stock 16" rims and recently got the BGF A/T KO's. I think they are a superior tire. Quiet ride and fairly aggressive tread. For plowing though, I would still add on a set of chains or straps.

 

I'm going to put 275/65/18 E-rated Cooper Discoverers on my 2006. They are a 3415# rated tire. They have stud hole, so I'll have them studded on the outer blocks and have the inner blocks siped. Should be an awesome winter tire.

Link to tire specs

 

If you're doing anything like plowing, the wider the tire, the worse the traction in snow.

Period.

Even though my Coooper Discoverer's are far superior to the General AT's that came stock in dirt and mud, going from a 235/85R16 to a 265/75r16, I definitely noticed a LOSS of traction in snow. 285's are going to be pretty slippery.

The skinnier the tire, the better your traction in snow.

 

I know, I run 235/85/16 Bridgestone Blizzaks on my 2004. That's the best snow tire I've found so far to fit 18" wheels on my 2006, 16" wheels won't fit.