I searched and all I found was Gone's thread about Truck Tires. Nothing mentioned on this model of Firestone.
The Firestone Transforce has a load range E - 60/65 psi. Made in USA.
I have a 2006 F150, Extended cab, 3:73, 4x4, 6.75' bed towing a 3H Titan GN - total weight when FULLY loaded - 8600-9000 pounds - which doesn't happen often. Truck is rated for 9300 pounds in GN. I currently have the original factory LT tires.
Posted 2009-03-17 2:51 PM (#101603 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I don't know anything about the Transforce. I do know about the Firestone Steelex which almost killed me and my whole family. I know how Firestone will deny responsibility, and how they will keep shuffling you to a different person and department, to increase your attorney's billable hours in an effort to dissuade you. I know that they will never admit guilt or willingly try to settle any case against them.
I do know I will never again own a Firestone product.
Posted 2009-03-17 4:53 PM (#101618 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Regular
Posts: 54
The 60 PSI is not enought for a LT or ST tire with 10 plys. Most of the tires we sell are 75-85 PSI on a 10 ply tire. Watch the valve stems, use metal on 80 PSI they will last longer.
Posted 2009-03-17 5:00 PM (#101619 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
Thanks for those tips.
I've been googling around, and have found an AT and an HT.
The mechanic may have mis-stated the tire pressure... he was doing it from memory I think.
It will be a week - 10 days before I make a final decision. I saw lots of good stuff about BFGs, but... it seems like tire models change as much as a teenage girl getting ready for a date. : )
Posted 2009-03-17 9:39 PM (#101642 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I grew up on Goodyear and Michelin. I switched to Firestones about 10-12 years ago and have been very pleased with them. I run the Steeltex on a 2000 Excursion and I run the Transforce AT on my work pickups. I just had a set of the Transforce HT put on my 2005 F150 yesterday. They have a harsher ride than the p metric factory tires, but are a much heavier tire. Load range E rated 3000# @ 80 PSI. I'm not sure if the wheel is rated to that much, as you'll need to check that out. I have been very pleased with the Firestone tires in mileage and servicability. Lots of gravel roads here and they do just fine. The F150 is my daughters road truck so it does not carry a load. I just like these tires enough to spend the extra money on them. Just one mans opinion!!!!!
Posted 2009-03-18 9:21 AM (#101666 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
The Transforce is the updated version of the Steeltex. AT is a more aggressive tread, HT is a highway tread. Load Range E tires are generally 80 psi in pickup sizes. Load Range E seems like overkill for a F150, but you'd have to check your axle loads and ratings. Personally, I think the Transforce are very good tires. They wear well and last a long time, partially due to the solid outer rib, versus the block pattern on other tires. They probably don't have quite the traction as the tires with the block pattern on the outer rib. The Steeltex is no longer made, so I don't think there's any point in bashing it here. For what it's worth, when my Brigestone Dueler Revos wear out, I plan to replace them with Transforce ATs.
There are two recalls listed there, for two specific models/sizes of the Steeltex tire. This topic is about the Transforce tire. And, the sizes/load ratings listed in the recalls aren't even relevant to any vehicle mentioned in this thread.
Posted 2009-03-18 9:54 AM (#101670 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
We run Transforce tires on all of our company trucks (duallys). They have held up very well, and I have a Ford 350 that has had three sets on it; with very good tread life. We run them at 80 PSI; seem to get 50-60K miles or more out of them. My truck has just 250,000 miles on it; and gets used for pulling heavy loads a couple of times a week. We will probably continue using the Transforce tires to replace OE.
Posted 2009-03-18 12:10 PM (#101684 - in reply to #101667) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
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Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by jdzaharia on 2009-03-18 9:29 AM Quote There are two recalls listed there, for two specific models/sizes of the Steeltex tire. This topic is about the Transforce tire. And, the sizes/load ratings listed in the recalls aren't even relevant to any vehicle mentioned in this thread Quote
If you will please reread 301 duster's thread, you will see he has an Excursion with Steeltrex tires. This was the focus of the recall. In addition, the tires were standard equipment on Ford SD trucks which too, have experienced failures. You will also note that I addressed the recall notices specifically to 301 Duster.
I'm sorry that you consider the free exchange of information "bashing" and that you have now chosen to do it to me. If my information can save one person from going through what I have, I don't care what it is called.
Indeed, my thread was very relevant to anyone who is still using this tire and company.
Posted 2009-03-18 2:05 PM (#101697 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
I had the Steeltex HT on my 2001 F350 CC when I got it. Put 50,000 miles on them and only put new tires on because of the winter coming. If it had been summer I may have gotten another 10,000 miles out of them.
Replaced them with the Transforce HT's and now have 30,000 on them and they are at 80% tread life yet. I've been very satisfied with them. Only problem was a nail after following a truck with roofing debris when I had less than 1000 miles on them.
Posted 2009-03-18 3:25 PM (#101701 - in reply to #101684) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
Originally written by gard on 2009-03-18 12:10 PM
If you will please reread 301 duster's thread, you will see he has an Excursion with Steeltrex tires. This was the focus of the recall. In addition, the tires were standard equipment on Ford SD trucks which too, have experienced failures. You will also note that I addressed the recall notices specifically to 301 Duster.
I reread duster's post, and you are correct--I did not see the part about the Steeltex tires on the Excursion. However, he was not the first one to bring up Steeltex in this thread.
Also, here is the language of the recall, as quoted from the lawyer's website you posted:
BFS STATED THAT IF THE TIRES ARE OPERATED AT BELOW RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURES OR ABOVE...RECOMMENDED LOADS OR AT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS, THEY MAY EXPERIENCE RAPID AIR LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Is this not true of any tire?
Originally written by gard on 2009-03-18 12:10 PM
I'm sorry that you consider the free exchange of information "bashing" and that you have now chosen to do it to me.
I do not consider the free exchange of information "bashing." I do not see where I have "bashed" you. One could consider the third and fourth sentences of your first post in this thread "bashing." Especially when preceded by the first sentence in the post. The second sentence doesn't help matters, not because I don't believe it's true, but because it is a bold claim with no evidence presented here. Being there is no tone of voice on a website, I can only assume a courteous tone on all posts.
Originally written by gard on 2009-03-18 12:10 PM
If my information can save one person from going through what I have, I don't care what it is called.Indeed, my thread was very relevant to anyone who is still using this tire and company.
You may be better off starting a different thread about Steeltex tires in particular.
Posted 2009-03-18 4:57 PM (#101710 - in reply to #101701) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by jdzaharia on 2009-03-18 3:25 PM
You may be better off starting a different thread about Steeltex tires in particular.
Been there, done that.
Thank you for making an issue about my posting. By doing so, and by bringing this issue to light, perhaps one person will now be made aware of, and read about the recalls, that some were not adequately complied with. I don't want anyone of you to have an injury caused by a defective tire. The more the public is aware of the situation, the safer we will be. Thank you again.
Posted 2009-03-24 5:07 PM (#102022 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
Okay, now my repair guy is saying I can't put the Firestone Transforce HT tires on my truck. I didn't completely understand why.. something about the rating?
Now he has suggested Cooper Discover ATR. Passenger tires but with a high enough rating. (he sez)
I'm not getting a warm fuzzy about those tires. I have the original LT tires on the truck ... and I would really like to upgrade.
Posted 2009-03-24 5:30 PM (#102023 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
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Posts: 1416 Location: sc
Why wont he install them? The same reason they wont install LR C tires on my Dmax. Liability. Maybe your rims are rated for 80 psi, maybe not. The tire installer doesnt want to find out.
Why do you want LR E on a 1/2 ton to begin with? Surely youre not that heavy?
My Dmax empty probably weighs more than your truck loaded, I only run 60 psi in my "E" tires........unless the GN gets loaded really heavy. I would think some "C" or "D" tires would do a good job for you. What size are they?
Posted 2009-03-24 9:26 PM (#102030 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Veteran
Posts: 193 Location: White Pine, TN
We have Transforce tires on a 3/4T Duramax and we get about 50000 miles on them, a lot of it hauling. We've been pleased with them. We run 80 psi as they suggest. We've also had good luck with the Coopers.
Posted 2009-03-27 2:55 PM (#102243 - in reply to #102023) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
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Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
Originally written by chadsalt on 2009-03-24 6:30 PM
Why wont he install them? The same reason they wont install LR C tires on my Dmax. Liability. Maybe your rims are rated for 80 psi, maybe not. The tire installer doesnt want to find out.
Why do you want LR E on a 1/2 ton to begin with? Surely youre not that heavy?
My Dmax empty probably weighs more than your truck loaded, I only run 60 psi in my "E" tires........unless the GN gets loaded really heavy. I would think some "C" or "D" tires would do a good job for you. What size are they?
After reading all the threads on here about Truck tires versus passenger truck tires versus passenger car tires, I thought I needed E range... but apparently not.
What is on there now are 255/70 R17s. Goodyear LT... can't remember the rest.
So... what's the verdict? Will the Cooper Discoverer tires be okay?
Truck has GVWR 7200 pounds; Curb weight is around 5600; GCWR is 15,000. When maxed, the trailer loaded is 8000 - 8500 pounds. But it's usually only around 6800. Truck is rated for 9400 pounds towing (obviously with the GCWR)... With 8000 pounds, I'm at my max payload of 1600 pounds tongue weight if I figure 20%. My trailer book says 10% but I don't believe it (I think the book is written for bumper pulls).. plus I"ve added lots of front end weight to the trailer by insulating and paneling the DR area.
SO... what's the recommendation of HT World Tire committee?
Posted 2009-03-27 3:42 PM (#102249 - in reply to #102243) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
I agree with putting LT tires on a 1/2 ton that is going to be used like a truck. P tires are for cars, suv's and 1/2 tons that dont do 'work'. However LT tires can be load range C, D, E.....
Make him show you the Cooper tires. If they read P255/70/17 then they are "car" tires, and youre not using your pickup like a car. I would keep looking.
But if they read LT255/70/17, and the price is right, I wouldnt be afraid to run Cooper tires.
Posted 2009-03-27 3:53 PM (#102250 - in reply to #101595) Subject: RE: Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I chimed in earlier and will give you a little explanation as to why I like the "10 ply" tires. I live in a rural area with dirt roads. Some years ago someone must have decided to pave our roads with fence staples and roofing nails. That is why I run 10 ply tires on half ton pickups. They tend to have less flats. It pays for me to run heavier ply tires!!
To answer your question about the Cooper Discover ATR, I bought a trailer a few years back that had them on it. 4H 9'LQ fully loaded, I ran the trailer 40K or so with no problems with them. Thought it was an odd choice for a trailer? Actually was impressed with how they wore. Problem is I don't have anyone selling them within 50 miles so I tend to buy what I can local. I think they would do just fine on your F150. I am not going to debate your weights, because I think those numbers can be interpreted in many different ways. I personally use F350's and F550 for all trailers. I like a full float axle to carry the load. I run all tires at rated pressure at all times except the F150 with ten plys, it runs at 60# (never carries more than 1500#) Good luck!!!!!!
Firestone Transforce Truck Tires
