255/55R/18 Tires

[nclimey]

Several threads have recommended 255/55R/18 as the largest tire to fit an R/T (with R/T package) using the stock rims.

However, I'm finding that many of the tires in this size, such as General Grabber UHP, Kumho Ecsta STX, Hankook Ventus AS RH07, Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta and Nitto NT 420s, are listed as light truck or SUV tires. My tire dealer is warning me that they will give a really rough ride and get noisy!

I'd appreciate any word of experience with these tires, or any other recommendations. (Here in Western North Carolina we get all four seasons, including occasional snow!)

[Arms]

Good question nc, looking for feedback as well.

[Arms]

Check this previous post out, has some good info:

http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=133363&highlight=255%2F55

[Motor]

running that size for winter tires...comfy ride even on the pro kit plus suspension...i dunno about the noise...exhaust and audio covers any noises:P

[FloridaRT]

Others have used them with no problems, I say go for it - I like the General Grabbers UHP.

Bob

[TB107]

I have 255/55ZR18s on my car and they run great. They hold the road amazingly well...light years ahead of the stock crap-elins that came on the car. I used GY Eagle F1 GS-D3s...and loved them. Going around highway corners at high speed...I think I hit MY comfort level waaaaaaay before I even reached the tires limits! They hold that good. Be warned though, this is not a tire for near freezing temps. Noisier than stock, but not bad...and the ride is a little stiffer/harsher but you get used to it. I took it on an 1100 mile trip the day after I got them...and couldn't stop smiling at how well they handled...I never thought that the harshness was an issue.

[nclimey]

Many thanks for the input, everyone!

[89grand]

Most of tires that fit our cars are "SUV" tires. I have Nitto 420's and they are considered an SUV tire. They ride fine, it's like the tires we use are LT all terrain tires, now those would ride rough.

[ALPO]

255/55/18 TOYO Proxes ST2's here. Have not noticed any increase in roughness or noise, yet.

[jetpilot2]

255/55/18 Good Year Eagle ResponseEdge. A VERY good tire and all-season.

I'm ready for a new set and just can't seem to find a better over-all tire to replace it. I'm looking at the F1's, but don't like the feedback about near-freezing temps and snow (although snow is rare here) FREEZING temps aren't.:sad:

George

[MikeEast]

I have to note that the BFG KDW2's in 255/55-18 were indeed noisier if inflated to 30-something psi, and got downright quiet when I pushed them to the 40-42 that they spent the remainder of their lives at.

Mike

[RheetoricMixes]

I also have the NT420s and they are really amazing compared to the stock tires.

[formerice]

Grabbers are pretty nice, esp for the price. Our cars are SUV's kinda.

[mikeyb]

The Hankook Ventus ST is noisier than the Continentals, and a slightly harsher ride. But the handling and tire life makes up for the downside. Have slighty over 20k miles on them with only one rotation and the tires are wearing straight and true. I expect to get at least 40-45k out of these tires.

MikeyB

[JLO/RT]

I am running the Coopers in that size...No problems and fairly inexpensive.

[oldschool]

The Hankook Ventus ST is noisier than the Continentals, and a slightly harsher ride. But the handling and tire life makes up for the downside. Have slighty over 20k miles on them with only one rotation and the tires are wearing straight and true. I expect to get at least 40-45k out of these tires.

MikeyB

After only having my used ST's for a few days I noticed they were only more noisy then my previous tires on turns a bit...not so much straight but the set I currently have appears to be wearing very well from the previous owner.

[MattRobertson]

I have to note that the BFG KDW2's in 255/55-18 were indeed noisier if inflated to 30-something psi, and got downright quiet when I pushed them to the 40-42 that they spent the remainder of their lives at.

MikeMike, how did those tires do for stickiness and long term wear? I'm looking at them as an option in CA (no snow, some rain) in 265/35/20.

[magnum lover]

I have the Blizzaks in that size. Handles fine and the noise isn't any worse than any others. With our vehicles weighing what they do, it is an SUV but better looking.