Dodge Sprinter Tires & Wheels
Hi everyone
I have an 04 Sprinter cargo van 140"
I am running the new Firestone Transforce HT, has anyone else tried this tire. I may only see 40,000 miles . Need a higher mileage tire.
Have heard good things about the Michelin LTX/MS , but at $200.00 more a set tan the Firestones I better get over 60,000 miles
I have an 04 Sprinter cargo van 140"
I am running the new Firestone Transforce HT, has anyone else tried this tire. I may only see 40,000 miles . Need a higher mileage tire.
Have heard good things about the Michelin LTX/MS , but at $200.00 more a set tan the Firestones I better get over 60,000 miles
0
Comments
Starting up my driveway from a dead stop is not so good, but as icy as it gets it isn't even easy to stand up on it in very good cold weather hiking boots. Starting up is always problematic without chains/studs as the (transmission multiplied) torque has a tendency to overpower traction.
Yes, the Stock LTX tires are not optimum for snow, that is a given. As with all Anti-spin systems I have used so far, a little throttle goes faster than hitting it hard and fast as you can over-power its ability to decide how fast to start up. In a slow corner, then ESP also takes over and you will hear and feel the effects of wheel/brake interactions and the computer slows engine speed for near-zero acceleration.
KenB :shades:
You know, most police cars in these parts are rear wheel drive (with good snow tires and all that crap they carry in the back!) ... further supporting my belief that the "need" for 4wd is a bit exaggerated.
Hello all. Just read through all of the previous posts. Just bought a 2004 140" standard roof last week. So far so GOOD. Can anyone from up in the snow lands tell me what might be a better snow tire than the stock tires? Might be moving to Washington State in a few months. Thanks
2) middle third is heat/boost (push in once while running to heat up faster and maintain optimum heat in cold weather)
3) bottom is REST (push once while NOT running and key off, to give heat/fresh air after stopping)
heater boost adds heat until engine gets up to 185 F., then cycles to low speed and only boosts when engine temp falls off (only use below 41 F) Probably only need when idling below 35 F (maybe colder) or running in the teens or lower (*especially into a cold wind*).
REST only works while the engine/key is off and adds residual heat from the engine to the cab (heater knob turned to HOT), or fresh air only if the knob is turned to cold. Run the auxillary water pump to circulate hot water in the heater core as neeed to use up the heat. Runs about 20-30 minutes as mentioned.
KenB :shades:
If you ever have the two vents on the top of the dash (either side of the radio) open, then those either get (ambient/cold) outside air, or cold inside air (prior to the heater core, but after the A/C coil).
pushing air to the windshield is when you turn the directional knob pointing UP (AND) turning off all of the dash vents!!! Remember the two on top of the dash if you need hot air on the windshield, and close them too!!!
I have a 2004 cab/chassis 3500 with a stakebed. The tires are Continental P195/70R15, load range 'D'. I am trying to replace 2 and I am getting 4 week lead time. Any one know why? Anyone know of similar tire from another mfr? :confuse: Bhmet
Every vehicle I have ever bought did NOT have stock tires even remotely optimum for extreames of weather (rain, snow, ice, mud). In fact, a great mud tire, although pretty good in snow is tragically bad in icy conditions and not all that great in the rain.
SPP, which "stock" tire did your Sprinter come with? What year, size, model Sprinter do you have? We can see that you are concerned, now give us the details. Since you didn't name the tire manufacturer can we presume that you think the tires are OK for the purpose they WERE designed for?
When you realized that the tires you had on your Sprinter did not match your driving needs, conditions, or habits what did you do about it? Go back to dealer, contact DC management, switch tires? What was the DODGE or DC response to you?
Let us know your total experience, it would be appreciated.
Thanks,
KenB :confuse:
PS, the tire that is avaiable here in the USA and seems to satisfy many people for Snow and related conditions is the Bridgstone BLIZZAK model tire line. They won't hold their superior ice handling for the entire life of tread, so they may still be good for fair weather after their useful wintertime life is gone.
PSS I am a former user of Bridgestone tires, and never have been associated with them professionaly.
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. my sprinter is a 2007 med. wheelbase high roof. The tires on my sprinter are Michlien ltx a/s ct225/75 r16. Absolutely worthless in the snow or light granular ice. I have approx. 16k on the vehichle and can guarantee you that the selling dealership, Lee dodge of commack ny would not even entertain any request to change these tires. I'm having trouble with both the dealership and dodge customer care ( all I hear is that this is an internal matter and I may or not hear back from anyone) to replace a broken switch that controls the interior wall lights from the rear double doors.
My dealer in OKC, Oklahoma is likely to be removed from 5-Star and Sprinter Dealer status very soon, leaving just about NO ONE to do warranty work in the entire central Oklahoma area!
I plan to start using a Mercedes shop as soon as the warranty is out (local non-factory MB shop).
Thanks,
KenB
PS, check out the Bridgestone Bilzzaks for the Sprinter they really do look great for the application, including bad weather driving.
I have had lots of dealer problems too! I don't think I will go there if there is any possible way around them. Thanks for this forum..big help.
Personally I am still leaning toward Bridgestone Blizzak's,
Otherwise, Bridgestone Duelers (if rated for the load) with enough tread profile to do some good in mud/snow (more than the H/L model Dueler).
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tireselector/SearchByVehicle_BS_EN.aspx?Year=2004- &Make=DODGE&Model=Sprinter+2500+w%2fCommercial+Tires+Only+(Std+Size)
KenB
The vehicle either comes with LT tires or C tires (the European equivalent of LT tires.)
If you have the 15", they are C type.
In either case you should not use passenger car tires on it.
Be sure you get the right kind. They need to be capable of at least 65 psi. (There is one version of this truck that is going to require 80 psi.)
can anyone tell me their opinion.
Sprinter turning radius gives a challenge to tires due to turn-in radius and the added traction is a great thing for the fronts as well as the rears.
Finally, the ASR/ESP/Antilock Brakes all work better with traction all around. In slippery conditions, these systems work together with alternating braking, acceleration, engine retardation, etc. to make turns and maneuvers safer.
All in all, it is recommended to match tires on a Sprinter, even though it is rear wheel drive only in the USA.
KenB
What would Limp mode look like? I am running larger tires on the back duelies. They are passenger snow tires rated at 45 psi. I run 42 cold and get good wear, handling, and with my light loads and four tires I personally have no worries . Is there somethiong I am missing? P.S. I ran the snows through the summer since last year or 30,000+ miles. the only problem is that the cruise control doesnt work over 45 mph...
Thanks For your input Paul
that is the first level of limp mode related to tire size mismatch... no Cruise Control over @ 45 MPH. I had forgotten that was the reported effect for (minor, but noticeable) tire mismatch.
I cannot remember all of the circumstances that will also turn on speed limiting, obviously a detected turbo failure (real or imagined, such as turbo resonator failure (loss of turbo boost pressure)); engine codes; etc. Perhaps more severe tire mismatches.
The other effect as I had mentioned is confusion of the ASR/ESP/ABS systems in slick conditions, such as turning on ice... when all the systems work together to stop spin, tire sliding, and stability issues.
KenB :shades:
Dick R.
What might the ramifications be if I am running passenger snows on the rear with the duellies. I am running 215-70-15's with 40
psi and now moved up to a 215-75-15 firestone winterforce Studded in the rear. In the front I used a 225-70-15 load range d tires.
With all four being much higher and the same height the ABS and ESP works fine.
thanks for your help
Paul
psi and now moved up to a 215-75-15 firestone winterforce Studded in the rear. In the front I used a 225-70-15 load range d tires........"
One of the ramifications would be a tire failure - and if this occurred at high speed - well......the results could be tragic.
This is why I posted my comment about the tire type. You have to use C type or LT type tires in order to have enough load carrying capacity.
KenB
I have a 2006 sprinter 2500 cargo van 140". I need to get snows. I'm thinking of also geting new wheels for the snows. Can some one please tell me what are the largest size wheels and tires I could put on the sprinter 2500. Also, would you recommend a good snow tire. One tire dealer I use tells me to get cooper s/t. another says bridgestone blizzack w965. BTW are the wheels available in black, i'm tired of dirty looking brake dust. Thanks,
Keep the OE size as much as possible. if you start to change the overall diameter of the tire (rolling circumference), it may change the characteristics of the vehicle. Just as an example, your stopping distance may become longer due to the pulses on the ABS.
Also, if using winter tires, do your best to put on 4. If you can only afford 2, ALWAYS install them on the rear of the vehicle. If all of your traction is only on the front of the vehicle, you will likely lose the rear of the vehicle in a corner on slipery roads and end up in the ditch.
FYI - The Sprinters used by our courier company is equipped with Bridgestone Blizzak W965. They seem to work exceptionally well.
Paul
You must keep front and rear diameters very close or ASR/ESP/ABS, etc. will not be calibrated, and can even disable features (like no cruise control over 45 MPH).
KenB :shades:
I have a 2002 2500 freightliner
Thank you
Thanks,
Kenneth :shades:
I see the snow tires but can't figure out which one is for trucks
I'll figure itnout
Thank you
Have a few years of the Sprinters starting with an '06 model. My ? is how do you deactivate the ASR? My trucks are all cargo vans and I use them for carrying mostly flat boxes that I deliver to small companies
Myself including a few of my drivers keep getting stuck when the darn thing goes into effect.
I know its a safety thing but.... its also safety when I get stuck halfway up a tarmac street that is lightly covered in snow and I don't have the recommended 600 + lbs in the back for adequate weight over the rear wheels.
I had 1 of my drivers get stuck on a hill a few weeks ago on wet leaves! He proceeded to back down the hill with hazzards on using both of his mirrors and the backup camera and was struck from behind by a car coming up the hill.
Currently just purchased fuel yesterday at $3.21 a gallon.
Does anyone have a good tire suggestion.
Would like to fit a taller, better tire from the stock Conti which are only going getting 30k miles at the most on my 08 144.
Any suggestions for a longer milage tire w/ a taller profile?
Thanks
Now, with higher tires I feel more stability, and my speedometer matches radar speed readings. Only one dilema: mpg dropped from 18 to 14.
Is it because I am finally getting real rolling miles? Or there is a discrepancy somwhere?
Also, with smaller tires, there is more rotations per mile traveled. Don"t I accumulate more (fake) miles on my odometer?
One more questions: What is the difference in feet or miles in rolling surface between a 225/75/R16 and 245/75/R16 ?
If I gain 3 mph with the new tires (based on speedometer data), that means I am going to put less miles on my vehicle than before. It's logical, but what is the truth about this?
Thank you for reading my post.
235 85 16 Michelin LTX M&S 2, these are new M&S tires hence the 2, they ride great and MPH is now more accurate than with stock tires. I verified with GPS and am within 1 mph of what speedo is indicating. These have 70K treadlife warranty and were $820 out the door for 4. Car rides a little higher, and dealer didn't know if they would fit, they did and look great, fill up the wheel well nicely. Go with this size and you'll be smiling and your ride will smooth out.