Pete:
Check out this tire:
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http://www.mastercrafttire.com/us/en...itle=SUV+Tires
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Mastercraft tires are manufactured by Cooper. The 255-55-18 Mastercraft Courser HTR Plus was a tad over $100 per tire - mounted and balanced .... including lifetime balancing and rotation. The tire looks good, rides and handles good/well, and is relatively quiet. The sidewalls are especially 'beefy' and have a raised area to protect the rim.
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I have these installed on my VX.
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btw: This tire is also available in 265-60-18. My VX was equipped with the 265-60's when I purchased it. I had them swapped for the 255-55's.
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