Wannafbody

Same tread pattern tire between the P metric and LT I can't see that there'd be much of a difference in mileage. The LT might be a couple pounds heavier but can also be run at higher pressure to reduce rolling resistance. Now the difference between a highway P metric and a all terrain LT might be more noticable.

isuhunter

To the OP:
I don't have first hand expierence with the Duratracs but I have expierence with the load range P & E on F150's. Our work has 5 F150's with E's and 1 with P's.

My thoughts are the E's are great if you drive lots of gravel here in Iowa(we do). The pickup with P's gets flats VERY often. I have P's on my personal truck and the ride difference between my work truck and personal truck is night and day. I will be putting P rated Michelin M/S2 on my personal truck when its time to replace.

My advice would be the P's, now we could argue the need for agressive tread but I dont' think thats what you were asking.

Hope I could help!

Remi

Great input - thank you ISU.

I'm an ISU grad by the way, so Go Cyclones!

isuhunter

Awesome same here... major? grad year?

Remi

As an update, I made the decision to go with the p-metric Duratracs in 275/60/20 over an LT variant (275/65/20 and 285/60/20). Importantly, the p-metrics have more carrying capacity than even our trucks do, so the extra weight capacity of the LTs was unnecessary.

Some have made comments that the p-metrics are not as aggressive as the LTs. That's true, but the difference is not significant enough to drive the decision (I had a tire shop put the p-metric and LT side by side. My observations are at post 31 here: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/p-rate...4/#post3516159).

From my view, here were the pros and cons of p-metric vs LT:

P275/60r20
Pros:
· Cheaper than LT (about $85/tire cheaper than 275/65 and $125/tire than 285/60)
· Light 46 pounds (2 pounds less than stock)
· Less effect on gas mileage and ride.
· Runs w/o level.

Cons:
· Least aggressive tread
· Shallower tread (2/32 less tread)
· Not as strong, may be more prone to puncture and flats
· Smallest height (33 inches)

LT285/60r20 and LT275/65r20
Pros:
· Stronger tire, less prone to flats and punctures
· Carries more weight.
· More aggressive tread
· Taller, may fill the truck better if leveled (285/60 = 33.5” and 275/65=34”)

Cons:
· More expensive
· Heavier tires. (285/60 = 59lbs and 275/65 = 57 pounds)
· Firmer/harsher ride because the tires are stronger. More wear/tear on truck.
· Because heavier, likely lose 1-2 mpg

As noted above, for me tread design and carrying capacity really became non-issues between these tires. I focused on whether the benefit of a stronger LT tire offset its negative characteristics (mpg loss, stiffer, slower acceleration/braking). For me, it did not and the cheaper tires were a bonus.

I have no rubbing even when cranked in reverse. The tires ride great and I didn't notice much loss in terms of acceleration/braking. Although I don't have a lot of miles on them yet (60), average MPG has remained the same. There is a little hum from the tires, which I like. The tires were installed with 36PSI, which felt too low when decelerating to a stop. I bumped the PSI to 42 and they feel much better.

If I end up with a bunch of flats when hunting in the fall my tune might change, but for now I feel that I made the right decision. Now the questions is whether to level or leave it stuffed. Opinions?

Sorry for all the words - I thought all of this may help someone else making a similar decision.
[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Fx4_5.0Man

iTrader: (1)

Love my LT's

Remi

I'm definitely not opposed to LTs, but I made a decision based on all that I had read on this forum. We'll see how these p-metrics hold out and LTs might be in order next time - tires aren't a forever thing.

Why do you love your LTs?

Fx4_5.0Man

iTrader: (1)

Mostly just for durability reasons and when I tow I have a good psi range to air them up. I think they go to 80 psi, but I have only had them at 60 max. I run 52 usually daily. Seem to track well with less sway.

cford716

I understand the durability comment, but not the "good psi range". I have had LT's before on my 250. You have bump up the psi's in order to get the load rating required, that's the only reason for the increase in pressure. Aired down when not loaded for better ride. The P-metric are already exceeding the load capability of the truck. Other than a more stable ride due to the stiffer side walls LT's are overkill on a 150. Not that I am against them, but it is really just personal preference.

Remi...truck looks great.

biff420

Hello fellow Iowans!

Anyways, I was just looking at tires yesterday and this is what I've decided on.

http://www.bigotires.com/Tire-Detail...GRAPPLER/13354

Good price, local (no shipping), great treadwear based on reviews, and a very decent (read beefy) look on the OEM 20s.

BTW great looking truck Remi! Looks just like mine except I've got the blue variety.