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I was hoping to find some chart like they have for Load Index:
I find the chart for P tires, but not the LT's (Load Range)
Just trying to compare the P rated tire VS an LT for the same rated load
...
LT tires typically are inflated to a pressure corresponding to the load rating wanted. For example this is from Michelin's guide (#'s are for 2 tires/axle; halve them for single tire rating):
I consider the load rating to be kind of a moot point. The heaviest rear axle GAWR on any modern F150 up through the 2014 model year appears to be 4800 lbs on the HD trucks. My standard tow pkg truck has a 4050 lb GAWR in the rear.
A quick look at several different tire brands showed that every P-metric tire I saw that will fit on our wheels is rated at more than 2400 lbs - that would keep the tires from being any limiting factor, even on an HD F150.
All the LT tires have a much greater load rating than a similar sized P-metric, and it looks like just about any tire you get from a reputable brand in F150 size will exceed the weight rating of your axles.
So....as was mentioned in an earlier post, most people go with LT tires simply because of the beefier construction and stiffer sidewall which will help with stability when towing or hauling heavy loads.
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Maybe someone can explain it to me. But our trucks come with P rated tires. And from the factory is rated to tow 11K ish. So why the need to go with a LT or E rated tire to tow what Firs claims can be done with P rated tires?
Maybe someone can explain it to me. But our trucks come with P rated tires. And from the factory is rated to tow 11K ish. So why the need to go with a LT or E rated tire to tow what Firs claims can be done with P rated tires?
Wayne
The load rating and number of ply's are two different factors. For example the stock Scorpion "P" rated 4-ply tires that came on my F150 had a load rating sufficient to meet the RGAWR payload rating (2500lbs each I believe). However with only 4-ply they had weak sidewalls, couldn't take much air-pressure, and as a result "wallow" around a lot while towing. In comparison, the E-rated 10-ply tires I replaced them with can take 80-psi (I only inflate to 60psi) and have much firmer sidewalls. Both still carry the same payload in my case, but the E-rated tires are WAYYYY more firm and don't wallow around going down the road.
If you want an example of weak sidewall wallowing, go out to your rig, put your foot on the top of your tire, and give it a good push. With P rated tires the who rig will wallow and shuffle around all of which is from weak side-wall. With 60psi and E-rated tires, that same test show hardly any movement. Now think about those results going 65mph down the highway with 1k pounds of tongue weight or bed payload.
I also suspect that 10 ply gives you more protection from extreme events that could cause blow outs in a lesser tire: road debris, deep pot-holes and stuff like that. Hitting those at 65mph with a full load has gotta be hard on a tire.
I also suspect that 10 ply gives you more protection from extreme events that could cause blow outs in a lesser tire: road debris, deep pot-holes and stuff like that. Hitting those at 65mph with a full load has gotta be hard on a tire.
Oh absolutely! That's why off road rigs all run E-rated tires
LT E or even C rated are MUCH stiffer. That will give a much more "truck-like" ride than P-metrics.
That's why people who run LT tires typically pump 'em up when hauling a heavy load, then lower the pressure when back to light load or empty for a little softer ride. See the table brulaz posted up to see that when light you can reduce the pressure way down to handle the weight of a lighter truck, and when heavy you can inflate them to handle a heavier weight.
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I'm still not sure what it is you're looking for. Load Range such C, D, E, F and G are now obsolete terms. They were replaced by the Service description, which is made up of the Load Index and the Speed Rating, although most LT tires still include the old load range, as well as the new load index on the sidewall. The load index table you posted below is for both P-Series and LT tires. My P-Series tires in size P-265/60R18 are Load Index 109 with speed rating T (118 MPH).
The Goodyear Wrangler AT/S in Size: LT275/65R18, Serv. Desc: 113/110S is the old Load Range C that is/was available as an option on some F-150s.
Serv. Desc. 113S means Load Index 113 when mounted on single wheels, with speed rating S (112 MPH)
Here's another Wrangler, this time in the same size but Load Range E. Serv. Desc. 123 and speed rating S. That one is also in your table.
Does that answer your question?
Yes, been confused when doing searches & kept pulling up the old info for Load Range
If I end up getting LT tires I just wanted to make sure they were equiv or better then OEM (not hard to do)
I did see the PSI chart but it just didn't click
Thanks everyone
Purchased about a month ago, BFG's Rugged Terrain LT265/75R18 E range. I felt these Rugged Terrians would give me good traction for the little off road I do but yet low noise and fuel efficient on the highway.
I love these tires, they have helped take the sway away from the trailer and they still give the truck a more rugged look. I paid about $1000 at Discount Tire.
11-21-2014, 09:11 AM
