P tires Vs LT tires
04-04-2013, 04:46 PM
#41
P tires can be very capable towers. Until two weeks ago I had never towed on anything but P-rated tires. The new truck has LT tires. I can tell you one thing, once you tow with LT tires, you will never go back. While on P-rated tires, I would have sworn up and down that they were perfect for towing. Now, I am not sure I could go back to regular towing on the P-rated tires, the ride is so much more solid and sure footed feeling with the LT tires.
04-04-2013, 06:27 PM
#42
Senior Member
I ran the OEM Good Year SR-As for the first 26000 miles on my truck. But as winter was getting closer, I wanted LTs for this season since I noticed a lot of sway when towing our 27ft snowmobile trailer. That being said, after 4 HD diesel trucks before my ecoboost, I also knew I did not want 10 ply tires on a 1/2 ton... 6 ply were preferable and 8 ply would be a last resort. This was based on many factors, including those mentioned already like tire weight, ride quality, etc. Well, as I'm guessing most of you have also found out, there are not too many options in the stock 275/65/18 size for LT tires that aren't 10 ply. The OEM LT Good Year AT-S tires were not an option either.... they were are horrible tire back in the 90s when GY came out with them (imho). I did end up finding Cooper Discoverer AT3 were available in 6 ply (load range C) and after almost 7000 miles, I can say I am extremely happy with them. Much better towing over the P-metrics with no tire sway, very minor increase in ride "stiffness" when unloaded, no loss of fuel economy that I have noticed, and the slightly more aggressive tread was a plus in the snow. The tread pattern reminds me of the Toyo Open Country ATs I had on my last diesel.... which I wanted for this truck but can't find anyone who carries or can even get Toyos over here in North Eastern NY...... But, again, extremely happy with these Coopers and would definitely recommend them for someone who wants an LT without going to a 10 PLY brick tire.
Just thought I'd share ..........
Just thought I'd share ..........
04-04-2013, 08:05 PM
#43
Grumpy Old Man
Optional tires on some new F-150 4x4s are LT275/65R18C. TireRack.com sells that size made by
BF Goodrich Dueler A/T D695
Firestone Destination A/T
Goodyear Wrangler AT/S
Yokohama Geolander A/T-S
But TireRack doesn't carry all brands, so maybe Cooper and Toyo and other brands have that size too?
But don't get excited about those LT load range C tires. They are tire load index 113, which means 2,535 max weight capacity. The normal P275/65R18 are tire load index 114, which means 2600 max weight capacity. But some P275/65R18s have tire load index of 115 or 116. So the P265/65R18 can carry more weight than the LT265/65R18C.
TireRack doesn't carry any brands in size LT275/65R18D, but numerous brands in size LT275/65R18E.
On my 4x2, my Michelin P265/60R18 tires are just fine when towing my almost-5,000 pound TT. I prefer Michelin tires, so when those need replacing, I'll probably go with the same brand and size.
BF Goodrich Dueler A/T D695
Firestone Destination A/T
Goodyear Wrangler AT/S
Yokohama Geolander A/T-S
But TireRack doesn't carry all brands, so maybe Cooper and Toyo and other brands have that size too?
But don't get excited about those LT load range C tires. They are tire load index 113, which means 2,535 max weight capacity. The normal P275/65R18 are tire load index 114, which means 2600 max weight capacity. But some P275/65R18s have tire load index of 115 or 116. So the P265/65R18 can carry more weight than the LT265/65R18C.
TireRack doesn't carry any brands in size LT275/65R18D, but numerous brands in size LT275/65R18E.
On my 4x2, my Michelin P265/60R18 tires are just fine when towing my almost-5,000 pound TT. I prefer Michelin tires, so when those need replacing, I'll probably go with the same brand and size.
04-06-2013, 01:40 AM
#44
Senior Member
Just as important as load rating is side wall strength. The extra plies in the side wall of LT tires compared to P-metric tires can make as much if not more difference towing than maximum load capacity, which if you load the truck to max of what the tire can handle, you are asking for trouble anyway IMHO.
04-06-2013, 08:49 PM
#45
Senior Member
Thread Starter
To the guy who said run 44psi on P tires. Some P tires are stamped max psi 35 (275-65-18)
04-07-2013, 11:59 PM
#46
...and if the tire doesn't cause you trouble, the valve stem may fail. Last pickup I had (3/4 ton), had a rookie put the tires on at the dealership I bought the truck from because they installed low pressure, long rubber stems. 50psi or less they probly won't fail, as I ran mine anywhere from 60psi-90psi (loaded) and one day a tire was just flat when I went to hop in. My local tire guy was very surprised how long they lasted without failur. My F150's are 44 or 45psi max and they get just shy of that if loaded.