ikanode

I'm picking up my F150 SuperCrew 5.5' bed 2WD Lariat next week. I planned on having the dealer swap out the P265/65R/18 tires for Michelin LTX M/S load range E for towing. Trailer is 22', 5000lbs fully packed, truck load will be just under the cargo capacity rating on the door sticker. (Hopefully around 1600lbs)

In trying to write a tire spec for the dealer, it appears that neither the LTX M/X or the Defender LTX M/X is rated E in that tire size. (I thought the LTX meant light truck.)

MICHELIN LTX M/S2 #39274
P 265 /60 R18 109H SL BSW TM 2064@44

MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S #71433
265 /60 R18 110T SL BSW 2,337 lbs

Are load range E tires not available in 265/65R18? (I'm not finding any.)
Should I just leave the factory tires on?
Suggestions

mhamershock

I like the wrangler C rated on my 2018 HDPP. E rated would be overkill for that load. I tow way heavier and the C rated at 50 PSI are just fine.

Mike

TheMayor

Remember whatever the stock tire on the truck is, it is designed and capable of pulling whatever the truck is rated to. I pull a trailer similar in size to yours, and did not have any troubles. They are 275 65 18 SL Goodyear wranglers. Upgrading to E rated tires may help with truck sway when trailering, as well as some protection from punctures over SL tires, but at the cost of mpg and ride quality.

Old Grey Mule

If you must have E rated tires, get 275/65-18. They used to be the standard stock size for XLT's.

Wicked ace

They still are on 4wd models. Ford offers a "C" rated tire choice as an option. You'll get Goodyear Advantage just as the HDPP optioned trucks are equipped with. "E" rated tire choices are more plentiful than "C". Increasing tire load capacity will not increase your payload. Realize too you are asking for a rougher ride.

dodgeman1

GMC to Ford

LTX has nothing to do with the tire's load rating. You have three different versions:
265/65R18 (European convention for a passenger rated tire)
P265/65R18 (U.S. convention for a passenger rated tire - NOTE "P" in front)
LT265/65R18 (Light truck tire that may come in a load range C, D, E or F rating, but all not in this size - The higher the letter the more load capacity)
The load and speed rating between a European and U.S. rated passenger tire in the same size may be different.

You are correct that Michelin does not make the LT265/65R18, but other manufacturers do make it. Michelin does make a LT275/65R18 which is 1.6% bigger than stock size and within Ford's recommend plus sizing options. The impact on your speedometer will be unnoticeable (i.e. 60 mph speedometer = 60.9 mph actual with the larger size)

Personally, I would recommend the LT if you tow more than occasionally.

77Ranger460

I have extra load or XL p-metrics on a 2WD half ton. They are rated to carry more weight than the same tire that is non-XL. I tow a 25 ft 6k TT with it with no problems.

msgtord

I would air up the tires you have to the maximum air pressure as stated on the sidewall. When your not towing, drop the air pressure back down to the manufacturers recommended air pressure.

Gale Hawkins

Dropping from 65mm to 60mm height will slightly lower your gearing ratio which can be positive for power and mileage when towing heavy in my experiences but may bit on the ride otherwise.