Can somebody explain the difference between these 2 tires. It seems like the cheaper tire would suit my needs, except for the "Not rated for severe snow". Same tread pattern? It does not state that one has more plys, but I'm guess that is why one is rated for more weight. You can buy a service plan for the cheaper, but not the more expensive tire (not that I would anyways), which is strange
1http://http://www.tirerack.com/tires...omCompare1=yes
2http://http://www.tirerack.com/tires...omCompare1=yes

 

You're gonna have to post those tires individually. The link you provided takes you to an empty compare screen.

 

I couldn't find a way to post them, but I figured it out. They were both General Grabber AT2s, but 1 was an LT, with a higher load rating. That tire was also more expensive and was not covered by the 6yr/60K warranty like the cheaper tire. Both have a $50 rebate though. Walmart wants $170 for the cheaper tire, but free lifetime rotation would be nice.
Ouch, I just checked the shipping from Tire Rack and it was $121, Walmart will ship to store for free, then $90ish for installation.
1. $175 Size: LT265/70R17
Sidewall Style: Outlined White Letters
Serv. Desc: 121/118Q
Load Range: E
UTQG: None
2. $152 Size: 265/70R17
Not Rated For Severe Snow
Sidewall Style: Outlined White Letters
Serv. Desc: 115S
UTQG: 640 A B

 

From tirerack.com:
LT = If a tire size begins with "LT," it signifies the tire is a "Light Truck-metric" size that was designed to be used on vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy cargo or towing large trailers. This includes medium and heavy-duty (typically 3/4- and 1-ton load capacity) pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and full-size vans. Tires branded with the "LT" designation are the "little brothers" of 18-wheel tractor-trailer tires and are designed to provide substantial reserve capacity to accept the additional stresses of carrying heavy cargo.

7.50R16LT 112/107Q, 8.75R16.5LT 104/100Q or 31x10.50R15LT 109Q

LT = If a tire ends with "LT," it signifies the tire is either an earlier "Numeric", "Wide Base" or "Flotation" Light Truck size designed to be used on vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy cargo and towing trailers (Numeric sizes), use 16.5-inch diameter rims (Wide Base sizes) or are wider, oversized tires designed to help the vehicle drive on top of loose dirt or sandy surfaces (Flotation sizes). This includes light, medium and heavy duty (typically 1/2-, 3/4 and 1-ton load capacity) pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Tires branded with the "LT" at the end of their size designation are also the "little brothers" of 18-wheel tractor-trailer tires and are designed to provide substantial reserve capacity to accept the additional stresses of carrying heavy cargo.

If it were up to me, I would go with the LTs, but I suppose only you know if you'll need the additional rating. I won't comment on whether to purchase from walmart or tirerack, that's all personal preference. IMHO, this comes down to money.

 

It is about $$$ for sure, it is not what I necessarily want to spend, but what the little lady will allow me to spend with minor complaining. The $50 rebate is from General, so it also applies to Walmart. If I lived closer to the other chain tire stores, Wally World might not be so inviting.
Considering tire price, shipping, installation, and service after the sale, Tire Rack cannot come close to other tire stores. However, I do love all of the data provided by them. With other sites offering free shipping, TR has to get with the times, even if that means bumping up their prices to cover a percentage of shipping costs. Like UPS says, it's all about logistics.