bigdogintheyoop

Morning, I just bought a 2012 F-150 (3.7L) with tow PKG and 10 ply tires from factory, I need tires and will not do any heavy towing so would rather have lighter tires than 10 ply--DEALER says I can't change 10 ply's because of sensor program and they can not re-program it for a 6 ply tire, any advise would be appreciated as I'm trying to get tires ASAP, Thanks

djfllmn

iTrader: (1)

bigdogintheyoop

Good Point--But I'm not in a PA type inspection state---I just don't want any dash light problems, still want same size just not 10 ply, Thanks

4.30Screw

I wouldn't use 10ply if you are not going to load up the truck. 6 ply tires are lighter ride smoothly, open country makes 6 ply in load range E

sholxgt

What would the dealer even reprogram for? Just pick a tire you like in the factory size and the truck will not know any different. If it's lighter, the truck will get better fuel mileage, ride better, stop better, and be faster. Same can be said for lighter wheels.

Removing rotational mass, provided it's still durable enough for your needs, is only a plus.

smcnich

They’re probably taking about the TPMS sensors. The factory 10 ply tires take a higher psi than 6 ply, so if you put 6 ply tires on, the TPMS will think your tires are underflated and trigger the warning light.

you should be able to change the psi setting in forscan to fix the light though.

Taggart

The TPMS sensors are triggered if the pressure falls rapidly or if it falls below 25 PSI, in the case of the OEM sensors installed on my last 2 vehicles (Ford and Jeep). They are designed to accomodate a range of tires at different operating pressures and aren't likely to be a problem.

bigdogintheyoop

OK, Just removed 10 ply Firestones (not a good tire) 80lbs max psi-door jam says run 50lbs in frt & 60lbs in the rear-------yesterday installed Michelin's (44psi max) running 38lbs frt & rear, light is on, BUT man what a difference in the ride, it rides so much smoother and less noise, now gotta figure out how to get light OFF. Oh BTW I ordered tires from Tire Rack delivered to my door for $397. & $90. to install---2 tire stores around me wanted $800-$900. for compareable tires.

sholxgt

Nice!

You will need to use FORScan to make the changes. I don't know if you can reprogram your sensors to read lower or if it requires 4 new sensors. Either way, FORScan is what you will need. It also offers the ability to disable the sensors. Good luck!

marshallr

This was the problem. There is no need to run 50 PSI in a 1/2 ton truck. Those numbers are what you'd use in a 2000 lb heavier 3/4 ton truck when unloaded. Go up to the max of 80 PSI when loaded heavy. Since an E rated tire is stiffer it actually needs less air to carry the same weight. If you'd run 35 PSI in the old tires there would have been no noticeable difference in ride compared to the new tires. When loaded heavy no more than 45 PSI would have done the job with 10 ply tries on a 1/2 ton.