Originally Posted by smokeywren

With 2WD, be certain your F-150 has the optional electronic locking rear axle. Then you need not worry much about wet or mud or even a few inches of snow.


I've never owned a 4X4, and I lived two winters in Omaha and 20 in Denver. With my electronic locking rear axle, I don't need 4x4.

Originally Posted by BruzerF150

I have a 2015 XLT SCREW 4x4 with 3.5L EB and the Trailer Tow Package. I don't believe it has either the Max Trailer Tow Package or the Heavy-Duty Payload Package (I bought the truck used). We currently haul a Lance 20' travel trailer, and the towing weight is probably 6000 lbs.

I'm looking to replace the tires, but probably not the wheels. I currently have Goodyear Wrangler LT245/70R17 on the truck. From looking on tirerack.com, the recommended size is LT265/70R17 tires. The LT245's are recommended if you have the HDPP.

- Should I opt for the LT265's, or stay with LT245's?

- In Michelin, would Defender LTX M/S be a good choice?

Thanks very much.

Originally Posted by Norotso

Whats on the door sticker?

Originally Posted by BruzerF150

LT245/70R17E 119/116S

Does that imply I should stay with LT245's?

Originally Posted by smokeywren

If you don't want the frustrations of inaccurate speedo and trip meter, then the size on the door sticker is best.

Consumer Reports recently rated that tire as the absolute best available for half-ton pickups, provided you don't need "snow tires". I put four on my F-150 last week, replacing the OEM LTX AS/2s that had over 60k miles on them. $1,131.80 out the door, including the Governor's share. I would have bought another set of A/S2, but Michelin recently discontinued that tread.

Originally Posted by Velosprout

Larger wheel diameter decreases towing efficiency. To maximize towing performance, stay near stock diameter with E rated tires for sidewall stiffness and load capacity. Make sure any aftermarket wheels are rated for your payload rating as well.

Furthermore, wider tires may increase resistance and airflow, reducing mileage, decrease ice traction, and wider tires are likely more prone to hydroplaning. With a narrower tire there is greater force per square inch applied between the road and tire. Wider tires are only beneficial for off-road, drag racing, or for appearance. Wider tires place more stress on the suspension and are more likely to throw damaging road debris on your truck and trailer. Stay near stock width for towing.

Heavier aftermarket tires and wheels reduce your available payload, so you cannot tow as big or heavy trailer and remain within specifications for your vehicle.

More aggressive tread may wear faster, have more road noise, and have less efficiency towing on the highway. Look at semi-truck tires for an ideal towing tread design. Too-aggressive tread is appropriate for off-road & for looks, but not for towing on the highway.

For snow, ideally have a stock-size second set of wheels with exclusive winter tires.

Bottom line; deviating from stock sizes will result in some diminishment in capacity and towing. Each individual owner must determine the appropriate balance between highway towing, off-road performance, desired appearance, and winter driving.

Originally Posted by Siskiyou

I agree with everything you said except I don't think E rated tires are necessary. I put Toyo AT's E rated on my 02 Silverado when it was new and they were far too stiff for my liking. We went down to Los Angeles and on the freeways with their expansion joints they just beat us up. After I wore that set out I went to the C rated Toyo AT's and they were a lot smoother and I couldn't tell any difference in towing. With this new truck I went with the stock size Toyo AT2's C rated LT's and they ride nice at 40psi and tow well at 50 psi. Keep in mind that the 3/4 ton and higher trucks that run those weigh a lot more than our trucks do.

Originally Posted by Velosprout

The 2014 HDPP F150's (like mine) came with E rated tires from the factory. When the 2015and newer F150 Heavy Duty Payload Package trucks were designed the C tires were factory applied.