Hey Gents, need some advice on a dilemma I'm having with the right tires for towing. Apologize in advance if this has already been answered numerous times before...

Getting ready to buy a travel trailer around 5600lbs that with all the expected cargo/fuel/passengers included will put me very close (probably within 50lbs) of my truck's GVWR. Research has me considering switching from my P to LT rated tires to help with the truck's stability while towing.

According to tirerack.com, the only set of LT tires that fit my stock size of 275/55R20 are the BFG KO2s. They are D rated and have a load capacity of 2,680lbs.
My current tires are the Cooper Discoverer A/T3s and are XL rated with a load capacity of 2,833.

I know the LT tires come with more ply, but with these load capacities being so similar (and the Cooper's even being higher), is switching to the LT BFGs even close to being worth it?

 

In my mind, LT tires are a more stable platform lateral wise. Lateral is the same as sideways right?

That may have something to do with the load rating...but it's the sidewalls you get in the LT tires that you want. IMHO

 

Look at a different size to be able to get an E rated tire. I don't think a D rated tire would offer enough difference to matter.

 

If you have 4wd and go off road at all, get the AT LT tires. They will have better traction and are more puncture resistent....I run BFG AT tires on two of my vehicles and have been pleased with them over 20 years.

I have a 6k+ TT. I tow it with a 2wd truck that rarely leaves the pavement. I have XL rated P metric tires on it. I I have no complaints regarding towing stability....I assume you know you have to derate a P metrics load rating by 9% when you use them on a truck or van.

 

 

My trailer weighs in at #6200 loaded and I've put 40k kms pulling on P rated truck tires from sea level to 11000 ft above. Never had a problem with them at max pressure.

 

Before spending money on LT's, I'd try towing with your P's with more pressure (some posters will say go to the max PSI). fwiw: I tow my 7000lber with 42 in the rear and 38 in the front -- more stable without being too rough a ride and I can just leave them at those pressures for the towing season.

 

 

MYTH

LT tires have tougher sidewalls and when off road driving in rocky terrain they do offer a little better side puncture resistance. But anything that will puncture the tread on a P rated tire will do the same to an LT tire. I've used both for over 40 years. I've had equal number of flats either way. The tire store where I do business repairs the same number of LT's as P rated tires.

In the same size a P rated tire is usually rated to carry the same weight as an D rated LT tire and more weight than a C rated LT tire. And even a P rated tire is rated for more weight than you can carry in a 1/2 ton truck. If someone wants a little extra insurance than they can get with P's then move on up to an E rated tire. Forget D and C rated LT's. Those are meant for light duty vehicles like Wranglers in sizes that are not available with P series tires.

 

Looks like you confirmed what I said.