brulaz

I sort of got irritated and did everything at once. So it's hard to say. But if it was me, I'd do the tires first. They'll be more expensive than shocks though.

RightYouAreKen

Thanks for your thoughts. So did you have the same experience I'm having and the upgrades cured it? I'm sort of worried ill get to the end of the upgrade list and still have the same issue.

brulaz

It's a lot better. Thing is, if you get it too stiff, you won't like the ride when not towing. My previous truck was like that. Great tow truck but a real neck breaker otherwise.

wintersucks

My next set will be E rated just because I can't stand mushy tires, and they will handle weight a lot better and be safer to boot.

SkiSmuggs

P-metric tires should be inflated to 44 lbs when towing and that reduces the "mushiness". My problem with E rated LT tires is that they weigh about 15 lbs more each than the P's and that reduces performance and fuel mileage. I have found that The Continental LX20 P-metric tires are rated for about 150 lbs more load than most P-metrics, so I will try them when my Goodyears are done.

RightYouAreKen

I run my stock p metric tires at 43 psi or so but they still flex quite a bit it seems.

wintersucks

I also inflate mine to the max (or close to) when towing heavy. I look closely at the weight ratings on the tires I purchase also, when some just have tires tossed on that they want with that great price some don't pay attention to the load rating of what they just bought. Worth the time, and extra money to get exactly what you want. The tire place I've worked with for years is well used to me spitting out lots of data and exact tire I want and they do a great job.

brulaz

That may depend upon the tire. Michelin rates the LT version of its LTX MS/2 as "Green X", but not its P version. That may compensate for the weight difference some.

And you can also reduce your wheel size (makes for a cheaper LT tire too) at the same time.

I went from a 20" Pirelli P-rated tire to 17" Michelin LT (LTX MS/2) and my mileage has improved ~7% so far when towing (small but real. I keep careful records). No idea how much of that is due to the weight reduction or the tire, but I'm happy with it and the tires.

kepcv6871

I ride bicycles, a sport in which reducing weight to improve performance is a science and an obsession. For a bike, the first --and most cost effective--thing you can do is to reduce the weight of the wheels and tires. A pound less on a tire and wheel is worth a lot more than a pound eliminated from anywhere else. I'm sure the same is true of auto tires and wheels, too. So, if one decides to get heavier, less flexible and massively lugged tread designs ...well, expect to lose mileage.

SkiSmuggs

No argument, but I was talking about the E rated LT tires. Also, I have 18s and went to 17s for winter wheels and tires. But LT or P tires in my 18" size weigh about 41 lbs and LRE tires weigh about 53 lbs and that is what everyone says to use for towing. I expect fuel mileage will be worse with those.