LT Tires

DF5.4 · 08-22-2015, 06:16 PM

My truck is factory rated to tow 9000 lbs. My camper is (estimated) about 7000 lbs. the TV originally came with P rated tires. When I towed I would air them up to max (50 psi). It towed ok but I still had some white knuckle moments on the interstate when tractor trailers and busses would pass me. The first time I replaced the tires I put the AT tires on but stayed with the P rated. No change in towing but I didn't expect any. Earlier this year I replaced the tires with Another set of ATs. This time I went with LTs (E rated). I run them at 37psi for normal running around. I think the truck handles better with them. No more soft, squirmy feeling. I knew they would feel better towing but I didn't expect it to feel this much better. I don't understand why, when a truck has a HD tow package they don't put the right tires on it.

If anyone needs to replace tires I will tell them to spend the extra for LTs. Even on 1/2 ton and SUV TVs. They don't ride any worse empty and they tow that much better than P rated tires.

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timothy clancy · 08-23-2015, 07:21 PM

I agree owning a 2011 f150 pulling my vibe @7012 lbs empty when trucks passed I was wiggling like a snake just installed a hell wig rear sway bar and nitto 285/65/r18 e rated tires and what a difference.

Clancy vibe272bhs

beerjay · 08-24-2015, 12:01 PM

I did the same thing with my Suburban earlier this summer.

I made a similar post as you did about the amazing improvement in towing a few weeks ago. The Michelin LTX tires I got are also highly rated for snow and rain traction. The ride is a little rougher and I need to get my TPI monitor adjusted up from the factory 30psi default.

No more riding on P tire balloons...

howie70 · 08-24-2015, 12:13 PM

I need tires and have been researching this to no end. Even started a thread on it myself. I want an All Terrain tire and can only find a D rated (BF Goodrich TA KO2) tire in my size in an All Terrain LT. 275/60/20
I am not pulling near as much weight as you- 4100# dry. I realize that number goes up with the camper and truck loaded, but so far I have had no issues with P rated tires and am debating if it is worth the cost difference to go to the D's.
If you don't mind me asking, what tire did you get? (brand/model)

beerjay · 08-24-2015, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howie70

I need tires and have been researching this to no end. Even started a thread on it myself. I want an All Terrain tire and can only find a D rated (BF Goodrich TA KO2) tire in my size in an All Terrain LT. 275/60/20
I am not pulling near as much weight as you- 4100# dry. I realize that number goes up with the camper and truck loaded, but so far I have had no issues with P rated tires and am debating if it is worth the cost difference to go to the D's.
If you don't mind me asking, what tire did you get? (brand/model)

I got Michelin LTX M/S2 tires LR E max 80psi. LT265/70/17 for the Suburban. 115,000 km warranty (70,000 miles). Can't beat the Costco price and $15 installation. Lifetime rotation, balancing, and road hazard including nitrogen fill. They are filled to 45psi to match the load rating required. So that sets off my TPI monitor. Need to get it reset.

PS They also have an LTX A/T2 tire that is more aggressive for gravel and off road and is well rated.

howie70 · 08-24-2015, 02:10 PM

beerjay, I have checked the Michelin's since we run them here at work. For whatever reason, they do not have an E, D or even XL in the LTX A/T2 in my 275/60/20 size.
Matter of fact, their standard load tire in that size is around 2350#. The standard load I am running now is 2601#.

DF5.4 · 08-24-2015, 05:24 PM

I have Mastercraft Courser LTR. LT 265/70-17. There is a place locally I trust and this is what they recommended for me. So far I have no complaints with these tires.

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dustman_stx · 08-25-2015, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howie70

I need tires and have been researching this to no end. Even started a thread on it myself. I want an All Terrain tire and can only find a D rated (BF Goodrich TA KO2) tire in my size in an All Terrain LT. 275/60/20
I am not pulling near as much weight as you- 4100# dry. I realize that number goes up with the camper and truck loaded, but so far I have had no issues with P rated tires and am debating if it is worth the cost difference to go to the D's.
If you don't mind me asking, what tire did you get? (brand/model)

I am running those on my 2013 F150 and really like them.

rlocicero · 08-25-2015, 03:33 PM

I always go to E rated 10 ply tires when the P's need to be replaced. It's like night and day.I also replace the underrated OEM trailer tires with E/10 plys.

rsdata · 08-25-2015, 03:53 PM

Quote:

This time I went with LTs (E rated). I run them at 37psi for normal running around. I think the truck handles better with them.

what he said...

Big Rig · 08-25-2015, 04:38 PM

I researched replacement tires for my 08 1500 Silverado and I had decided on General Grabbers. They had some great reviews and pricing. Ended up trading it in before I bought them. Bought a 3500 Denali instead and already hate the Michelins it came with, very poor traction in the wet.

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beerjay · 08-25-2015, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howie70

beerjay, I have checked the Michelin's since we run them here at work. For whatever reason, they do not have an E, D or even XL in the LTX A/T2 in my 275/60/20 size.
Matter of fact, their standard load tire in that size is around 2350#. The standard load I am running now is 2601#.

Seems like its a different model.

Here is the Costco page. For my tires. LR E 80 psi. 3195 lbs at 80 psi

Costco.ca: Shop for Tires

howie70 · 08-25-2015, 09:14 PM

That is part of my issue beerjay, there is next to nothing to choose from in my stock size. I can't go bigger. Could go smaller. I am even having a hard time justifying E or D rated tires. I have pretty much decided against them. I have towed with P rated tires on my current truck for the past 4 years with zero issues. I have only found the 1 tire in my size in an all terrain LT tire and it is a D rated tire.$1150
I can get the Cooper AT3 in P for $780.
We are weekend warrior campers who doesn't venture far from home. 6 trips this year ad it will be less than 700 miles total with a 4500# camper. As I said, hard to justify the price difference while towing that little.

beerjay · 08-26-2015, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howie70

That is part of my issue beerjay, there is next to nothing to choose from in my stock size. I can't go bigger. Could go smaller. I am even having a hard time justifying E or D rated tires. I have pretty much decided against them. I have towed with P rated tires on my current truck for the past 4 years with zero issues. I have only found the 1 tire in my size in an all terrain LT tire and it is a D rated tire.$1150
I can get the Cooper AT3 in P for $780.
We are weekend warrior campers who doesn't venture far from home. 6 trips this year ad it will be less than 700 miles total with a 4500# camper. As I said, hard to justify the price difference while towing that little.

Sounds like you have looked at the options. My tires are standard. People need to watch the special edition TVs tires for example the 20 inch tires and other options reduce tow capacity (load range) if you look at the manufacturer tow specs and will allow the rim to dent if you hit a bad pot hole. (We have potholes in Canada that are given an area code ...)

I don't tow a lot but I use the SUV mostly for towing, I can wait months to fill it in the winter. So after the P tires were done I went to LT tires. It is peace of mind and as in my experience it is much more fun to tow now. If you search here you will see many regulars who have commented on tire choices and picked LT.

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