Question about load ratings and tire pressure for a towing newbie

[RockyMtnMarty]

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[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by bedubya

I run my P265/65R17 tires at 40psi when towing and it helps. Max psi for the tires is 44. Normal, according to the truck manual is 30. But when I replace these, I will be going to true LT load range E tires. I have learned that there are "LT" tires out there that are not really light truck tires.

What tires are stamped LT as part of the tire size, (i.e. LT235/85R16 LRD for example) that are not LT type tires? That would be against the law.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by nomad297

I’m not doubting you have the tires you say you have. I just can’t grasp why Ford would put C tires on a pickup with a max tow package.

Bruce

It's GAWR that controls how much tire load capacity must be provided by the vehicle MFG. F is 3450 Rear is 3800 so you don't need more capacity that 1725 F and 1900# rear. Now I would suggest having at least 25% more load capacity that 1725/1900 and only way to know is ti hitch uothe TT when fully loaded and get the TV on a truck scale and get the F weicht and the R weight.

[Kebees4]

I went from p tires on my Ram to E rated and it tows so much better.

[Boomerweps]

While I don't have a REAL truck, I pump up my Explorer's to maximum sidewall pressure when towing. Minimizes side to side play and I believe it's better for my P tires to lessen sidewall flexed caused heat. I keep my TT at max cold pressure, too.

[swj]

the max tow comes with 20 inch wheels.($1000 ad on)
Where did your Michelin 275/55/R20 go? You need to replace your
wheels to get the tow rating the max tow package offers...

[Skidooman]

If the max tire pressure on the sidewall is 50 psi, you are good to run 50 psi in them. Air them down to what the door sticker on the truck says after your trips for a more comfortable ride. 10 psi more should help your sidewall flex a lot.

It's kind of comical how considered some posters are about weight capacity on the door sticker, but they are more than happy to change tire size and load capacity from what the sticker says.

The trailer you are pulling is pretty light weight, I wouldn't worry about putting e range tires on.

[Skidooman]

Originally Posted by swj

the max tow comes with 20 inch wheels.($1000 ad on)
Where did your Michelin 275/55/R20 go? You need to replace your
wheels to get the tow rating the max tow package offers...

This is false, a 275/55/20 is a p rated tire. A LT275/65/18 tire will have a higher load capacity than a "P" series tire.