Towing tires

Kash76 · 07-31-2013, 08:23 PM

I bought a 2013 F-150 XLT 4x4 w/Max Tow. It has Goodyear SR-A tires on it that are rated to pull 2,600 lbs each.

The camper that I am picking up this weekend is a 2013 Palomino Solaire 317BHSK Eclipse which tops out at around 86xx full and 35' long.

I have a GVWR of 7650 lbs and a payload of 1800 lbs. On the door sticker it says that these Goodyear 275/65R18 T114 tires are ok to use with that load.

I am looking at Michelin LTX M/S 2 (LT275/65R18E1 123R W) based on my Uncle suggesting, "it is silly to pull that camper with passenger tires".

I would like to hear everyone's thoughts on investing in light truck tires
1. Is the Goodyear overkill?
2. If you were in my position, would you buy the LT tires and sell the almost new Goodyears? It will cost me about $600 out of pocket.

I am trying to determine if this 'upgrade' makes for safer pulling.

Thanks!

Sgt. Schultz · 07-31-2013, 08:44 PM

I personally do not like the Goodyear SR-A's for any situation (but that's just me) IMHO trucks have P type tires for ride only and they really should not be used for hauling or towing for some further info see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=70
&
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=55
I don't believe you need load range E (123/S) it would be overkill for your truck but a good LT C may be in order such as http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Clar=SuperCrew

acadianbob · 07-31-2013, 08:54 PM

That's a mighty long trailer. Surprisingly, your tongue weight does not appear to be too bad. If you figure a loaded tongue weight of about 800 pounds, you should be OK on payload. General rule of thumb on trailer length is your wheelbase divided by 5. That comes out to be about 31' for your 157 inch wheelbase. You are probably OK at 35' if you are properly set up with a weight distribution hitch and sway control. Given that you are on the upper end for your truck, LT tires might be a good idea. I'm not sure that load rating E is required. The LT tires that you can order from Ford are load range C. I have those tires on my Ecoboost Max Tow and I will say that I get a better towing experience from them vs P-metric tires. There is less vertical bounce and less vehicle lateral movement because of the stiffer sidewalls and increased tire pressure. You should check to make sure your Ford rims are rated for the pressure of an E rated tire (80 PSI) before you spring for E rated tires. I wanted to put E's on my last F150 but the tire shop refused to mount E's; saying the truck was not equipped to handle an E tire.

Bottom line. I would get an LT tire. You want all the control you can get pulling a trailer of that length IMO.

Happy camping! Enjoy your new trailer and truck. Be safe.

Kash76 · 07-31-2013, 09:03 PM

Thank you both for the input.

Actually, I do have a 5.5' box so I am a little shorter than your recommendation of 31'. I have a WDH that will be on it and if I am not happy with that Equalizer 4 point then I will likely move up to the ProPride.

I will be sure to ask about the rims and see what options I have in load range C.

Thanks again.

wyo700 · 07-31-2013, 11:22 PM

I have the passenger tires on my 2013 tundra and have towed several times with no problems. Keep the air pressure where it needs to be and you will be fine. They are not gonna put the tires on the truck and give you your payload rating if the tires can't handle it. Of course different LT tires would help some with towing but not so much you have to get rid of brand new tires.

buckeyefan · 07-31-2013, 11:28 PM

I just put Michelin LTX MS2 in the size (LT275/65R18 E load).
I was concerned about them impacting mileage or being too noisy, but they have been great thus far.

LT vs P Michelin LTX M/S 2 - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

Kash76 · 08-01-2013, 07:18 AM

Great to hear, having the Michelin tires installed this morning :-)

billt01 · 08-02-2013, 01:02 PM

I have the LTX's on the Tundra...Mich's are worth the $$

thebrakeman · 08-03-2013, 10:01 AM

New tires on a 2013 truck? Sounds like a waste. If the truck came with those tires, with a "max tow package", then they are rated for use up to whatever ratings came with the truck. With a WDH, electric brake controller, and whatever else the owners manual requires, you should not need to be replacing tire already.

Kash76 · 08-03-2013, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

New tires on a 2013 truck? Sounds like a waste. If the truck came with those tires, with a "max tow package", then they are rated for use up to whatever ratings came with the truck. With a WDH, electric brake controller, and whatever else the owners manual requires, you should not need to be replacing tire already.

These original this only had 500 miles on them so I decided to take the hit and all them on Craigslist. I have more confidence with the safety of pulling and these new tires will perform better with pulling. As others have suggested, the passenger tires are "squishy".

To me it was worth it and I appreciate all of the feedback here.

76Truck · 08-05-2013, 05:29 PM

I'm buying the Nitto Terra Grappler 295/70/18. 4000 lb load raiting at 80 psi. Hopefully it will feel better while on the road. I currently have the same SR-A and they did not feel very comfortable.

cstover · 08-05-2013, 07:10 PM

I just put the Michelin LTX AT2 in a stock size but LTs. Love them. Guys have been getting 60-70k miles out of them. Slightly louder.and a little stiffer unloaded, but love em.

**Platokidd** · 08-05-2013, 07:37 PM

I had 2 sets Michelin LTX and there great. Put a 100k on the first set on my last truck and still looked good tread wise! Started to dry rot so I bought a 2nd set. 10k and traded the truck in ouch.
They have out performed any truck tire I have had.
I have bridgestones on my new truck and I like them too,
BUT..When my new truck need tires ...Michelin LTX

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