Using OEM tires or switching to LT tires

[SquiggyFreud]

Originally Posted by Big51810321

I'll be picking up my new GMC Sierra in a few weeks and I'm curious to know if people pulling larger travel trailers are keeping the OEM "all terrain" tires or switching to LT tires like a lot of people who also switch out the original crap trailer tires with something a little stronger....

We are looking at a Sierra as well, which model did you go with? 5.3 or 6.2 engine? max tow package?

[lewisra]

Most half ton trucks come with P rated tires, they think people want ride comfort over towing capabilities.

[pilotpip]

Most 1/2 ton trucks will never be used for their intended purpose and will never see anything close to the load of a travel trailer. They'll come with P rated tires.

When I bought my 18 F-150, I swapped the crap OEM Goodyears for the LTs that were on my 13 150 that only had 2000 miles on them. The difference when towing was so great that I didn't even bother finding out how the new tires would be. Dealer was all for the swap because they could advertise my truck as having brand new tires, and I had the falken wildpeaks that I've been very happy with and have gotten me out of a couple situations during deer season that the goodyears would not have.

[TitanMike]

Take a good look at the "P-Metric tires you find on most new 1/2 tons. Most are "Extra Load" type which have higher inflation pressures molded into sidewall. Pay more attention to the tire's capacity than the "P" and when towing inflate REAR tires to max cold inflation pressure on the sidewall.

[RFSims]

My 2016 Sierra 1500 came with LT tires. They were an option. LT tires and 17" wheels.

[tomfmcs]

I just put the goodyear lt-at kevlar tires on my gmc LT265/70R18/E.
These tires are smooth and quiet.

I would never run highway tread on my truck as the places I go primitive most times with a little moisture I would never get out of. Years ago I had road tread on and was in the high country and got stuck on wet grass/weeds. Had to put the chains on to get out which are always in the tool box. Learned my lesson there. Did that enough in the Army to not do it camping.

[correpat]

Originally Posted by Big51810321

I'll be picking up my new GMC Sierra in a few weeks and I'm curious to know if people pulling larger travel trailers are keeping the OEM "all terrain" tires or switching to LT tires like a lot of people who also switch out the original crap trailer tires with something a little stronger....

First thing we do when we buy any vehicle is to pull off the OEM tires and put on Michelins, if they didn't come with the vehicle. We run all-season, but not off-road tires due to the noise. We have tried other brands over the years (Goodyear, Continental, BF Goodrich, Mickey Thompson) and have not had the same performance - handling, ride, stability - as the Michelins. When we change out the truck tires, if they're still good, we try to find a church with a van that needs tires and donate the old tires.

[Jakieboy]

We agree with those who recommend the Michelin LT tires for tow vehicles. Our 2008 Silverado 2500 HD Diesel/Allison came equipped with Michelins, and we had nothing but great service from those OEM tires. We would not have bought the Silverado with any other tires.

We finally replaced them with new Michelins last year after more than 90,000 miles of service.

[alb2tpa]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Take a good look at the "P-Metric tires you find on most new 1/2 tons. Most are "Extra Load" type which have higher inflation pressures molded into sidewall. Pay more attention to the tire's capacity than the "P" and when towing inflate REAR tires to max cold inflation pressure on the sidewall.

True. 2018 Sierra 1500 with Max Tow pkg. Came with 20" P tires with a 51# max pressure stamped on sidewall. Tows my scaled 8650# trailer, 14,700# combined weight just fine. May move to D or E load rated tires if some of the stiffer sidewall claims are true after these wear down.

[Tacky]

First off, changing tires should be completely unnecessary. The truck comes with tires suitable for its rated tow capacity and payload. Secondly, if you insist on changing tires, make sure the truck does not have any issues with vibration or suspension first. Once you change tires, GM will not assist you with any wheel/tire/suspension issues under warranty. They will tell you to return the vehicle to stock condition before they work on it. I know, I spent 17 years working for GM Technical assistance and the first thing we asked, is anything modified on the vehicle? Return it to stock and evaluate the issue.

[udy2554]

I pull my toyhauler on BFG KM3S! Actually a mud terrain! 60/65 psi front/rear! E range!

They have a hard carcass, but ride and tow very smoothly! Handling is excellent! I live on twisty, hilly roads! Never had a control issue weather “panic” braking, deer avoidance, etc!

I’m VERY happy with my choice!

‘18 Ram Power Wagon!