P-rated tires vs LT-rated tires for TV

[ddemme]

I just recently switched from the OEM P rated tires to Michelin LTX MS/2 LT load range E. The difference in ride quality and handling is huge. Before the switch, I was considering airbags or a helper spring because of the 'squishy' feeling. It turned out that it was the tires, not the suspension. Even with the P rated tires aired all the way up to max sidewall pressure (44 psi), I couldn't get rid of the wallow. The LTs at 45 psi are nice and stiff, and when I'm not towing it's like riding on rails. The ride is a little rougher, but who cares? It's a TRUCK, not a Cadillac.

[campingwilliamsons]

Originally Posted by itat

.

Does the F150 with the max. towing package come from the factory with LT tires or P? I bought it used and it had the current aftermarket tires on it. The previous owner towed a small 5er because it has the rails mounted in the bed.

If I were towing a 5er, I'd probably want LT tires, but for towing my Roo the P-rated tires seem to work just fine. When they are due to be replaced, I'll consider LT tires if they are available in my size, but I'd only switch if there isn't huge difference in price. What does it typically cost to upgrade from a P-rated tire to a LT-rated tire for the same size tire?

Maxtow comes with P-rated unless you spec the LT tires. Only the HD payload comes with LT tires as stock.

LT wood cost more, but the difference is not huge.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by mlong

This thread has me curious now. I have a 2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab. The tires on it are Firestone Destination LE tires. I'm trying to figure out if the LE is in between P & LT or something else. Load rating is 2469 per tire and max pressure of 44 psi. I am pulling an Avenger ATI 27bbs. Tongue wt over 600 lbs & TT weight just under 8000 lbs. I don't have any problems with my tires while towing so I think I am fine with them.

Does anyone have any insight?

44 PSI is the "give away." They are P tire equivalents.

LT tires come in load range C - 50 PSI; Load Range D - 65 PSI; Load Range E - 80 PSI; etc...

[f5moab]

Then there are some Euro metric such as Yokohama A-T/S, 215x70 15, SL rated with a maxx pressure of 51 psi.

But it appears this subject is just like trailer tires vs. non-trailer tires, or Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge vs. Toyota, etc. No one is wrong, no one is correct it all depends on the particular circumstances of each application.

[OldCoot]

Any brand P tire just does not have the stiff sidewall of LT tires which is the crux of the matter.

[f5moab]

I agree, P-rated tires do not have as stiff of a sidewall as a LT tire (or even an XL tire); however, there are people on here implying it is dangerous to tow a trailer with P-rated tires, and that is not correct in all circumstances.
There are thousands of people towing with P-rated tires with no concerns at all. Just because someone has it in their mind that they will only tow with LT tires...great. But don't try and tell me it is dangerous for me to tow my trailer; it isn't.
And I guess there is NO more for me to say in regard to this subject; so I'll move on. I have no desire to change anyone's mind, since I don't give a darn...

[dcheatwood]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Any brand P tire just does not have the stiff sidewall of LT tires which is the crux of the matter.

Agreed. P does not have the sidewall strength of an LT, just like gas doesn't have the torgue of a diesel, and a half ton doesn't have the cargo carrying capability of a 3/4 ton, yet they both have a place in towing. :*)

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[HIDE OUT]

I have a ? I have a F 150 with max tow pak. with p 275 65 R18 tires with a 44psi max inflation should I max it out for towing or run the 35 psi recommended on the door pillar .I do notice some squirminess would this help Thanks for any advice.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

As long as you are using any tire with a P rating, you will have a squirmy feeling on the rear end. They will no doubt carry the load, but in an emergency situation like having to swerve to miss something, they could possibly aggravate the situation. LT LR D or LR E tires have a much stiffer sidewall and require a higher air pressure and eliminates the rear end squirm. JMO.

X2 Towed this week in a 40 mph wind off the right side with gusts to 60. 18 Wheelers dog tracking down the road type wind. With the new LT tires the truck stuck on the road.
Nothing to do with weight capacity but stiffer side walls and no squirm. We traded a trailer partially to do with P series tires not knowing any better at first (we also didn't really like the layout either).

B

[B and B]

Originally Posted by ddemme

I just recently switched from the OEM P rated tires to Michelin LTX MS/2 LT load range E. The difference in ride quality and handling is huge. Before the switch, I was considering airbags or a helper spring because of the 'squishy' feeling. It turned out that it was the tires, not the suspension. Even with the P rated tires aired all the way up to max sidewall pressure (44 psi), I couldn't get rid of the wallow. The LTs at 45 psi are nice and stiff, and when I'm not towing it's like riding on rails. The ride is a little rougher, but who cares? It's a TRUCK, not a Cadillac.

X2 Agreed!

[B and B]

Originally Posted by jdefeo1

I have a ? I have a F 150 with max tow pak. with p 275 65 R18 tires with a 44psi max inflation should I max it out for towing or run the 35 psi recommended on the door pillar .I do notice some squirminess would this help Thanks for any advice.

I did max it out and it does help with a stiffer ride. The stock tires can tow better but still squirm.

B

[mlong]

Originally Posted by f5moab

If you mean the 265x65 18 stock tire size, then they are NOT LT, they are P-rated tires.
From what I have seen, on 1/2 ton pickups, the manufacturers are putting on P-rated tires (at least for GM and Ford and what I have seen on the lots).

However, in 18" tires, you do have a decent chance of finding LT tires, if you want.

I do have P rated tires. Next time I purchase tires I will look for LT. That won't be for a while. I bought the truck 6 months ago as a certified pre-owned and new tires were installed at that time.

[Herk7769]

Having re-read my posts, while I never said they were "dangerous," I can see where I might have given that impression.

"Dangerous" is a subjective term in this context.

The limited load range of most, if not all, P series tires (when adjusted with the 9% reduction to the load range on the tire while towing), makes them "unsuitable" (objective term) for towing near the max rated load of the tow vehicle.

As I stated previously, I would not tow with P rated tires. (Subjective)

[Sgt. Schultz]

this may offer some clarity TireSafety.com
Along with the chart showing the difference in tire types http://www.tiresafety.com/sizes/trucks/chart.asp

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Sgt. Schultz

this may offer some clarity TireSafety.com
Along with the chart showing the difference in tire types http://www.tiresafety.com/sizes/trucks/chart.asp

The note at the bottom of that chart says it all.

The LARGE majority of SUV and Light Trucks will NEVER tow a thing.
Thus the OEM P series tires.

[itat]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

The LARGE majority of SUV and Light Trucks will NEVER tow a thing.
Thus the OEM P series tires.

I was thinking the same thing, Herk. I don't personally have any experience towing a trailer that's anywhere near the max. tow rating of my F-150 (11,300#) but I do have several thousand miles experience at, or perhaps slightly over, the max. payload number. With my aftermarket Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 2 P275/65R18 tires and an extra leaf spring, it handles the load no problem with no squirminess.

[B and B]

I am 9500 lbs with my trailer and cargo on the truck. After earlier this week I can say without a doubt the LT tires dj make a difference. On the same highway commercial hauler towing new RV and 5vers back to Quebec were all over the road with the wind and dry trailers.

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[JWHybrid2B]

Thank you for all the great responses to my post. Lots of good insight on this subject. In my situation, I think I will give it a try using my new P-tires and use what was recommended on here. I will put in more air pressure and see how squirmy the feel is. I am only planning on a few camping trips this year. My TW is a regular SUV daily driver, so I would prefer to have a smoother ride 95% of the year. If I were to travel more, I think I would consider the LT tires. There are some responses that say they don't make LT tires for a 17" diameter size, which I may not be able to do. Keep your suggestions coming. I pick up the unit today, so I will post how the ride was when I get back.

[Indymule]

They make LT tire for 17 inch and 18 inch. II think it is the 20 inch rims that they don't make LT's for.

[B and B]

I have LT 285 50 R 20 Michelins on my truck. There is also a TA All Terrain available that I know of. Might be others.