Switch to LT Tires?

[Theo]

Our 2015 F-150 with 24,000 mi has the original 275/65-18 Goodyear passenger tires on it. They are nearing 5-years of service and, though they still have plenty of tread left, I am beginning to see the beginning of some very fine sidewall cracking.

So, I'm thinking of moving up to LT tires for the replacements. My gut tells me that they will add a margin of safety to our travels. However, I have been counseled by some friends that they will produce a stiffer ride; less sidewall flex I suppose.

I'm not sure that will be a concern since I recently changed the shocks to the Bilstein 4600s. They improved the ride of the truck when NOT towing, but make the truck feel a little "loose" with the TT hooked-up (compared to the OEMS). Perhaps a stiffer sidewall is exactly what I need?

Thoughts?

[Karbean]

First, the LTs will make a difference and the ride change will be negligible. I had 2016 Lariat and now a 2019 Lariat and used LT Michelins on both. Additionally, you might want to investigate "Roadmaster" suspension system. (about$500) They are essentially helper springs but because they attach on top of the leaf springs, vs around the shock, they are not activated until you put a load on the hitch. My truck still rides as comfortably as it did on day one when not towing but when towing my 5300# TT the improved stability is comforting.

[DougW]

The difference in ride with LT tires is very, very small. The difference in handling when loaded or towing is very noticeable. Go with LT’s, I think you won’t regret it.

[lswartz]

It depends on you. If you notice a difference in the handling of your truck when you hookup a TT then I suspect that you will notice a change. Not everyone will notice a stiffer ride or better handling on curves. You are not going to know until you try them. Hopefully you are pleasantly surprised.

[st4]

I just went from P to 10ply and the ride is definitely noticeable. If I had to do it again I think I would stick with the P’s

[SlowrideHD]

Passenger tires have no place on a truck, in my opinion.

[dbledan]

I had P tires on my F150. It was squishy towing. When I needed tires I got LT tires. I did not notice a ride difference empty but then again I didnt think there was a huge difference when I went to a 1 ton...there was one but not huge.

When towing it felt better but not like it changed my life. I knew I did the upgrade bit it did not change too much.

[Airdale]

Switching from "P" to "LT" tires is normally approved by the vehicle manufacturer. What does your vehicle's owner's manual have to say about the switch?

[st4]

I think you have to take into consideration the percentages that the truck is actually used for towing vs daily driving, which in my case is the majority of the trucks miles

[DougW]

Another consideration when you have LT Tires on your 1/2 ton truck is tire pressure. The LT tires will be able to take a lot more pressure, up to 80PSI, while the P rated tires take 35PSI. I had the LT tires on my F150 when I had it at the dealer’s for routine service which included rotate and check balance on tires. The let the air down to 35 PSI because that is what the door sticker said to run. It rode fine there and the tires looked good so I ran them at 35PSI for daily driving. When I hooked up the trailer I brought them up to 70 PSI to get rid of the sidewall flex that allows sway. Bottom line: be sure to run proper pressure for the job at hand.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by DougW

Another consideration when you have LT Tires on your 1/2 ton truck is tire pressure. The LT tires will be able to take a lot more pressure, up to 80PSI, while the P rated tires take 35PSI. I had the LT tires on my F150 when I had it at the dealer’s for routine service which included rotate and check balance on tires. The let the air down to 35 PSI because that is what the door sticker said to run. It rode fine there and the tires looked good so I ran them at 35PSI for daily driving. When I hooked up the trailer I brought them up to 70 PSI to get rid of the sidewall flex that allows sway. Bottom line: be sure to run proper pressure for the job at hand.

Take a careful look at the sidewall of a P-metric tire on a 1/2 ton truck. They're usually "XL" rather than "SL" and can be inflated to 44 Psi.

On my truck the rear tires will carry @44 Psi over 1,000# more than the axle is rated for.

At 44 Psi it handles great. Most 1/2 ton trucks with E range tires inflated to 80 Psi are going to ride like trucks----'Dump Trucks.

[Theo]

Some very helpful responses so far. Thank you!

My OEMs are the Goodyear Wranglers with a max rating of 51 psi. I was towing at the B-pillar's 36psi, but it seemed pretty squishy after the Bilstein upgrade. Since then, I have been running at 41psi and things are better...but not where I want them to be. The OEM shocks actually felt better when towing, but the ride was a bit harsh.

About 90% of the truck's use is for towing or moving loads like mulch or empty bottles after July 4th. It is used as a driver only now and then.

The manual doesn't give any advice on moving to LT tires so I called the Ford shop. They said that LT tires are fine, but to stay with the same size as posted on the B-pillar.

Anyone have feedback on the Michelin Defender LTX M/S LT tire?

[Thomas ho]

Originally Posted by Theo

Our 2015 F-150 with 24,000 mi has the original 275/65-18 Goodyear passenger tires on it. They are nearing 5-years of service and, though they still have plenty of tread left, I am beginning to see the beginning of some very fine sidewall cracking.

So, I'm thinking of moving up to LT tires for the replacements. My gut tells me that they will add a margin of safety to our travels. However, I have been counseled by some friends that they will produce a stiffer ride; less sidewall flex I suppose.

I'm not sure that will be a concern since I recently changed the shocks to the Bilstein 4600s. They improved the ride of the truck when NOT towing, but make the truck feel a little "loose" with the TT hooked-up (compared to the OEMS). Perhaps a stiffer sidewall is exactly what I need?

Thoughts?

michelin ltx pricey but great..

[Thomas ho]

i use michelin LTX. AT2 . GREAT RIDE, WEAR , TRACTION. PRICY BUT GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. SHOP AROUND . CHECK OUT Ecustom rim.com for great prices.free shipping no tax. Got a great price on trailer tires on rims. Delivered to house read to install. Sold used tires and rims for cash to help with new tire cost.

[SalemCanada]

Once the Goodyear Assurance OEM P rated tires were due for replacement on my 2015 Tahoe I went Michelin Defender LTX and the noticeable improvement was when towing.

[Tundra 2014]

If you are using it as a "Truck" go w/ LT tires. The Improvement on load capacity and control exceeds any ride difference. I have use Michelin LTX tires for 20 years, 4 different sets. Great all around tires. Just make sure they say LT on the tire.The OEM's on my my truck were "P"s.

[Trawlerphil]

I agree with Doug! The issue is more of pressure than the tire. I've got Michelin load range E and I run them at 40 PSI when not towing and 70-80 PSI when towing our 9,000 lb. 5th wheel.

[Oafdawg]

Originally Posted by Theo

Our 2015 F-150 with 24,000 mi has the original 275/65-18 Goodyear passenger tires on it. They are nearing 5-years of service and, though they still have plenty of tread left, I am beginning to see the beginning of some very fine sidewall cracking.

So, I'm thinking of moving up to LT tires for the replacements.

Let me get this straight. You have a pickup that you tow a trailer with, and you have passenger car tires on the truck. And you want to know if you should put tires that are actually designed for a pickup, that tows a trailer, on your pickup?

[SilhouettePenny]

Yup....that's my thought. If you want a super smooth ride get a car, if your are towing with a truck then put truck tires on it. Sharp turn, loaded trailer and a little wind will convince you to get truck tires, stay out of the ditch !

Originally Posted by SlowrideHD

Passenger tires have no place on a truck, in my opinion.

[Theo]

Originally Posted by Oafdawg

Let me get this straight. You have a pickup that you tow a trailer with, and you have passenger car tires on the truck. And you want to know if you should put tires that are actually designed for a pickup, that tows a trailer, on your pickup?

Yep.

Just wondering how it might feel. The p-metrics came with the truck when we bought it used. Go figure.