Do I really need 10-ply tires for hauling my camper?

[jman18]

Hi. I have a 2022 F-150 with 20 inch tires. The tires seem to be consumer grade 4 ply tires. I have a relatively "light" Real Lite SS-1600 that weighs in at about 1200 lbs dry. I've read somewhere you need E-rated tires, which are 10-ply. I'm taking about a 2-month trip on this rig this spring. Do I really need to replace my almost-new tires?

 

[ysidive]

Hi. I have a 2022 F-150 with 20 inch tires. The tires seem to be consumer grade 4 ply tires. I have a relatively "light" Real Lite SS-1600 that weighs in at about 1200 lbs dry. I've read somewhere you need E-rated tires, which are 10-ply. I'm taking about a 2-month trip on this rig this spring. Do I really need to replace my almost-new tires?

I think that if the actual weight of the trailer is what you say it is, then you would have about 120 -140 lbs of tongue weight. This is a small amount, and I would be more concerned about the quality and rating of the trailer tires....

 

[5picker]

Specs say the "ship" weight on this truck camper is about 1200 Lbs.
Actual weight will be more.
What is your payload rating?

 

[Boomerweps]

Is that a truck camper?
You might want to keep your original tires pumped up to max sidewall pressure for maximum load carrying and to stiffen them while loaded.
But they are designed to carry the rated load and you aren’t exceeding that.

 

[jman18]

A couple more details... The camper is a truck bed camper (not a trailer) and the load capacity of my truck is 1716 lbs

 

[ysidive]

It probably weighs more than the 1200. Even if it is exactly as stated, i would definitely go to a E rated truck tire. Your payload capacity only leaves you a little more than 500 lbs for all your gear, occupants and any odds and ends you might need. I would definitely upscale my tires if I were you..

 

[Palinduff]

I’d go 10 ply definitely.

 

[aircommuter]

Tire load ratings will vary with size, you should study the capacity of E rated tires for your size. Then see where you are from there. Might be a good idea to put the camper on and go slowly to the nearest weigh station and get some actual loads on the intended tires. You should also check the rating of the wheels.

 

[Chuck_S]

OP: Your existing tires don't have "4-plies," maybe 2, nor will an"10-ply" tire have ten. That's an archaic construction and rating standard -- somewhat convenient, though. It's actually a "ply rating" with no direct influence on tire construction but a higher "ply rating" does indicate a more capable tire.

As Boomerweps notes the tires currently on the truck will handle the GVWR (fully loaded weight rating) of the truck just fine. The Cargo Carrying Capacity placard in the driver's door jam shows the maximum weight and required tire pressure. That includes the slide-in camper. More tire or tire pressure won't increase that. Going from a 4-ply rating to 10-ply rating will increase tire capacity but not axle or CCC capacity. Putting more air in the tire beyond the placard tire pressure will also make the truck ride like a truck.

-- Chuck

 

[aircommuter]

OP: Your existing tires don't have "4-plies," maybe 2, nor will an"10-ply" tire have ten. That's an archaic construction and rating standard -- somewhat convenient, though. It's actually a "ply rating" with no direct influence on tire construction but a higher "ply rating" does indicate a more capable tire.

As Boomerweps notes the tires currently on the truck will handle the GVWR (fully loaded weight rating) of the truck just fine. The Cargo Carrying Capacity placard in the driver's door jam shows the maximum weight and required tire pressure. That includes the slide-in camper. More tire or tire pressure won't increase that. Going from a 4-ply rating to 10-ply rating will increase tire capacity but not axle or CCC capacity. Putting more air in the tire beyond the placard tire pressure will also make the truck ride like a truck.

-- Chuck

the tire pressure on the placard is not necessarily the pressure for the maximum rating of the tire. When it comes to a truck camper there are other reasons for higher ply ratings like sway.

 

[MR.M]

Hi. I have a 2022 F-150 with 20 inch tires. The tires seem to be consumer grade 4 ply tires. I have a relatively "light" Real Lite SS-1600 that weighs in at about 1200 lbs dry. I've read somewhere you need E-rated tires, which are 10-ply. I'm taking about a 2-month trip on this rig this spring. Do I really need to replace my almost-new tires?

With the truck camper with in your gross weight specs it would serve you better to run the existing tires at max psi But consider air bags for better control and ride . they won't increase your payload but will offer a much better ride and eliminate the squat you will have coming so close to your payload max .... IMO

 

[free83118]

If you have the proper tires on the truck, as listed on the door label, they will handle the load of the truck at its gross vehicle weight. Remember that you need to add weight of the occupants and full fuel, plus the camper. and all loaded contents. Then see if you are within the GVW. If not, the tire ply rating won't be the only concern.

 

[acadianbob]

Load Range C is plenty. They will hold more than your truck will.

 

[Chuck_S]

Sway may or may not be an issue. The factory fitted tires are more than capable of handling the weight. Increased tire pressure will stiffen the side walls which may help in that respect.

Weight example: My factory fitted tires at 35psi will support my truck's GVWR of 7,500 pounds (fully loaded weight rating). Same 4 tires at 50psi (max sidewall tire pressure) will support 11,024 pounds (2556 x 4). I'm not seeing a need for more tire to handle 7,500 pounds.

-- Chuck

 

[DougW9876]

On my F150 the total capacity of the tires at maximum PSI is more than the rating for the truck, when pulling the RV I put the rear tires at 50 PSI, which is the maximum for the tires, and it gives better handling and more stability then the 40 PSI the door sticker calls for.

 

[wmtire]

Load Range C is plenty. They will hold more than your truck will.

Speaking from a dealer standpoint, finding a Load Range C tire in either a 275/55R20 or 275/60R 20 (the two most common tires on a F-150) will be very few and far between.

You can find them commonly in extra load (XL) ratings but not LR C.

 

[aircommuter]

With the truck camper with in your gross weight specs it would serve you better to run the existing tires at max psi But consider air bags for better control and ride . they won't increase your payload but will offer a much better ride and eliminate the squat you will have coming so close to your payload max .... IMO

My experience with air bags on a truck camper hasn’t been that good. I found that StableLoad from Torklift is the best handling addition for a truck camper.

 

[D W]

I see no plausible reason for 10 ply tires on a 1600 lb towable.

 

[Mike134]

I've got a '19 F150 originally with P tires. Towed my 7700 GVWR TT just fine. Sadly back then I put too much trust in forum advice so "had" to upgrade to 10 ply tires for a "much improved" towing experience since that was the "group think" of forums.

My experience? MEH!! A bit harsher ride but not by much and no noticeable improvement of my already good towing experience. So, I'll be going back to the P tires when these wear out.

Safe travels

 

[aircommuter]

I see no plausible reason for 10 ply tires on a 1600 lb towable.

It’s not a towable.