Dufferent Tire load ratings and towing

[Kelly]

How do different tire load ratings and towing capacity of the truck relate to each other?

 

I'm wanting to change to a different tire make and size that is different from what came from the factory.

Maybe a Michelin LTX M/S or LTX AT 265/75/R16 or 265/70/R16.

 

We will be getting an RV soon so towing will be a factor.

 

Thanks!!

[Shotgun]

You truck comes with 10 ply tires from the factory.This rating coinsides with the GVW of your truck.This is required by the DOT ,I mean that your truck comes with those 10 ply tires because the tires must be rated for the max weight that the truck can handle.I would not put less than a 8 ply rated (load range D) tire on your truck especially if you are planning to haul an RV or anykind of load.I could not wait to get those #### firestones off myself.I also want to tell you that the higher tire you go with the more sway you will have under loaded conditions.Keep this in mind.............Gun :angry:

[Shaners]

I put LT 265/75/16 Michelin LTX M/S (load range "E") tires on my HD.  They have the same load range as the stock Firestones, but their carrying capacity is about 400 lbs more per tire than the stock 245's.  I'm guessing that is because they are  one size larger.  Maybe a 265/75/16 in a load range "D" would be closer to the stock tire capacity.

 

I really like my Michelins and I tow a 32' trailer with about 1000 lbs of tounge weight.  I pulled it last weekend and the tires were great with approx 50 psi in them...

[JimWilson]

265/75 good. 265/70 bad!  

 

The 265/75 is 1 size larger, and provided you get the same (or greater) load capacity, you're good to go. However, a 265/70 is probably shorter then the 245 you have on there now. The 70 series aspect ratio has a shorter sidewall then the 75 series, so when you go wider you have to go taller in order to compensate. 265 is taller, but it might not be tall enough to equal everything out. Personally, I'd go for the 265/75 myself.