What is a good all terrain towing tire?

99-ls1-ss · March 11, 2016

There are tons of posts about tire sizes but I didn't see one related to towing and being all terrain. If I missed it I apologize.

I've towed my boat more times than I can count but it only weighs around 4500 lbs. I will now be towing something heavier and I want to make sure I have the right tires for the job.

What are things to look for in a tire when towing 10,000 lbs (3500 lbs trailer and 6500 lbs tractor) mostly on pavement and occasionally off-road but, not rough? I will be driving through a field to get to the tractor.

Edit - This will be a bumper pulled trailer. The truck pulling it is a 2016 Sierra SLT with the 6.2L Max Trailering package.

bdbake01 · March 11, 2016

Very dependent on the trailer setup. Is this thing a bumper hitch or gooseneck. Tire loading can vary greatly.

99-ls1-ss · March 11, 2016

Very dependent on the trailer setup. Is this thing a bumper hitch or gooseneck. Tire loading can vary greatly.

It will be a bumper pull setup. I added this information to my original post.

bdbake01 · March 11, 2016

I wouldn't worry about the tires at all then. 10k will pull the bumper off. Problem solved.

99-ls1-ss · March 11, 2016

I wouldn't worry about the tires at all then. 10k will pull the bumper off. Problem solved.

So GM is full of crap with their tow rating of 11,700 lbs?

Panik · March 11, 2016

No GM is not full of crap. I am assuming when you say bumper pull you are generally referring to a tag along trailer as opposed to a gooseneck/5th wheel set up. Im guessing Bdbake1 either is not familiar with the common usage of the term bumper pull or is having fun.

In either case in guessing (without knowing more specifics) your truck should handle that well enough for occasional trips. I occasionally use my 2014 CC 5.3 3.42 to tow a 20', 3k bumper pull with roughly 6k on it and it does well for the occasional trip.

If I had the need for more regular use as well as the money I would trade up to a 2500. That being said, with the weight you are talking about you technically should be investing in a weight distributing hitch as well as LT tires. I ended up getting a set of air bags instead. This has helped immensely with sag and handling characteristics when towing heavy. However, as I mentioned the proper way would be a WD hitch.

As for tires, a couple of months ago I would have recommended Hankook Dynapro ATM, but they have recently started showing signs of premature cupping and noise despite having good alignment. The LT tires are worth the investment but I cannot recommend the Dynapros for the above reason. Good luck and be safe!

Ridersfan · March 11, 2016

Load range E LT rated tires in whatever tread pattern you like the most

Red_5 · March 11, 2016

I bought a second set of OEM wheels in 18" for towing/snow/offroad use. I also bought 275 65 18 KO2s in E load range. I considered Michelin LTX I think in a E load range but all the glowing reviews of the KO2s swayed my decision. You can feel the weight difference but it's not bad and I lost about 2 mpgs. I haven't felt like reinstalling the wheels/tires that came with the truck so they're just sitting in my garage. BTW, I have a '15 SLT 4x4, 6.2 Max tow.

bdbake01 · March 11, 2016

No GM is not full of crap. I am assuming when you say bumper pull you are generally referring to a tag along trailer as opposed to a gooseneck/5th wheel set up. Im guessing Bdbake1 either is not familiar with the common usage of the term bumper pull or is having fun.

Just having fun, though probably a bit more mean spirited than what was called for. I do apologize. As for "bumper pull", that's a ball on a bumper. Barely capable of pulling a few bicycles. I'm well aware that the term is commonly thrown around to describe a proper Class III-> receiver hitch as well which, of course, doesn't involve the bumper in any way, shape, form or fashion. So how that setup became known as a "bumper" pull is beyond me.

To the OP, the non-smart asses in the room have given excellent advice. LT tires with a load range that's in line with however much load you intend to place on them. For the kind of weight you speak of, you'll want a proper WD hitch. Figure out how much of the weight you intend to place on each axle, and choose a load range that's appropriate. E will certainly do it, may be overkill for occasional use. It's haaaard to beat a Michelin LTX.

Panik · March 11, 2016

?Figured that was something along the lines of what you were going for ? For whatever reason in a couple of the forums folks commonly refer to tag along trailers as bumper pulls... I dunno either where the that became a colloquialism for non-gooseneck/5th wheels. I still see a lot of trucks in my area with serious damage to the bumper from trying to tow without a hitch. And yes, I definitely agree the WDH is the proper way to go!

xelli · March 11, 2016

I bought a second set of OEM wheels in 18" for towing/snow/offroad use. I also bought 275 65 18 KO2s in E load range. I considered Michelin LTX I think in a E load range but all the glowing reviews of the KO2s swayed my decision. You can feel the weight difference but it's not bad and I lost about 2 mpgs. I haven't felt like reinstalling the wheels/tires that came with the truck so they're just sitting in my garage. BTW, I have a '15 SLT 4x4, 6.2 Max tow.

I'm curious why you bought the 18" wheels for towing. GM forces the 20" wheels on the max tow package and I'm guessing its for the stiffer sidewalls which should help with trailer sway.

I've been thinking about 18" wheels so I can run decent snow chains, but was wondering what I would give up in towing capacity.

I also the same setup: 15 SLT 4x4, 6.2 Max tow.

Red_5 · March 11, 2016

I'm curious why you bought the 18" wheels for towing. GM forces the 20" wheels on the max tow package and I'm guessing its for the stiffer sidewalls which should help with trailer sway.

I've been thinking about 18" wheels so I can run decent snow chains, but was wondering what I would give up in towing capacity.

I also the same setup: 15 SLT 4x4, 6.2 Max tow.

I went with the 18s for a number of reasons. I like the look, better tire selection, going with E rated tires I thought better ride quality but still stiff enough for towing, I was keeping the same basic circumference so I thought the extra sidewall would be better off-road and I thought better if I needed snow chains. The 5.3 Max tow tow rating isn't much less than a 6.2 so with proper D or E rated tires I don't think your tow rating would suffer. I'll still be well below the tow rating and I'll be running an Equalizer so I'm not worried.

crankman · March 12, 2016

Good advise getting LT in E range. My son has a 2011 6.2 NHT he has the Michelin LTX AT2 in E size. There pretty tough and he has pulled a tractor on our car hauler many times (with air bags) with no problem. Nice looking truck you have there man that 6.2 is a beast in a 1/2 ton truck I love driving it I can put that thing in M5 and she will flat pull your gear. Good choice

99-ls1-ss · March 13, 2016

A WDH is in the works right now. I have a Weigh-Safe hitch to get the tongue weight right. The WDH is next and then tires. I just want to start looking for the right tire for the job so I can tow safely.

So, a D or E rated tire should be ok for what I'm hauling?