Unsprung tire weight - impact on MPG

[Donstar]

Same size , brand, tread pattern - 8lbs difference between LT and P version. I went to purchase the P rated and installer advises the MPG difference between the two wouldn't be noticeable. I would prefer the LT but was concerned about the potential hit in gas mileage. I held off purchase to research this topic once again. Does anyone have "real world" experience dealing with this concern?

[ChrisTronyxYocum]

I wouldn't expect the MPG to drop by that much, maybe by 2-3 MPG, but honestly, if you're worried about it, you shouldn't have gotten a truck. Have you put a better intake on it, gotten it tuned, etc. to already increased performance and MPG? What grade fuel do you run?

[Spurshot]

My opinion is that you can't figure out what the difference in mileage between the two tires you propose without testing.

 

You still won't be able to say what part of the difference is attributable to weight or what part is attributable to carcass construction, tread, or rubber compound.

 

I'm suspicious that there will be more difference from the heavier carcass construction. Also, a taller tire will require more energy to turn.

 

My thought it that increased tire diameter, carcass construction, and tread have the biggest effect.

[Donstar]

My opinion is that you can't figure out what the difference in mileage between the two tires you propose without testing.

 

You still won't be able to say what part of the difference is attributable to weight or what part is attributable to carcass construction, tread, or rubber compound.

 

I'm suspicious that there will be more difference from the heavier carcass construction. Also, a taller tire will require more energy to turn.

 

My thought it that increased tire diameter, carcass construction, and tread have the biggest effect.

Both tires are Michelin Defenders. The size for both is 265/70r/17. This is a stock tire size and there is 8.1 lb difference per tire. I had Michelin LT's on my previous truck and they were a nice riding tire. However the truck came with LT's and I increased the size so I don't know how they differ from a comparable P rated tire.

[Donstar]

I wouldn't expect the MPG to drop by that much, maybe by 2-3 MPG, but honestly, if you're worried about it, you shouldn't have gotten a truck. Have you put a better intake on it, gotten it tuned, etc. to already increased performance and MPG? What grade fuel do you run?

If I'm worried about it, I should get the lighter tire. No need to give up my right to drive a truck! My preference over the LT tire is not strong enough to warrant a significant increase in operating costs. I am looking for individuals who may have relevant previous experience. So far I've heard reasonable guesses between no difference to huge impact. I also believe that there is more to increase fuel consumption than cost.

[Spurshot]

If you are not towing and stay on-road, I think you'll be fine (and happy) with the "P" rated tire. But my guess is that you'll barely see a difference, if any, between the two for fuel economy.

[white1500]

OP, can you share what kind of use is needed from your truck? That is what will determine what type of tire you should get.

 

I recently purchased the same defender's in identical sizes but in a P version. My truck mainly stays on road, doesn't carry super heavy payloads or tow near the max ratings. And even if I do own a truck I definitely do care about fuel economy, I wouldn't be willing to get 1-2 mpgs less with a tire that I'm hardly ever going to be able to justify.

 

 

 

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[Donstar]

OP, can you share what kind of use is needed from your truck? That is what will determine what type of tire you should get.

 

I recently purchased the same defender's in identical sizes but in a P version. My truck mainly stays on road, doesn't carry super heavy payloads or tow near the max ratings. And even if I do own a truck I definitely do care about fuel economy, I wouldn't be willing to get 1-2 mpgs less with a tire that I'm hardly ever going to be able to justify.

 

 

 

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Thank you! Spurshot had me preferring the P rated version and your comments have confirmed my choice. I use my truck no differently than you. I was surprised to find out today that neither version is available without the raised white lettering, I know you can have the white letters facing in but I wonder if showing the letter side is popular anywhere. I personally don't care for the look.

[white1500]

I noticed the white lettering option being the only one too but like you said, just mount that side in and be done with it. I'm led to believe that michelin did it this way to make it easier to manufacture due to having one SKU less.

 

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[Chevor]

I think LTS would see a gain in economy. Run at higher pressure, stiffer sidewall should reduce rolling resistance.

[Donstar]

I think LTS would see a gain in economy. Run at higher pressure, stiffer sidewall should reduce rolling resistance.

I understand your logic. Less road contact by a rounder tire should create less resistance. At one time I thought this would apply to deep lug tires as their pavement contact is less than the same sized street tire. However, I believe weight and tread depth work against improved fuel economy!

[Donstar]

I noticed the white lettering option being the only one too but like you said, just mount that side in and be done with it. I'm led to believe that michelin did it this way to make it easier to manufacture due to having one SKU less.

 

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There must be a demand somewhere for the white lettering. Otherwise, why didn't they drop this option? I was a driver when whitewall tires were the preferred option. Then we started turning them to that side in and eventually the manufacturers stopped producing white wall tire as an option!

[white1500]

I think Michelin has always offered a white lettering option so maybe it's just tradition. We used to do white side out a while ago with the ltx at's.

 

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[white1500]

Alignment and new tires earlier today!

 

 

 

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[Donstar]

Alignment and new tires earlier today!

 

 

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Looks great.