LT vs P tires

cpttimerestraint · May 4, 2017

My original Goodyears are starting to crack and wear out after only 37k miles. I am measuring 5/32 tread depth.

I am going to put Cooper Discover AT3 on it. America's Tire quoted me the same price for the LT e rated version with a 10 ply sidewall as the P version. Will I have a large drop in gas mileage going with the LT version? I am going to stick with the original 265/65 r18 tires. I use the truck for off roading, hauling materials and hauling my 3k lb travel trailer.

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smrr1 · May 4, 2017

Personally i would go p rated but others would go Lt. Extra weight will impact mpg and ride quality. Obviously heavier and more aggressive tires would be worse than stock size and mild tread design. Dont think they would be too bad but i just would not have the need.

aseibel · May 4, 2017

I don't think your mileage would suffer too much if at all with LT. If anything the ride would just be a little bit rougher due to the stiffer tire. (In theory, a stiffer tire would have less rolling resistance)

I still run my factory P rated tires of the same size as you, and I have no complaints about doing "truck stuff" with those shoes on. It sounds like your usage would be well within the limits of those tires.

But no reason you can't get the stiffer, more aggressive LT tires either. I may go that route when I'm ready to replace mine, but I would make that decision based on the extra tread depth for traction in snow, since the load capacity isn't my limiting factor.

Keagan · May 6, 2017

Dang I gotta read up more on tires, all I went by was size and thread. Lol

kstruckcountry · May 6, 2017

My experience has been that if you stick to the original size, the mileage is unaffected going to LT. But tread pattern can make a difference. I went from the Goodyears to Coopers (4 to 10) on my 2006 with no change. But my new ATW seemed to have dropped it some. We'll see for sure after 20k miles or so.

Personally, even if there was a drop I'd still run 10 ply. No flats in over 50k!

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sdeeter19555 · May 6, 2017

For the use you describe, I'd chose the LT. They have a tougher sidewall for offroading (better puncture resistance all around), and that same stiff sidewall also helps with hauling and trailer towing. I've had too many flats using p-series tires that I wouldn't buy them if the option was there.

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cpttimerestraint · May 6, 2017

When I put the AT3s on my 07, I didn't see any change in mileage. I think I am leaning towards the LT tires right now

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gm yeah · July 12, 2017

I have a P265 65 18 stock setup on my 2016 z71 sierra. I've always switched to LT tires on my previous trucks (due to towing/load), but now that the 'standard' wheel is a P265 65 18.....there seems to be less options in my exact size for LT tires. The only one that pops up isthe BFG TA KO (in LT). Not sure if I'm sold on that tire or not. I've had pretty good luck with the Firestone Destination AT (LT version),but that's when my wheel setup was on a 17" rim. To give me more options.....any issue with going one size up to a LT275 65 18? Quite afew more tire options are available. Also, my spare is a P265 65 18.....hmmm.

demech23 · July 14, 2017

I have a P265 65 18 stock setup on my 2016 z71 sierra. I've always switched to LT tires on my previous trucks (due to towing/load), but now that the 'standard' wheel is a P265 65 18.....there seems to be less options in my exact size for LT tires. The only one that pops up isthe BFG TA KO (in LT). Not sure if I'm sold on that tire or not. I've had pretty good luck with the Firestone Destination AT (LT version),but that's when my wheel setup was on a 17" rim. To give me more options.....any issue with going one size up to a LT275 65 18? Quite afew more tire options are available. Also, my spare is a P265 65 18.....hmmm.

A 265/70R18 LT is an inch taller in overall diameter, it's a popular size and well not drastically change your true speedometer mph

gmyeah · July 24, 2017

A 265/70R18 LT is an inch taller in overall diameter, it's a popular size and well not drastically change your true speedometer mph

A couple questions here:

1. Why not go to a 275 65 18 which would only be a 1/2" taller and 1/2" wider.

This would be less of a difference and its a pretty available size.

2. Also, do the GM 1/2 tons have the ability to be reprogrammed.

So if I do run a higher pressure, it will recognize it vs set off a light on my dash?

A couple questions here:

1. Why not go to a 275 65 18 which would only be a 1/2" taller and 1/2" wider.

This would be less of a difference and its a pretty available size.

2. Also, do the GM 1/2 tons have the ability to be reprogrammed.

If I run a higher pressure with the LT tires, will the truck understand it or will it set off a light on my dash?

cpttimerestraint · July 24, 2017

I didn't go bigger because it would have added $25 per tire. America's Tire had the LT 265 65 18 for $175 per tire. They didn't show them online, had to go into the store

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demech23 · July 25, 2017

A couple questions here:1. Why not go to a 275 65 18 which would only be a 1/2" taller and 1/2" wider.This would be less of a difference and its a pretty available size.2. Also, do the GM 1/2 tons have the ability to be reprogrammed.So if I do run a higher pressure, it will recognize it vs set off a light on my dash?

1. I Believe the last time I looked at certain tires which I was interested in, the 265 70 18LT were cheaper than the P265 65 18. Plus the truck sits a little taller with the Bilsteins in the front and Readylift blocks and Bilsteins in the rear.

2. I have not had an issue running higher psi for LT tires on my half ton, no reprogramming, no lights, no warnings.

Imcrazy · July 25, 2017

Go with the taller tire, I did on mine.. Looks much better than stock size... I regret not going LT, makes me nervous hauling a close to capacity or slightly over cargo or trailer load.

gmyeah · July 26, 2017

1. I Believe the last time I looked at certain tires which I was interested in, the 265 70 18LT were cheaper than the P265 65 18. Plus the truck sits a little taller with the Bilsteins in the front and Readylift blocks and Bilsteins in the rear.

2. I have not had an issue running higher psi for LT tires on my half ton, no reprogramming, no lights, no warnings.

Thanks for the info. This helps. As far as the size....it seems that there's more available (and cheaper) at the LT 275 65 18 that there is at the LT 265 70 18, but I'll keep looking. I wouldn't even mind keeping it stock if there were choices.

As far as the reprogram thing....My truck is a 2016. It has overcomplicated every modification I've wanted to do to the truck. My previous was an 2008, but I could run a LT tire (Load range C) which allowed me to run lower pressures compared to a Load Range E tire. Less options with the changes to these new trucks......ugh.....maybe I just live with the dash light on! Just venting, sorry! I did call the dealer to see if they could/or would need to reprogram to look for a higher pressure. Next service....I'll see what they say. This used to be so easy......buy LT tires....done!....not anymore.