Lt Tire Question

ndhonor · April 21, 2008

I am sure that this has been brought up before, but I couldnt find an answer to suite my question correctly.

How much of a difference would an All-terrain type of tire ride when comparing an LT and a Passenger tire?

Also any estimate on mileage decrease when using an LT tire vs a passenger tire?

Thanks for the help.

vranasaurus · April 21, 2008

I am sure that this has been brought up before, but I couldnt find an answer to suite my question correctly.

How much of a difference would an All-terrain type of tire ride when comparing an LT and a Passenger tire?

Also any estimate on mileage decrease when using an LT tire vs a passenger tire?

Thanks for the help.

The fuel economy impact is minimal the tires are a little heavier but not enough to make any significant difference.

The ride will be stiffer but how much stiffer depends on how much air pressure you put in the tires and what LR tire you end up with.

shocktrp · April 24, 2008

My LT's ride (feel and sound) just like passenger tires.

(They came with 60PSI up front and 80PSI in the rear.)

jerr529 · April 24, 2008

My LT's ride (feel and sound) just like passenger tires.
(They came with 60PSI up front and 80PSI in the rear.)

Never stated what size tire you have and brand?? i have the pass so what brand and what size anyone think is best 245/70/17 now

Zembonez · April 24, 2008

My LT's ride (feel and sound) just like passenger tires.
(They came with 60PSI up front and 80PSI in the rear.)

Never stated what size tire you have and brand?? i have the pass so what brand and what size anyone think is best 245/70/17 now

I lost at least one full mile per gallon when I went to my 20s. Since they are similar in height to the stock tires, I can only assume it was due to extra weight. As far as LT vs P rated tires, there are so many variables between manufacturers it isn't possible to answer the ride question without more details. Pretty much, if you stay away from D and E rated tires, the ride should be pretty decent on your truck.

deaf electrician · April 24, 2008

I have never been a fan of p-rated tires on a truck. Even if you don't haul much the extra weight of a truck can impact how the tires perform. My wife and her friend were getting on the freeway and the stock passenger rated dunlop in the rear gave out and totally tore apart and they were driving on the rim. Did not run over anything that they could tell. I looked at the tire and it was only held together with nylon cords. I believe that if they had been Lt rated I usually go with D, that this would not have happened as Lt tires have a heavier duty sidewall. I think that Lt tires give a more stable ride where as p-rated tires flex too much giving a squishy ride with less control. If you are worried about comfort look into better shocks. Don't compromise your tires they are what can save your life. Thats just my 2 cents. Good luck with your purchase. Deaf Electrician

TxTruckMan · April 24, 2008

If it's a P series tire designed for a truck (i.e Goodyear Wrangler, Bridgestone Dueler, BFG All terrain, etc.) and not a street car type tire, then the materials and construction of a LT vs P tire are identical. LT's will just have varrying degrees of more plys depending on the load rating. The higher the load rating, the stronger, heavier, and stiffer the tire. It won't be that much of a difference between a P series and a C rated for a truck tire. There is a much greater difference between a P series car tire and an LT though.

Unless you're doing lots of load carrying, P series truck tires will be more than adaquate for your truck. And stick close to the recomended PSI listed in your door. 60 to 80 psi is WAY too high unless you're carrying a very heavy load. You might as well be driving on solid rubber tires. Your tires will ride smoother and wear more evenly at the recommended psi. I usually go 35 in the front, 32 in the rear, unless I'm carrying something. Then I'll go 35/35 or 37/40. The goal is to make a constant and even contact patch with the pavement. Too high a psi and the centers will wear faster. Too low and the sides will feather. I've been through many sets of Wranglers, Duelers, and Forteras following this method and all have lasted ~60k miles with no problems.