LT vs P rated tires. Why?

[Eckman]

Hello,

I am in the market for new tires for my TV. I have been reading threads indicating that you should always use LT tires on a TV. My question is, if that is the case, why do trucks with ~10K lb towing capacity come with P rated tires from the manufacturer? Yes, I am trying to rationalize buying P rated tires to save some money but also would like to fully understand the factual implications and not necessarily ones opinion of why they feel LT are necessary.

Thank you.

[Redhorse 823]

The "P" Tire Rating

A tire with a sidewall that contains a "P" is a passenger car tire. Passenger car tires are intended for traditional car-based platforms that carry light loads such as passengers and luggage. Passenger car tires can be found on traditional cars of the sedan, coupe and station wagon variety and may also be used on minivans, car-based SUVs, crossover vehicles and quarter- to half-ton capacity pickup trucks.

The "LT" Tire Rating

The "LT" found on some tire's sidewalls stands for passenger truck. Light truck tires are built with a thicker sidewall and tread that can support heavier loads without stressing the structural integrity of the tire. Light truck tires are used on medium to heavy duty trucks with a half- to one-ton payload capacity and on cargo vans that carry heavier loads than the traditional minivan.

Source: Harry Havemeyer of E How

My take on the why some have P and others have LT:
1. COST.
2. While a P rated tire can hold the weight it is not expected it will need to all the time...

[carey965]

you will be replacing the P rated tires twice as often so negating the price savings

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Eckman

snip...... My question is, if that is the case, why do trucks with ~10K lb towing capacity come with P rated tires from the manufacturer?.....snip

Ride comfort...., and the majority of 1/2 ton trucks never tow anything, especially 10,000lbs.

Bob

[Eckman]

Thank you for the input. So, I'm convinced it's a better choice but is it a safer choice? I looked at my TT tires today and they say 6 ply C rated. Isn't that similar to the strength of a P rated tire?

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by Eckman

Thank you for the input. So, I'm convinced it's a better choice but is it a safer choice? I looked at my TT tires today and they say 6 ply C rated. Isn't that similar to the strength of a P rated tire?

The tires on your TT are neither P nor LT tires but rather ST tires made for trailers. They have a worse record for failure then P tires on vehicles, and they (ST trailer tires) are nearly all made in China now.

[Eckman]

What about a P metric tire with a load range of 2756 lbs? They are Falken Rocky Mountain tires. Even de-rated they seem more than enough for what I am asking of the TV.

[Canadian couple 1983]

Awesome thread you all answered my question too I'm going LT when I replace my tires on my f150 but is a 10ply too much?

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Canadian couple 1983

snip..... but is a 10ply too much?

Nope, that's normally an "E" load range tire which is the most common in an "LT".

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Eckman

What about a P metric tire with a load range of 2756 lbs? They are Falken Rocky Mountain tires. Even de-rated they seem more than enough for what I am asking of the TV.

Load ranges are important when selecting any tire..., but the LT tire offers stronger construction (sidewall, etc.) through the use of different materials, deeper treads, higher PSI capacities, and is more resistant to punctures.

Bob

[mcfarmall]

I would say it depends on how often you tow. If you make 2 or more towing trips per month year round then I'd go with the LT tires. If you only camp maybe 8 times during a calendar year I would get the P rated tires. You'll find the LT tires make your vehicle which once rode like a magic carpet into something that rides like an ox cart...and you get to live with it until they wear out which takes a long time.

For me, I'll live with a bit more mushy tow experience a few times a year and enjoy a comfy ride back and forth to work the rest of the year.

[Pitch1]

You can use an E rated LT but not to its full potential. More than Likely your Rims are rated at 50# and E rated need more than that to meet the stated load rating.
I put LT c's on my 1500 that have a 60# maximum to reach their full potential. I run the front at 45# and the rear at 42.
You will have to look at the manufacturers web site for an inflation chart that shows the weight limits at various pressures. The load rating embossed on the tire is at maximum inflation.

[Eckman]

I will tow 2-3 times a month from May through September and the other months the TT is sitting winterized. Knowing that, does it change whether I should go P or LT?

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Pitch1

snip...... More than Likely your Rims are rated at 50#........ snip

That's a possibility, and a good point that should be confirmed. In many cases the maximum rated PSI may be stamped on the rim, and most retail tire outlets should be able to confirm as well.

[norty1]

From what I gather the OP is asking about tires on a tow vehicle. Is that correct? I hope no one is confused.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by norty1

From what I gather the OP is asking about tires on a tow vehicle.......snip

That's my understanding.

Bob

[Eckman]

I apologize, I do not yet know how to snip partial comments on my cell phone. I'm just trying to determine if I absolutely need LT type tires. I appreciate all the feedback.

[David472]

Originally Posted by Eckman

I apologize, I do not yet know how to snip partial comments on my cell phone. I'm just trying to determine if I absolutely need LT type tires. I appreciate all the feedback.

IMHO....... you don't absolutely need LT type tires. My previous TT was in the weight class of your TT, and I did just fine with P type tires on a half-ton truck. Save your money.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by Eckman

I apologize, I do not yet know how to snip partial comments on my cell phone. I'm just trying to determine if I absolutely need LT type tires. I appreciate all the feedback.

No apology needed. I 'm not sure how to do that either on my i4s. Lots to learn!

[etex211]

A couple of things...

I've got LT's (Firestone Transforce) tires on my half ton truck, and I am pleased with the ride quality. I just let the air down when it is unloaded.

I've been wondering about putting LT's on the back of my dually and P-metrics on the front. Does anybody have any thoughts on this? I never rotate the tires on this truck, so that is not a consideration.