Truck tires

DonaandDon · 06-23-2019, 09:17 AM

I have Continental truck tires.

LT 275/65R18 123/120 6ply on a F-250 that tows near max load. New leaf springs with Timbers. Its not the ride comfort that I'm concerned with but the safety in towing. Full timer here.

Still not understanding the 123/120, but believe that put it on the tire for a reason.

When upgrading what should I be looking at? The ply's or that 123/120?

DonaandDon · 06-23-2019, 09:44 AM

Ok, research says the 123/120 is 123 for single rear wheel trucks and the 120 is for dual rear wheels.

However, how much difference in the 6ply to what? Upgrade to 8ply? Does this add to the stiffness and or safety in max towing?

jasum · 06-23-2019, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaandDon

I have Continental truck tires.

LT 275/65R18 123/120 6ply on a F-250 that tows near max load. New leaf springs with Timbers. Its not the ride comfort that I'm concerned with but the safety in towing. Full timer here.

Still not understanding the 123/120, but believe that put it on the tire for a reason.

When upgrading what should I be looking at? The ply's or that 123/120?

You should have 10 ply tires on that 250

**Midnightmoon** · 06-23-2019, 10:09 AM

I haven't heard anyone refer to ply numbers in years. Lately, we just refer to load range on the tires D, E, etc.

I would assume that your F250 calls for load range E.

Duramaxsky · 06-23-2019, 10:23 AM

The load range required is on the door jamb tire sticker. Put that on. Lower is unsafe. Higher will ride worse and have reduced traction. The higher the load range the stiffer the tires. Stiffer tired have less tread contact. Therefore less traction. That's as much a safety risk as too low a load range. You are not smarter than the manufacturer. Use what they say.

diver6 · 06-23-2019, 01:10 PM

This is not all true, increased load range will not decrease traction. It only means you have stiffer side walls and nothing to do with contact patch on the road. You will have the same traction and stability just a stiffer ride. But you are correct find what your load is and stay close to that for best ride. Your going to want at least a load range "E" tire.

Duramaxsky · 06-23-2019, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver6

This is not all true, increased load range will not decrease traction. It only means you have stiffer side walls and nothing to do with contact patch on the road. You will have the same traction and stability just a stiffer ride. But you are correct find what your load is and stay close to that for best ride. Your going to want at least a load range "E" tire.

Ask any tire expert they will not agree with you. Drive a semi bobtail and see how much traction you have. Stiffer sidewall and tread reduces contact patch with the same weight. Unless you run it with reduced air pressure and then there is no gain.

Sundancer330 · 06-23-2019, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver6

This is not all true, increased load range will not decrease traction. It only means you have stiffer side walls and nothing to do with contact patch on the road. You will have the same traction and stability just a stiffer ride. But you are correct find what your load is and stay close to that for best ride. Your going to want at least a load range "E" tire.

I agree with you 100%, have never heard of this before, makes no sense. I am growing tired of the Facebook replies on these web sites, some just love to post when they dont know what they are talking about.

Duramaxsky · 06-23-2019, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundancer330

I agree with you 100%, have never heard of this before, makes no sense. I am growing tired of the Facebook replies on these web sites, some just love to post when they dont know what they are talking about.

44 years as a truck driver and mechanic but you know more than me. Call and ask any truck tire expert.

ETCrockett · 06-29-2019, 07:52 AM

For all the experts out there, I did ask the tire specialist when I was towing a 35' TT with a 2000 Ford Excursion. Trailer weight loaded was about 9,500 lbs. The Excursion I believe is basically sitting on an F250 frame. The tire specialist recommended regardless of brand I should be running 10-ply tires for sidewall strength with that much weight. I followed that recommendation for 14 years with never an issue or complaint about the ride whether towing or not towing. I would suspect the lack of traction while bob-tailing or driving a pick up in wet or snowy conditions has more to do with the lack of weight on the rear tires. I'm no mechanic or OTR truck driver but have plenty of friends and family members who are.

But agree..Trust your Tire Dealer and get a money back guarantee with roadside coverage. Then forget it and enjoy camping.

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