tire experts needed!

[JayX3]

I need a set of 4 tires for my tow vehicle, a 2013 Toyota Sienna LE, FWD, 3.5L with factory towing package and a max towing capacity of 3500#. A 6K# rated e2 trunion style equalizer hitch with anti sway bars is used. Trailer is 2013 Jay Flight Swift SLX 154BH rated at 2400# dry weight, a hitch weight of #260, and a payload capacity of #750. Current tires are the oem Michelin Primacy MXV4 touring tires in 235/60R17. I have not weighed the trailer on scales but have less than 750# in it while towing, have the weight distributed correctly and have had no problems towing it. I rarely exceed 60 mph while towing, usually it's a around 55-58 mph. Tires remain cool. Questions are these: what (P)assenger tire would your recommend? Safety while towing is my major concern. Would a LT tire be a better choice since it would be stiffer and have a more aggressive tread, and if so, what size would be compatible so as not to throw off the odometer/speedometer? Please be as specific as possible as to tire brand, model, etc. Does anyone have experience with Cooper CS5 Grand Touring or Michelin Premier A/S tires (which I believe has replaced the MXV4)? Thanks to all you tire guys who can give me some good advice!

[DocBrown]

LT tires would not be a good choice for a min-van. You would hate them 10 minutes after driving on them. Lt = Light Truck, and they are exactly that, suited for a light truck. There is nothing wrong with "P" rated tires for your application. If you want something a little stiffer look at "P" rated truck/suv tires. These are not the same as the "P" rated tires your van came with stock.

It doesn't sound like you are trying to solve any particular problem. That said just put on what ever makes sense for you in terms of handing, ride, and rain/snow performance. Stick with stock size.

[TWP723]

Myself, I think you're fine with P tires. Michelins are probably my favorite tire. They make a great product and I've never had bad experiences with them...ever. Goodyears, I've had them as well. Not bad. I've heard of the sidewalls breaking down in them and causing the vehicle to shimmy side-to-side at high speeds. Excessive road force. I've never experienced this first hand so don't judge on that. Michelins are a little pricey but worth it in my opinion. As far as your speedo, you may have to have the PCM reprogrammed. Not like the old days with speedo gears. Every tooth on the old school gears represented about a 7.5 mph difference. On newer vehicles, I think just a re-flash is all you'll need. I'd contact Toyota just to make sure.

[JayX3]

Thanks, I'll have to check out the P rated SUV tires as II have never heard of them.

[JayX3]

I am considering Michelin's but only got 40k miles out of the original equip tires even after rotation and balancing every 5k plus good alignment. I expected mileage a lot closer to 60k. Tires wore evenly. Maybe I expectedtoo much. Thanks ffor yourreply.

[DocBrown]

I have a set of Uniroyal on my HHR. Put them on about 2 years ago. Granted that car has almost no towing capacity, but they are probably one of the best tires I have ever had. I also had a set of Yokohamas once. Pricey but excellent tires.

[TWP723]

I had a 2005 F150 with Michelins. Bought it new. Got 75,000 miles out of them. When it came time to get new tires, my tech asks me what kind of tires I'm putting back on it. Really? Did I mention I got 75,000 miles out of the last set????!!! So I put the same back on it. When I got rid of the F150, it had 225,000 miles and only on it's 3rd set of Michelins. That's why I'm partial.

[TWP723]

Hankooks are another option. One of the best selling tires we have.